two counters, two clocks - loop problem!

Indeed.

Easiest way to learn is by having someone sit next to you and point out the bl00dy obvious - I mentor engineering students here at work and teach them real-time embedded C and this way they learn very quickly if practiced on a day to day basis. Unfortunately, no one else in my company uses FPGAs (deemed too expensive) and hence no experience of VHDL from them to pass on to this old dog. So, the next breast thing is the kind help from chaps like you on the forums.

Thank you (for now and in the future) for your time & effort in responding.

Andy