Phil,
I wrote an article for Nuts & Volts magazine that might help you out.
It's titled "Programming a Microchip PIC".
You can download it form my website at
http://www.elproducts.com
In it I describe the differences between 4 programmers.
For my money the best one was the EPIC programmer for $59.95 from
MELABS. I now sell it on my site for only $55.95. It comes with windows
software to program all the PICs except the 5X parts. It has a adapter
port to add sockets for the larger PICs but the software which supports
the new 16F87X parts, is included in the $55.95 price.
Check it out.

--- Phil <phil@PERRYP.FREESERVE.CO.UK> wrote:
> Hi all,
>
> In advance thanks for any help,  thankyou for taking the time to
> consider
> what may seem to be a simple question!
>
> I've got under #100 to spend on a PIC programmer and i'm completely
> confused
> and unsure what to buy.  I'd mainly be working with 16C/F84's but
> would what
> to be able to program the 16C873/6's when I could get a hold of them.
>
> My questions are really what future proofing programmers are
> available and
> which in the view of the PicList comunity offer the best value /
> specifications / design.  I preferably like it to have just a
> standard 40pin
> zif.
>
> Currently i'm using a home built jdm84 design with pip-02 software  -
> works
> well.  But would like to be working with a gui interface and ability
> to
> drive more (newer) chips when they become available.
>
> Any suggestions or pointers to possible programmers or software
> updates for
> what i've got would be most welcome.  (I'm quite happy just expanding
> or
> re-designing converters for what i've got feel I could be missing out
> on the
> bigger picture - ie Masm development suits from Microchip etc.)
>
>
> Phil.
>

===
Chuck Hellebuyck
Electronic Products
chuck@elproducts.com
*****Program PICs in BASIC Special!*********
Complete 16F84 package for only $115.95
Includes: Compiler, EPIC Programmer, 16F84 PIC, Cable & Batteries
http://www.elproducts.com
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