Need some direction for my first project

First off, hello everyone. This is my first time here.

I am working on my first project and I need some direction please. I want to use an 8051 microcontroller which controls a 7 segment display and have one button to start/stop things, etc. I figured this would be a good starting point. I know how to program. I've already read the tutorial for the 8051 at 8052.com. I know a little about circuits and I have someone to help me along there. The thing I need to figure out is the hardware I need. Is there a protoboard which already has a way to connect to a computer that has room for a couple other things (like the 7 seg display, etc.) and already has a DC converter on it, etc? What program(s) do I use to load the chip? Any other info, etc. Thanks.

did u try this link?
**broken link removed**

For your first project go for breadboard ( https://www.montek.com/catalog/item517.htm ) where you can easily install and connect components without soldering ..
Choose a 8051-compatibile microcontroller which can be programmed directly from your PC's serial port. In this case you will not need special programmer, just a software tool in your PC. Good example of 8051-derivative can be DS89C420, DS89C450 or similar from Maxim-Dallas ( www.maxim-ic.com .. try to get free samples) ..
For programming tool look in:
**broken link removed**
Regards,
IanP

Why don't you have the taste of PIC microcontrollers(https://www.microchip.com)...

In my point of view it is easier to program PIC microcontrollers than 8051 for a beginner.

I suggest, first have some experience on a microcontroller such as PIC16F84 and then move to such 8051 microcontroller if you want...

cya

Randika K

randika -

Thanks for the suggestion and the link. I've heard conflicting things about which chip to start on. Some say 8051 and some say PIC. I'd figure it out either way, so now I'm thinking that it's better to get the best design kit. I've seen some cool proto/develeper boards with buttons, leds, 7 segs, LCDs, etc. The one azaz104 suggested for the 8051 seems perfect. It even has IDC10 connectors for all the I/O. I looked at the Microchip website for a few minutes. I'll have to browse it more and read some of the .pdfs. Is there one at Microchip you have used or might suggest or otherwise comment on?

I was hoping to get a little more input on the development systems.

Can anyone else attest to the Mikroelectronica development systems? I was looking at EasyPIC3 and that looks pretty nice. What about the ones at Microchip? Anyone know of other companies selling development systems? Any other recommendations?

looking 4 a simple telemetring project .i also need a list of telemetry project 4 approval frm college

Microchip is definately the best for beginner project, maybe even for any level. Wide variety of devices, including developemnet boards, very inexpensive, and tons of expert support via PDFs, forums, application notes. A lot of vendor support too. Possibly the best thing about them is MPLAB, an easy to learn visual integrated developement enviroment. Buy a PicKit2, download MPLAB and you're on your way. I've been using some of their 16 bit DSP microcontrollers. Lots of buffered ports and on board devices, like ADC, CAN, I2C, quadrature encoder inputs, event capture pins....160MHz with 2 cycle instructions. I don't work for them or stand to gain by plugging them. I've used MC68000, Intel 8085 and 8051 types in projects, PICs are my favorite. Even if other companies have comparable products, they don't have near the varied array of offerings. Pat