Beginner package

I have programmed a few microprocessors in the past (mostly rabbits such as the rabbit 2000 with its Dynamic C), and am looking to get into the world of PICs. I was wondering if someone could recommend a cheap starter package, preferably with a c based programming interface.

The rabbits were very easy to program, though they run kind of expensive. I used them in work and school, but did not do much with other kinds of microcontrollers/processors.

Any help or direction is appreciated.

Thanks.

The cheapest way to get started is to download MPLAB and HiTech C Lite compiler link, both are free. You can then write C and use MPLAB's inbuilt simulator to run it. Once you are comfortable with that then I would recommend getting an ICD2 clone (Inchworm+ is excellent) and start programming the hardware.

Mike.

Since you want to write code in C for the PIC, choose the 18F series PICs which are designed with C in mind. Plus MicroChip makes a free C compiler for the 18F series called the C18 which also works well with MPLAB.

The PICkit 2 starter package, or the PICkit 2 programmer with a Low pin count demo and/or Olimex PIC-40 proto board.