>Is it possible to home build a simple programmer for PICs other than the
16c84?
>If so where do I get the scematics?

Robert,
Jens Madsen's Pic Programmer 2 is superb! It uses any 2 general purpose NPN
transistors, 2 caps, 2 resistors and 6 diodes.
It will cost around $3 plus serial cable and needs no external power at all.
It works well with 16X84 and I have tested it with 12C508 and 16C71 on
several
systems.
Jen's  P50xV13 program for the 12c508 is also very reliable. PIP02 for the
others.
If you have any problems, just shout.
http://www.ebar.dtu.dk/~c888600/newpic.htm
Mo