Data logger clock and array

[skimask]

I have some experience with Proton picbasic.

You know this forum isn't for Proton picbasic right?

The data logger will be taking every 1s-10s samplings adjustable from Excel.

So Excel is going to talk to the PIC?

What do you think the best way to make 20 minutes Clock?

Make a whole bunch of 1 second clocks and keep track of them.

I've never used USB before but it might be a good idea to learn it.

There's one really really really good thread here on how to do just that using an 18F4550.

How to communicate between USB and excel? Would it not require custom PC software? Using serial port I can even use HyperTerminal to import the data.

Pull it in using that link I eluded to above, and dump the data to a .csv file, then import it to Excel. Or write a really cool VBA app to pull the data from the file as it comes in. Doesn't matter.

I'd like to keep data logger very simple without external parts. This is just a hobby project and I know once my friends would see the data logger I would have to make them as well. I'd prefer to keep the project with minimum parts so I wouldn't even need a PCB and it'll be easy to build it for my friends.

Now that's classic... And just how do you suggest doing that? Chips without a PCB... Are you going to mount this stuff on wheat bread or Pringles chips or what?
What exactly do you plan on datalogging again?