If you are serious about learning embedded systems, finding a copy of this book is the first step toward becoming a truly "evil" genius of electronics. Share public link
Why use such an old chip? Because it is simple. There are no analog-to-digital converters (ADC) to configure, no USB stacks, no operating system. The 16F84 forces you to learn bit manipulation, timing loops, and register level control. Mastering these 123 experiments on the 16F84 means you can program any modern PIC in your sleep.
The confidence to design your own custom microcontroller projects. 123 PIC Microcontroller Experiments for the Evil Genius.pdf
A solid grasp of (and some C, depending on the edition) for PIC microcontrollers.
: Keep the official Microchip datasheet for your specific PIC device open alongside the PDF. Understanding the manufacturer’s documentation is a critical industry skill. If you are serious about learning embedded systems,
Some examples of experiments included in the book are:
The "Evil Genius" series from McGraw-Hill is renowned for its unconventional approach to learning. Instead of dry, theoretical lectures, these books provide a series of projects designed to teach skills through fun, practical, and sometimes "mischievous" experiments. The confidence to design your own custom microcontroller
123 PIC Microcontroller Experiments for the Evil Genius by Myke Predko is a premier hands-on guide for learning embedded systems. It bridges the gap between theoretical electronics and practical, programming-driven hardware applications. This comprehensive overview explores the core concepts, project progressions, and educational value found within this classic maker resource. Book Overview and Philosophy
The book is frequently hosted on the Internet Archive for digital lending. You can legally borrow a scanned PDF version of the book for free.
: Managing RAM, Flash memory, and Special Function Registers (SFRs).
: Many experiments are specifically designed to work with the PICkit 1 Flash Starter Kit
