Tom,
Thanks for the question:
> Tell me more about ASPIC ?
I will try to avoid making it sound like an ad <smile>...

ASPIC is a shareware assembler (reg = $100 CDN ($69 US)) which has been in 
use since  late 1991 for PIC and since 1986 for other processors (NEC 
78c10, Mitsubishi MELPS 8 and 16 bit).  It is **DESIGNED** for embedded 
controler design, so it has som unusual features like character set 
translation (eg. for LED, LCD, and On Screen Displays), bit labels, 
environment labels, etc.

It is very stable (only 3 bugs reported and fixed in the last 2 years), and 
it integrates well with other developement tools. A short list of features 
reads something like:
 
        - One assembler for 16c5X, 16c7X, 16c8X, 17c42
        - Compatable with PICSIM (MPSIM)
        - Compatable with MAKE, and with auto-error tracking editors
        - Many times faster than PICALC (MPALC)
        - Standard base notation (Intel & Motorola format)
        - CODE and FUNCTION macros
        - Auto register bank management
        - Text/data translation
        - Automaticly generates RETLW tables for text and data tables
        - Built-in version management and assembly control functions
        - user command-line switches
        - many other features
 
(hope that didn't sound too much like an ad, but the shareware license has 
an unusual clause absolving those who don't register but only use it for 
non-commercial purposes)
 
I can't ftp from compuserve, but it is available around.  Try microchips 
bbs (3rdparty file area) or my BBS @(604) 597-3479.

Cheers,

Don