Hi!,

This may sound like a silly question but....
I've been reading the PIC data sheets and I understand the PIC
pretty well and how it's programmed but I'm puzzled by one thing
- the clock source.
The data sheet indicates that you need a clock source to program
the PIC (I'm using the PIC16C84 here), but it doesn't specify
what happens when you set the Config fuses such that the clock
source is changed. For example if you are using RC and you set
the fuses for XT does the system stop?? Personally, I would think
that fuse setting would not take effect until next MCLR# but
you never know! Also, my impression is that the PIC as supplied
would be set as RC (EEPROM all 1s) and so what would happen if
you used a crystal while the fuses were set as RC or
vice versa. Will damage result? Looking at the input circuit it
is very hard to know.
Hmm, I think I might just give up and spend the cash on the PicStart
Plus - it might be worth it :-)

Thanks,

  Conor O'Rourke.