Using a PIC12C508 for this purpose has several advantages. Among them are a significantly lower price, a smaller footprint, and the opportunity to eliminate the traditional DIP switch.

These Click watches are probably the nerdiest timepieces we have ever seen. And we love them. They come in two main flavors, DIP Switch and Turn Switch, both using switches found on old-school ...

Instead, he breadboarded a small circuit around the PIC12F629 microcontroller to take care of the data and address control. Besides, he wanted to be able to manually switch the AC outlet.