| Development Languages |
|---|
| PICANT offers inexpensive compilers that use the PicAntIDE and Debugger/Simulator. The C2C C compiler is $60, and the C2C++ C++ compiler is $90. |
| JAL compiler is free. JAL stands for Just Another Language. The author calls it "pascal like" but I would describe it more as a structured BASIC type language. It has been around quite a while and is well supported. I've had very good success with it. (Original JAL home) |
| OshonSoft PIC Basic Compiler, Simulator, and IDE all for just $19 is an unbelievable deal. |
| CC5X C compiler a free C compiler for PIC (also available in $250 Standard Edition and $520 Extended Edition.) Free version limited to 1k per C module. |
| CCS C compiler $125 for 14-bit chip C compiler, $125 for 12-bit chip C compiler, or $350 for both plus their Windows IDE. |
| PICC-Lite C compiler is the free version of Hi-Tech C, which only supports certain chips (12F675, 12F629, 16F627, 16C84, 16F84 and 16F84A) and has other limitations (2 banks RAM and code size limit of 2k on the 16F877.) |
| Wiz-C compiler by Forest Electronics Development |
| PicBasic compiler $100 for the limited PicBasic compiler, $250 for the full PicBasic Pro version |
| XCSB compiler is a free Structured BASIC language for the PIC. It is a relatively new arrival on the scene. |
| MicrochipC.com is devoted to use of the C language on PICmicros |
| Hardware |
| MICROCHIP manufacturer of the PIC microcontroller |
| OLIMEX development boards make an easy prototype. Spark Fun Electronics is a US source for the OLIMEX development boards. |
| GlitchBuster.com has really great prices and super low shipping charges! |
| DLP Design has USB enabled PIC solutions with royalty free drivers based on FTDI chips. Available in DIP Modules for $25 from Mouser. |
| Web References |
| Peter Anderson's PIC page |
| PICmicro WebRing Hub links lots of great PIC resources. |
| PIC List The official PIC List home page |
| PIC Language Comparisons |
| PIC Articles by Myke Predko and lots more. |
| Talking Electronics is a very useful electronics reference site. |
| This Online Book on PIC Microcontrollers at MikroElektronika is a good PIC tutorial. |
| PC Board Making Tutorial using a Laser Printer and Press-N-Peel Blue Transfer Film from Techniks who also has copper clad boards, and PCB drill bits. Press-N-Peel is available in smaller quantities from All Electronics. |
| PC Board Making using laser printer toner transfer. |
| How to build a 5v regulated wall-wart PSU show a simple 5v power supply circuit. Starting with PIC Microcontrollers is also a good article. |
| Seattle Robotics Society article on headers. Lots of useful tips can be found on their site. |
| Decode the codes for Capacitors and Resistors, or try the multi-band resistor calculator. |
| My PIC based Pinewood Derby Finish Line demonstrates using a PIC 16F628 and 16F877, and showcases the Olimex P40B |
| For schematics and circuit boards I use CadSoft Eagle free version. |
| Books |
| Practical Electronics for Inventors is a good introductory electronics book and practical reference |