Newbie question... before I start I was wondering about using another pic instead of 16F84A. Everywhere I look folks are saying that 84A is now obsolete!What should I do - are there compatible pics out there?Thanks for your help :-)Tom

I think there are a few that are pin compatible to the F84(A) I use the 16F628. Only a few minor code changes necessary for most 16F84 code. And you don't have to use an external ozillator if you can live with the built in 4MHz RC.In addition, the 628 is usually cheaper than the 84.And it has more features.There is a line datasheet available at microchip.com which lists all PICs in a table together with its features. If you design your own circuits using PICs you should also look at some other models. Some can be programmed with a bootloader once. Then you just use the serial port to load your programs into the PIC.The 16F88 might also be a good alternative. I haven't worked with that chip yet.

Hi Tom,I'll add my vote in favor of the 16F628 as well. The built in USART is a big plus. AND it's cheap.Mikewww.mikesflightdeck.com

But for original question.I think that question is about FSBus what uses 16F84 PIC's.You can use 16F84 or 16F84A, any speed version, with FSBus. But not anything else, like 16F628 what is already suggested.- J

I should have made this a bit clearer - it is for FSBus that I need the info.But thanks to all for the replies - it's a great forum & I have learned a lot just by browsing the postings!I like the idea of less expansive PICs and if I can find enough info I will give them a try; FSBus is a great idea and I hope to follow that path.Cheers & beersTom

My retailer says that the original 16f84a is leaving the market, PIC16F84A-04/P is the one to get..Look at http://www.elfa.se/elfa/produkter/en/2017954.htm. the PIC specified as #73-188-01 is the one to get/ Olle

>My retailer says that the original 16f84a is leaving the>market, PIC16F84A-04/P is the one to get..PIC16F84A-10/P and PIC16F84A-20/P will work too. They are just "underclocked". But if they are only available they will do their job just fine.Also, it will work with other packages too, but soldering might be a problem. ;-)- J

>My retailer says that the original 16f84a is leaving the>market, PIC16F84A-04/P is the one to get..>>Look at http://www.elfa.se/elfa/produkter/en/2017954.htm. the>PIC specified as #73-188-01 is the one to get>/ Olle if the 16f84a is leaving the market, there wouldn't be any PIC16F84A-...be available anymore since the letters and numbers following the dash are just clockspeed and package specifiers. So 04 means 4MHz, .../P means DIL or DIP package/S? means SMD packages...Just checked microchips website about the F84A...http://www.microchip.com/1010/pline/picmic...6f84a/index.htmIt says: "Status: In Production"Maybe your retailer meant the 16F84 (without the 'A') ?