This is a rough draft as well as a 'work in progress'
       I am currently writing a program in Microchip assembly language that will read the
       oil level,analog oil pressure sending unit,analog water temperature sending unit and monitor
       the 60 cycle generator output of my Diesel Generator.If an out of normal condition exists
       it will energize a solenoid to shut off the throttle.If I can find a good deal(read that cheap)
       hobbs meter I will log operating hours with it.
       I may later use a Real Time Clock to auto start the generator if the refrigerator becomes
       too warm while I am at work.
       I bought a assembled USB Pic programmer at 
       http://www.electronickits.com
       I bought the kit that has a Zif connector on it.
       I am going to use a 40 pin 16f877.It has a lot of resources built in and costs less than $7.00 USD
       Glitchbusters electronics supplier Really low shipping charges.
       16f877 data sheet
       A display is not needed for the Pic to control the generator,but I will use a 20 X 4 LCD to debug
       and monitor my generator. Instead of buying and using guages I will use this $20.00 display 
       for everything truly_lcd.jpg
       If others become interested in the design a 16 X 2 LCD could be used for only a couple of dollars.
       Here is a great alternative to a dedicated LCD.Link to infrared PDA prog
       This is program that runs on a PDA that will receive infra-red serial data from my engine monitor
       and display it on a PDA.Most PDAs now have IR ports on them.If I use this method I could send more 
       data than I would normally send to the LCD.This is easier to use than a LCD(LCDs are easy though),and 
       can be used on many projects cheaper than a LCD.
       I may also use this PDA interface and create an OBDii car trouble code reader.I am trying to
       stay focused on finishing my Generator first.
       Link to a neat water level probe idea