PIC Microcontrollers

A PIC (Peripheral Interface Controller) Microcontroller is a chip manufactured by a company called MicroChip. These ICs are complete computers in a single package. The only external components necessary¹ are whatever is required by the I/O devices you connect to the PIC. A hobbyist can build a prototype circuit on a solderless breadboard in minutes.

Getting Started
Getting Started with PIC Micros, a step-by-step guide.

What you do with a PIC is entirely up to you. Since it is fully programmable and interfaces with just about anything, the possibilities are endless.

Here are some ideas:

Robotics

There are several companies that sell robotics related hardware (motors, servos, chassis, etc.). A PIC can be used to control the motors, servos and sensors with very little effort. Many amateur robotics hobbyists use PIC micros as the "brains" for their robots.

Embedded Controllers

PIC microcontrollers can be used to control virtually any device that has a serial connector. For instance, the Kodak DC20 Digital Camera has a serial data port used to offload pictures from the camera. This port also serves as a control port for sending signals to the camera instructing it to take a photo. By connecting a PIC to the camera through this port, a PIC can be programmed to take pictures at preset intervals. Such a device could be put on a kite for instance.

More Information

There are many varieties of PIC processors available. The one most hobbyists start with is the PIC 16F84. It is inexpensive, versatile and a free one comes with PICSTART Plus, the programming tools available from Microchip.

More info about the PIC 16F84 is available here.

Getting Started with PIC microcontrollers.

Using a PIC 16F84 to control a 5-digit, 7-segment LED display.

Using a PIC 16F84 to control a Kodak DC20 Digital Camera.

PIC Books

These are some books I am familiar with relating to PIC microcontrollers. Clicking on the photo will take you to Amazon.com where you can read reviews, etc.

PROGRAMMING AND CUSTOMIZING PICmicro MICROCONTROLLERS by Myke Predko.
Highly recommended. Myke knows his stuff. If you are new to PICs this is a good place to start. Some basic knowledge of CPUs and electronics is assumed.

Easy PIC'n from SQUARE 1 by David Benson offers an introduction to PIC Microcontrollers. The book focuses on the 16F84 and contains one chapter on the 16C54. Topics include assembly language basics, PIC interrupts and timing and counting options.

PIC'n up the Pace from SQUARE 1 by David Benson contains information about more advanced topics related to PIC microcontrollers. Topics include serial communications, digital to analog conversion, analog to digital conversion, scanning keypads, LCD display integration, math routines and memory paging.

Serial PIC'n from SQUARE 1 by Roger L. Stevens is a thorough treatment on the subject of serial communications using PIC Microcontrollers. Topics include the RS-232 standard, bit-bang asynchronous communications, synchronous serial communications, the I²C serial bus, the SPI serial bus, Microwire serial interface and the Dallas 1-wire bus.