My suggestion: get the PICDEM2 PLUS evaluation board along with the ICD2
debugger module.  Digikey sells these together for $229US.  I think they
are available directly from Microchip also.

The demo board has 3 picchip sockets: 40 pin dip, 28 pin dip and 18 pin
dip.  It has pushbutton switches, led's, an lcd and a prototyping area.  It
comes with a PIC18F452 chip and one other. Example programs are on a CD.

Hook this up with the ICD2 and you can start writing/debugging code
*immediately*.  I bought one to learn about the 18F452 chips; it works
great.  There is enough demo code on the CD's included to get you going
right away. And the setup works as a chip programmer as well.

Digikey part number: DV164006-ND
Microchip  part nuamber: DV164006
KIT EVAL ICD2 W/PICDEM2 PLUS Microchip Technology In Circuit Debugger ICD2
Module, Cables, Power Supply & PICDEM2TM Demo Board ICD2 $229.00

My guess is that since this is a standard Microchip part, you can find it
in the UK.

Tom M.

At 10:59 AM 6/23/2003 +0100, you wrote:
>Hi,
>     I'm absolutely new to pics. I work as an electronics/IT tech.
>Gotta spend some money before the end of the budget year.
>I do not not have much time to do the research into what I should buy.
>What I need basically I think is a starter kit, developement kit and the
>chips. Preferably from from RS components CPC Farnell,  Maplin
>Any other UK based company. If it is the sole supplier.
>I am in the UK. I just want to expand my workshop into working with pics. I
>hope somebody can direct me . Otherwise, I'm gonna buy the wrong stuff.
>
>Mohammed

--
http://www.piclist.com hint: The PICList is archived three different
ways.  See http://www.piclist.com/#archives for details.