> What further checks can I perform on the circuit ? Can I connect a separate 12V supply directly to MCLR pin permanently ? To the target PIC? No, that would permanently put it into HV programming mode... Cheers, Ishaan -- http://www.piclist.com#nomail Going offline? Don't AutoReply us! email listserv@mitvma.mit.edu with SET PICList DIGEST in the body