Product Review

If you wanted to learn how to program microcontrollers then you've found the right book. Microchip PIC microcontrollers are being designed into electronics throughout the world and none is more popular than the 8-pin version. Now the home hobbyist can create projects with these little microcontrollers using a low cost development tool called the CHIPAXE system and the BASIC software language. Chuck Hellebuyck introduces how to use this development setup to build useful projects with an 8-pin PIC12F683 microcontroller. All the projects include a detailed schematic and directions of how to build the hardware on a breadboard. Then he details how to write the software so you not only recreate the project but also learn how to write and modify the program. His down to earth style leaves you feeling comfortable and capable to create your own unique project ideas. Inside you'll learn about: *Controlling digital outputs by driving LEDs and Speakers *Sensing digital inputs by monitoring switches *Sensing analog signals using an Analog to Digital converter *How to sense light and vibration *How to make sound *How to write software using the PICBASIC PRO language Each project ends with questions to test your knowledge so this book can even be used in the classroom. Future volumes are in the works as well so this is just the beginning of your journey to learning how to Program PICs in BASIC.