I will do a lot of research over this summer so I can be ready to start into it in september. I have just finished building a nixie clock on a breadboard and have it running perfectly multiplexing all the digits, I wrote most of the code and modified the timing element using Roman Blacks 1s timer. I think this was a good first PBP project, I learned a good deal.

I think my main issue with the incubator project will be the webpage side of things, I understand this needs to be stored on the PIC but I havent the first idea how to consturct a web page in code. I do know the data it has to display is very simple so hopefully it wont be too bad.

I just bought micro electronica's pic5 board and the ethernet controller. Do you know if practicing on the ethernet controller would be leading me in the right direction? Not sure if it si possible to simulate what I need using these tools.

Also using a mini webserver like this is it just possible to plug in into my router and away it goes without the need for a PC or laptop to be permanently on?

Elektor recently did a digibutler device for home automation which is very close to what i need.

Tony