What to do with over 200 PIC16C64A microprocessors?

[Squarewave]

I've got just over 200 PIC16C64A microprocessors in stock and I don't know what to do with this stock level. I doubt no one really would start out with them, there's one or two silly projects I could do with a few of them like building a clock or something, but other than that.......

Any suggestions? 

[RoGeorge]

They are expensive enough to not throw away 200 of them.  Try to sell them on Ebay, or maybe try to sell them in project kits on tindie.com, with all the components including the PCB and the PIC.

[brucehoult]

Gosh. 3.5k program space ... OTP? 128 bytes RAM, 4-6 V, 4 MHz (1 MIPS, except branches?), 40 pins ... are those DIP? 35 instructions.

[Squarewave]

Yes they're DIP.

I did look on ebay but doesn't look like there's much demand. I don't think packing them as a kit would do much for me as I'd have to then buy other components for kits someone only might buy. They are an old PIC and hence have limitations over much newer flash memory type.

[EEVblog]

I did look on ebay but doesn't look like there's much demand.

Costs nothing to list them on ebay, and the ad will stay there until someone eventually needs them.

[Unixon]

The set of peripherals and small memory size of this PIC tells me that this could only serve as a parallel to serial converter or something like that.
But then again possible applications are unclear.
Unbelievably expensive part for its modest capabilities.

[Unixon]

Any suggestions? 

Maybe try finding projects/products where exactly this model of PIC is used and see if anything interesting comes up or just put them on sale.

[EEVblog]

The set of peripherals and small memory size of this PIC tells me that this could only serve as a parallel to serial converter or something like that.
But then again possible applications are unclear.
Unbelievably expensive part for its modest capabilities.

You wouldn't use it today of course, but countless old devices use it and someone might need to build more 20 years later etc. Way easier to use continue to use the old part than redesign. Someone somewhere will need them.

[Unixon]

You wouldn't use it today of course, but countless old devices use it and someone might need to build more 20 years later etc. Way easier to use continue to use the old part than redesign. Someone somewhere will need them.

Since it's an OTP ROM part and has some timer capture capabilities I think it could make a nice display controller for DIY Geiger counter. It's not radiation hardened, however. Adding AM/FM modulated serial (UART) broadcasting would be also nice.

[Squarewave]

I might put them on ebay and let them just sit there. They're all in tubes, so I could do a price for a tube and a price for a single chip.

I've only got this many as where I worked which recently closed had an electronics repair lab which I'd do a few days in from time to time. It was of course very well stocked with components which is why I've got so many of these (amongst other useful components and test gear).

I've just been reading this, I know it's a bit silly, but hey it's something to play with: Applications notes from Microchip for a clock using an LCD display https://ww1.microchip.com/downloads/aemDocuments/documents/MCU08/ApplicationNotes/ApplicationNotes/00000582C.pdf

I could make one or two of them, but not 200 of them.

[nvmR]

how does it cost you guys nothing to list on ebay?
the payoneer guys want a yearly subscription along with everything up to and including your colonoscopy data

[Squarewave]

I don't know if it's like this everywhere but in the UK they scrapped seller fees and listing fees and charge the buyer a buyer protection fee, so basically passing it all onto the buyer. Previously we had to pay 10% of all sales.

[Kilrah]

how does it cost you guys nothing to list on ebay?

At least here listing is free, you only pay fees when it sells. I.e. sure you have to factor fees into your sales price, but if you list something and nobody wants it you're not out of anything.

[wilfred]

It doesn't hurt to list it on Ebay and just wait for the right buyer to find it. Hard to see someone wanting 200 but if they are maintaining some old industrial controller that just won't die out then maybe. Don't die wondering is my motto.

If you could find out where these were used and post on a forum where interested people gather.

[EEVblog]

I don't know if it's like this everywhere but in the UK they scrapped seller fees and listing fees and charge the buyer a buyer protection fee, so basically passing it all onto the buyer. Previously we had to pay 10% of all sales.

Yes, it's here in Australia now too, personal accounts up to $20k/year don't pay any fees, the buyer gets slugged a <mafia voice> "protection fee".