Darren Logan wrote:

>     Alternatively...
>     any decent (again CHEAP) alternative PIC programmers recommended ?

You want cheap?
here are some in kit form, or you can build your own from the schematics
for a few dollars.

PICmicro Programmer Kits: 4 Types Available.

DT001 SimmStick Programmer Kit.
As well as being a full PICmicro development platform, this programmer
has a 4PDT switch which allows you to program a PIC16C/F84 in a
SimmStick and run the program straight away. Yes, a load and go
operation. This means you don't have to move the PIC16F84 chip from the
programmer to a target board as they are one and the same. LOAD/RUN.
Straight away!! Hey, we can even do it now with the new all flash
PIC16F877 40 pin chips. And you don't need a SimmStick, as you are able
to use this principle with your own target board.
http://www.dontronics.com/pickaxe.html
http://www.dontronics.com/dt001.html
http://www.dontronics.com/dt101.html
http://www.dontronics.com/dt106.html

DIY KIT-119 Serial PIC Programmer.
This 8, and 18 pin PICmicro programmer Kit runs off the Parallel Printer
Port of a PC.
http://www.dontronics.com/diyk96.html

DIY KIT-96 Serial PIC Programmer.
This 8, 18, 28 & 40 pin PICmicro programmer Kit runs off the Parallel
Printer Port of a PC.
http://www.dontronics.com/diyk96.html

P16PRO Software Registration for the above three kits. (PIC16F84
software is free)
http://www.dontronics.com/p16pro.html

DIY KIT-117 KIT.  PICALL Serial PIC Programmer.
This 8, 18, 28 & 40 pin PICmicro programmer Kit runs off the Parallel
Printer Port of a PC,  programs the PIC16C54, PIC16C55, PIC16C56,
PIC16C57, and the PIC16C58, as well as all other PICmicro chips in the
PIC16PRO range. It includes a programmed chip, and no software
registration is required. As well as the vast range of PICmicro devices,
the PICALL hardware kit can also program ATMEL AVR micros AT90S12000,
AT90S2313, AT90S4414 and AT90S8515's.
http://www.dontronics.com/picall.html

Don McKenzie  mailto:don@dontronics.com http://www.dontronics.com

Don's Download Dungeon:   http://www.dontronics.com/download.html
Australian Electronics Ring http://www.dontronics.com/aering.html
Win $500USD Cash. Micro design contest:  http://www.simmstick.com