Thank you for the prompt response! Because of time constraints it does = not look like switching to the PIC18F8720 is a usable solution. It does = offer everything that we would need and more. But, the circuit has = already been layout and etch for an 84 pin TQFP. I have read through the = data sheets for the 17C766 and in some locations it refers to programming = using only five pins and then in others it refers to what looks to be = eight pins??? It is seems that we will have little choice but to purchase = a programmer:( (running out of funding). Thank you for the help, Tom RADAR Engineering Team Engineering Dept. Lake Superior State University 650 W. Easterday Ave. Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783 PH: 906-635-2692 FX: 906-635-6663 radar@lssu.edu >>> Ned Konz 03/08/2003 2:37:25 PM >>> On Saturday 08 March 2003 10:36 am, RADAR Engineering Team wrote: > I am a student at Lake Superior State University. I am part of a > research team developing a small submersible vehicle. Our > vehicle's motors and sensors will be controlled and monitored using > a PIC17C766 (which will communicate with Motorola's HS12). I am > currently in the process of programming this PIC. I have been > having some trouble finding documentation that readily explains the > programming method (other than just purchasing a programmer). The > project budget is very minimal. Therefore, we are trying to save > money by creating a programmer (or using a previously developed) > parallel port programmer. But, it seems that the PIC17C766 does > not come with a boot loader pre-installed. Was anyone able to > program this PIC without purchasing a programmer? The university > already owns a BP1600 programmer but does not own the 84 pin PLCC > adapter (a cost of $500). Just using a PLCC to DIP adapter does > not seem like a viable solution with this programmer because of the > buffers and contact testing. Any assistance is greatly appreciated > (please respond to radar@lssu.edu), Tom Waligora Why a 17C766? Have you considered using an 18F8720? Should provide at least what the 17C766 did, in a pin-compatible package (at least if you're using the 80 TQFP). These are easily programmable with cheap hardware (you could even put an AN851 bootloader into it and have it program itself). -- Ned Konz http://bike-nomad.com=20 GPG key ID: BEEA7EFE -- http://www.piclist.com hint: PICList Posts must start with ONE topic: [PIC]:,[SX]:,[AVR]: ->uP ONLY! [EE]:,[OT]: ->Other [BUY]:,[AD]: ->Ads -- http://www.piclist.com hint: The list server can filter out subtopics (like ads or off topics) for you. See http://www.piclist.com/#topics