PIC Simulator Basic Compiler - String variable

Hi,

I need your help with the basic compiler of Simulator IDE.
I have previously written my code in mikroBasic, and now switching to PIC simulator IDE basic after facing several problems and bugs.
Part of my program displays a certain message on an LCD.
In mikroBasic, it was possible to define an arrary of "string" type as follows:
dim msg1 as string[20]
and in my program i would write the appropriate message to the variable msg1 then display it on my lcd

load_msg [a function i have written to assign the correct message value]
Lcd_Out(2,1,msg1) [display the message on the LCD]

Is that somehow possible in the basic compiler in simulator ide?
Can i have a variable defined as string?
From what i've read and searched for, there are only 4 possible data types (bit, byte, word, long), and the LCD function that outputs to the LCD take the string or message directly as an argument - like LCDOUT "HELLO"

I would appreciate it if you could help me out with this.

Thanks

It looks like the only way to do it is with a byte array.

Dim String as Byte(10)

and then write your functions accordingly.

If you are using an 18 series chip then have a look at the free version of Swordfish Basic.

Mike.

I am using PIC16 series

thanks for you help anyway.
i will try to work my way around this

Joelle