picaxe

To read the PICAXE chip connected to the Windows PC =>

1. In PICAXE editor v 6.2 select the simulation window
2. select options (a spanner symbol)
3. select compiler
4. select "Check type of PICAXE chip currently connected"

kit 1086
kit 1084
kit 1071 motor driver L293D
Wikipedia entry for L293D
Picaxe software

Example code for the above parts and similar wiring diagrams can be found at picaxe site

pros and cons of pic (picaxe)
This link with pic tag added to crossref to the mikeh2 created.

see 08m2

axe117 pcb
axe023 pcb
The PICAXE-08M2 Motor Driver Board (AXE023)