Hi All:

  Here are my two cents to the Final Firmware topic:

  In my opinion try to modify the PICSTART-16x isn't a good idea, only god (if
you beleave in he) knows what stranger layout of program pins will use
Microchip for the next PIC family and another thing: is better if a programmer
can be used for ANY, or at least the mayor part, of the serial programmed
devices.
  I guess that a better solution is: Make a programmer like the Octavio one,
*but* don't put the ZIF in the same board, put it in a separated board with a
40 pins conector (I know, is a lot of work) then make a wire to achive the
conections of the ZIF needed for the actual PICs, and finally make a new
programmer but configurable (may be Octavio will be interesed on this idea),
then if you need to programm another device you only must change the wire for a
new one. If my description is very poore here is the schematic:

-------                   ---------
      I     Wire (5       I       I   O Is the 40 pins connector, you only need
      I===================O ZIF   I   O some of these pins for the actual PICs
      I===================O       I
      I                   I       I
-------                   ---------
PC controlled programmer

bye, sorry for my english, SET

********************************************************************************
Salvador Eduardo Tropea (SET) - salvador@inti.edu.ar
Work: INTI (National Institute of Industrial Technology) Sector: ICE
(Electronic Control & Instrumentation)
Post (Home): Curapaligue 2124 - Caseros (1678)- Buenos Aires - Argentina