I don't see how BASCOM, if it really is a BASIC compiler for 805x, would limit you to 4-bit I/O modes. If it runs on a PC using the parallel port as its I/O channel, I can understand that in the context of the 1980's sort of parallel ports, but, having used BASIC52, with which, IIRC, BASCOM is purported to be more or less compatible, to do I/O myself, I have to say you should not be restricted to 4-bit mode. If you're using code or built-in functions, well ... you'll have to deal with that. Considering how slow LCD's are, I'd guess 4-bit mode will serve just fine, though.

I'd recommend you have a look at the 4-bit and 8-bit examples that are located on 8052.COM (yes, right here!) just to see how they work and, in fact, how they differ. I think you'll be pleased at how little difference there is.

I can't imagine why you'd be so interested in using BASCOM, unless, perhaps, it's an effort at creating a retro-thingie. It's MUCH easier to deal with programming tasks with the more modern rules of scope and the simpler and less verbose features of more modern languages such as 'C' or Pascal, both of which are available for the 805x family. FORTH might even be easier. I've found BASIC to be OK for very small tasks, but without the distinction between local and global variables, for example, it gets pretty confusing, and BASIC's reliance on GOTO, etc, doesn't make for very pretty code either. Even ASM is easier to manage, IMHO.

RE