I want to make a lock which can be controlled by a 4x4 keypad for a 4 bit code. I want to use micro controller so that the code can be changed whenever the user wants. And also a LCD display to display whats typed.

As a beginner to micro controller where should I start from? Which MC would be best?? PIC or others??
Programming in Assembly or C??

Any kind of help is appreciated. Just think of me as a beginner.

 

Check my PIC tutorial, which has almost exactly what you need!.

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PIC programmer software, and PIC Tutorials at:
http://www.winpicprog.co.uk

 

Someone Please check this tutorial:
http://www.mstracey.btinternet.co.uk/pictutorial
Does all the PICs have same instructions?
I know C language (not for micro controller, only general purpose) but is it better to program PIC in assembly?

 

ruzfactor,
You have been given some good advice right here:

Perhaps you don't take advice, so why ask for help?

 

Nigel's PIC Tutorial is excellent. But the problem is, it's for PIC16F628. But I didn't find any PIC16F628 in the shop.I have a PIC16F84A.That's why I asked!

 

Also I don't know assembly language and I find it a bit hard. I'm completely new to this MCU field.

 

I've just finished building the P16PRO40 programmer. I was wondering if it runs under a WIN98 based Laptop and also does it support F84A?

 

Yes to both - but the 84 is an absolute antique, it was replaced by the 628 last century, but appears to have been re-introduced for all the idiots who keep buying them, and paying extra money for them!.

The 628 isn't a new chip, but it's higher spec than the 84, and considerably cheaper.

628 uses the same 14 bit core, and the code requires very few changes to work - main problem is the lack of resources in the 84 - such as number of I/O pins.

__________________
PIC programmer software, and PIC Tutorials at:
http://www.winpicprog.co.uk

 

I have connected the P16PRO40 to my laptop. And when I connected it and turn on the laptop the red led turned on & when win98 was loaded the green led turned on. But when I tried to write PIC with the WINPICPROG 1.91 it gave an error:
Program Verify failed at Program address 0x000, Programming Aborted!

Any idea why i'm getting this error?

 

The P16PRO40 is a typical JDM style programmer and may not run unless it's on a real RS232 port (No USB to RS232 adapters)
They are also somewhat unreliable.

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Bill
Smart Kits build Smart People
http://www.blueroomelectronics.com

 

I thought this would work! This was my third programmer which has failed to work. In my country, a Programmer costs a lot. And moreover they don't sell any kind of cheap PIC programmer kits. Without a programmer It's hard to learn PIC.
(

 

If you can buy or order a Microchip PIC you should be able to buy or order a Microchip PICkit2. It's inexpensive and works perfectly with USB (and thus laptops). It's also fast and perfectly supported by MPLAB. Does debugging too - a huge plus. I have a PICkit2 clone (Blueroom Junebug) and I love it. No more wasting time fiddling with a finicky, slow programmer. It just works.

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Futz's Microcontrollers & Robotics
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Ordering online requires CC and I don have a CC and also microchip doesn't have my country enlisted. I guess I have to wait until some cheap programmer arrives in my country.

 

What I'm suggesting is that you go to whoever sold you the PIC and get them to order you a PICkit2. They already deal with a Microchip supplier. It should be trivial for them to order you a PICkit2.

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Futz's Microcontrollers & Robotics
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P16PRO40 is a parallel port (Tait style) programmer, not a JDM style programmer. If assembled correctly it should work fine on a laptop.