Re: Starting Out
1- Forgett old controllers. You´re wasting time. Learn about AVRs(Atmel) or PICs(Microchip). There are lots of stuff on the net about them and very cheap assemblers or compilers for them. I can help you if you decide to go to the AVRs.
2- Decide on assembly or C-ANSI for your language. I suggest C-ANSI because modern compilers generate programs that can be even shorter than you can do using assembly.Development time is reduced using C. Furthermore, you can write assembly code inside a C programm if you want.
3- After that choose a microcontroller that has built in hardware to support USB.
4- Learn the basics of analog design. You´ll find lots of application notes from the manufacturers that could help you.
5- Unless this is your specific area of interest don´t try to develop RF circuits at home. They demand special equipment to be tested. Use off-the-shelf modules instead.
Regards