I think it looks like a very good setup. Let us know how good the tutorials are.
I use a similar setup in conjunction with a juneBug instead of the PICkit2. It works well. You can also use processors directly in the bread board but the processor module approach save a bit of wiring.
About my only reservation is the price but then your are getting the tutorials.
Looks like a really good kit, seems a might bit expensive though. For that price you could buy all of the components + breadboard + power supply AND a temp controlled soldering station
For a person who is just getting started I prefer they not use a complex board like the EasyPIC16. The breadboard helps them make the connection between schematics and circuits. mel8030 says he has an outdated electronics background. In this case I would go with whatever will work best for him.
To put it another way. The person who uses the EasyPIC16 (or similar) may be able to use the LCD on the board may be clueless about how to use one in a circuit.
For a person who is just getting started I prefer they not use a complex board like the EasyPIC16. The breadboard helps them make the connection between schematics and circuits. mel8030 says he has an outdated electronics background. In this case I would go with whatever will work best for him.
To put it another way. The person who uses the EasyPIC16 (or similar) may be able to use the LCD on the board may be clueless about how to use one in a circuit.
That's a good point, something like an EasyPIC might be a bit daunting to a beginner too. I was thinking purely along a price comparison with the product he linked.
That's a good point, something like an EasyPIC might be a bit daunting to a beginner too. I was thinking purely along a price comparison with the product he linked.
The price is high, but if the tutorials are good (I would love to see them) it might be worth the cash. The ability to sit down with all the parts and just do it has value.
I use a similar processor module with the ICSP connoctor, caps, and a power indicator for teaching. It shaves a few minutes off BB wiring and allows students to construct the part of the circuit that is interesting.
The ($10 Min) refers to their minimum order of $10. But they could do a better job of stating it there as they do on their How to Order page, or not put it there at all.
Finally to be able to become a practical hardware maker and software writer, better to follow the advises, first reply by Gayan Soyza, and now Nigel and 3v0. Perhaps many many others. what ever you invest, pays, to make a career and a good Hobby. at the end of say 3 to 4 months,you would realise that you really gained enough.