Post by thread:[PICLIST] What C compiler to use

I am just starting out on PICs and I am use to using C to programmer. My first project is to create a chip to control 10 servos and take 8 A/D information for a signal chip and transmit this information to and receive commands from a BS2 over a signal pin. I what to do this for a robot I am building. So what is a good C compiler that won't cost me my first born? I plan to use a PIC16CR63 is this one a probblem in any way? Any and all help will be appreciated. Greg -- http://www.piclist.com hint: To leave the PICList spam_OUTpiclist-unsubscribe-requestTakeThisOuTmitvma.mit.edu

The cheapest is C2C (see link), but from what I've heard, its not that great. There is CCS which is the next up in price followed by Hi-Tech C which will cost you your first born (remember, double the US price to get the price where I come from) as far as my budget is concerned. Although Hi-Tech has a free Lite version which is as cheap in price as you can get. http://www.geocities.com/SiliconValley/Network/3656/c2c/c.html http://www.htsoft.com/ http://ccsinfo.com/picc.html http://www.fored.co.uk/CComp.htm {Original Message removed}

You've bitten off a big mouthful! If you already know some C, then migrating to any PIC incl. 16CR63 won't be hard. If you are learning C, and learning PICs, and learning to build a robot, then plan to spend the next 6 months staying up late, and forget about all those meals and sleeping you were planning. Now if you are already using a Basic Stamp, you might want to consider just expanding on that knowledge base and using more basic stamp(s). AND FINALLY the answer to your question. I use CCS C a lot http://www.ccsinfo.com/picc.html Their PCM C compiler will program the '62, or basically any midrange PIC. Costs $99. Plus $99 / year maintenance if you want any upgrades or tech support. Hitech C http://www.htsoft.com/ probably has more fans on the Piclist, is about $850, and no yearly fees. There ai'nt any free C compilers worth noting, AFAIK. I've started developiong around the 87X series (16F873, 874, 877) recently, because they don't need an UV EEPROM eraser. Just squirt the program into the chip. They've got every peripheral you'd want, and are not expensive. If this is a one-off, it will be worth the effort. If it is a production system, then I develop on the 877 anyway, then port it to the appropriate PIC at the last minute. Pic code is pretty easy to port. So tell us about the robot? Why so many servos? -- Lawrence Lile Lile's Integrated 'Lectronic Engineering Services {Original Message removed}