The official support forum can be found here www.picaxeforum.co.uk and includes links to documentation and programming software.

The PICaxe is a micro controller based on a range of Microchip PICs. There are a number of PICaxe variants of differing pin counts, the 08M is one of their smallest, an 8 pin devices based upon the PIC12F683. It allow user generated programs to be downloaded using a simple RS-232 serial connection, from the Pins shown be low you can see there's quite a variety of options for I/O.

The minimum circuitry for the 08M is quite minimal, the download circuit needs just two resistors and a connector. We'd recommend a stereo jack to match Rev-Ed's Serial (AXE026) and USB (AXE027) cables but cables can be easily constructed to work with either serial ports. Where a jumper is used, Pin 7 can be switched between use as the serial output and other functions.

The current handling capabilities of PICAXE chips is taken from the Microchip datasheets. This may be subject to change or re-rating, always check the latest datasheets before use.

Current "sourced through chip" is the current into VDD (+V) : 95mA

Current "sunk through chip" is the current out of VSS (0V) : 95mA

Sourced or sunk through all ports combined : 90mA

Sourced or sunk per pin : 25mA

The 08M device is a useful package for making smart sensors, an example of this can be seen on Ron Hacket's Tank Bot in the Servo Magazine, May 2009. An alternative is the Smart Proximity Detector utilising two emitters and one 38kHz detector.