> With ICSP I know you get a "not blank" error if
> the target chip is not powered, *maybe* this is
> a default error for any inability to establish
> correct communication.

This makes 2 replies that mention powering the board separately from the
PS+. I will have to give this a try.

> If the MCLR is isolated you only have SDA and SCL
> "common among the PICs" as you are powering up the
> entire PCB with a separate supply first and all
> PICs are obviously receiving Vdd and Vss ok.

Yes, but the PS+ is supplying the whole board...see above...
Separte supply is sounding like a better idea by the minute.

> Have you checked loading on those two serial pins?
> What is connected to them? :o)

Dunno - just woke & peeked at the list - will have to get into it and see -
let's see - the 18F has nothing else connected with the jumper arrangement
set properly. This one baffled me the most since the jumpers have it
connected the same way I have programmed chips in the past  - with the
exception of the pair of decoupling caps and the PS+ handling the supply
load for the whole board (or trying to...)

Before doing anything else, I want to connect another supply before starting
the programmer. Is there anything I should be aware of?

Tks,
C

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