Hello all.

        I am trying to find a source for a gang programmer for our PICs.
The programmer must support the 16LC74 in the PQFP package, as well as
the 16C71 in the SOIC package.

        Since the LC parts operate below 3V, the programmer must also be
able to verify the program over a Vdd range of 2.5V-6V.  We would like to
be able to program at least 8 chips at a time, and 16 devices would be
better.  Stand-alone operation is preferred, and a future upgrade path to
new devices (such as the 16C924) is also desireable.

        Although it would be nice to have one programmer which supported
both devices, we would not be adverse to buying three or four cheaper,
specialized programmers - i.e. two for the LC74, two for the C71.

        Let me head off the obvious answer by stating that I have gone
through the Mchip 3rd party guide already.  The real problem is that we
have already purchased a programmer (from a company listed in the guide)
which does not work properly.  However, I would like a few more
alternatives, since programmers for our device/package combinations seem
to be few and far between.

        So far, I have these manufacturers on my list:
                - Bytek (MULTITRK-2000)
                - Emulation Technology (ET-PIC12000)
                - Emulation Technology (ET-PIC47G)
                - Logical Devices (XPRO)
                - SEI Sunrise Electronics (T-1600)
                - SMS GmbH (Multisyte)
                - System General (Multi-APRO)
                - Tribal Microsystems (Flex-7000)

        If anyone has any direct experience with these programmers (good
or bad), could you please drop me a line.

        I am having a lot more trouble with this than I would like.  Any
help is appreciated!


        On a related thread, does anyone know if MicroLabs of Italy
(manufacturers of the Octopussy programmer) or MQP Electronics (who
make the MQP System 2000 programmer) have North American distributors?


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-               Sean R.S. Costall, BScEE                    -
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-  costalls@cuug.ab.ca      costall@nyquist.ee.ualberta.ca  -
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