In message  <01BC5720.BB7C8080@alex> PICLIST@MITVMA.MIT.EDU writes:
> I was wondering how do any of you program SMT PIC's?
>
> We are using a 16C84 in a current design, and we don't have enough room to
> do in-circuit programming. Is there a common ZIF socket for programming the
> 18 pin 16C84 SOIC parts with the PICSTART? Or is there another way to
> program them easily?
>
>

Alex,

For the few pre-production parts I've done, I bodged, sorry,
carefully constructed an adaptor from an old PCB that had a
soic chip on it.

It does take a little while to align the PIC correctly and was
often a two handed task. I held the PIC onto the pcb pads and
then hit the program button with my left knee.

It is not recommended for production though.

Some of the suppliers in this country offer a programming
service. You supply a hex file and they will program the
parts for you. There is a set up charge of 10 UK pounds then
25 pence per chip. These charges can be justified if the
quantity and product are right.


Regards,

Mike Watson