Hello there...

I'm new to this mailing list. I program PICs for a company that
manifactures security systems, and now I have a problem.
(I hate to introduce myself in this list with a problem, so
read the end of the message to see what I've done with PICs,
and feel free to ask if you need help with similar projects)

An ex-colleague borrowed... "permanently" my Microchip programmer,
so now I urgently need a new programmer (hardware+software, or
only hardware if it's compatible with PICSTART16-B). I was looking
for a do-it-yourself programmer, so that I can get back in production
in a short time and with little expense. (I program PIC16C54 and 16C71)

I tried to get PicBlaster, but each time I try to connect to
hertz.njit.edu/~rxy5310 I get an error message (bad directory).
So far, no reply from the webmaster.

I also read the FAQ and downloaded the file PicBlast.zip by Mark Cox,
but it doesn't contain schematics for the hardware - only the software
for the programmer. I couldn't connect to the site listed in the
FAQ for the programmer by Hank Schaer.

To summarize, what I (desperately) need is a file that contains
a schematic drawing for a DIY PIC programmer that can program 16c54
and 16c73, and the relative software.
If such file doesn't exist, remember that in Italy it's hard to get
articles published in American magazines, and that shipping fees and
times from the States are quite high...

And now, my PIC projects:
- anti-burglar systems with remote control, PIR sensing, remote siren
- (don't know the english name of this) gadget that connects to the
  phone line, places a phone call to a list of numbers and delivers
  a 20-seconds emergency call
- device that monitors the cost of phone calls (LCD display)
- device that monitors the heart rate (without display - it talks! :-)

Thanks for any answer,
   Flavio Rizzardi