Swordfish

I notice nearly all the pic projects use xtals with caps. Does anyway have any strong feelings on the use of ceramic resonators with the caps built in, they have only 3 pins and a single componant making constructions simpler . . I have never had any problems with them but I do wonder sometimes If I'm doing the correct thing. regards Nick66

Resonators are LOT less accurate than crystals, by a factor of at least 100, they are only slightly better than the internal RC oscllator.

I've used both but use crystals for all my apps now.

Just check device Data Sheets regards accuracy, tolerance, stability.
If the spec (electrical and physical) suits your application then fine.
If you want a tighter spec that gives you more confidence then choose crystals.
(No doubt there are exceptions but that's my personal rule-of-thumb).

Thanks that is very helpful, from now on it's crystals, I had no idea they were so inaccurate I most definitely want a "tighter spec that gives me more confidence" . . regards Nick66