Keypad handler

Today I finished writing the PIC code in 'C' language for handling the operation of a typical matrix keypad, as mentioned in the previous posting. Characters 0-9, *, # can be keyed-in and displayed one at a time.
The purpose of this activity is to pave the way towards my ultimate goal which is to enter frequency tuning data via a keypad instead of a rotary encoder, in an alternative version of the embedded control frequency synthesiser. At this later stage, the * and # buttons will be assigned to 'clear/backspace' and 'enter'.
For now, however, further development has to be put on-hold.

Gradually moving forward

Having a lot of spare time recently has enabled me to progress with some unfinished PIC MCU related activities. For the first time I have been writing code in 'C' language and programming PIC MCUs using Microchip's MPLABX IDE and ICD3. So far I can write characters to a display, and also detect when any button on a particular row of a keypad has been pushed; all quite encouraging. But I still have much more programming to do in order to complete even the quite basic operation of keying-in and displaying numerical data.
I have also been experimenting with software, ( assembly language in this case ), to detect disconnecting the power source from a PIC microcontroller, ( PIC18LF4455 ). A variable low voltage power supply would be very useful here.
And finally, from a most unexpected source, I have obtained cut and engraved black plexi front and rear panels for the frequency synthesiser enclosure.