>>8)  Can I do SMT without a bunch of $$?
>Yes. Minimum is a good bright light, a magnifier and a small tipped iron

plus a pair of tweezers, preferably the "normally closed" type, and some
very fine (26awg) solder.

>>10)  What is the best PCB layout program?
>There is no 'best' - there are many choices depending on your needs,
preferences and budget.

But point them at Eagle  and any other easy to use low cost ones.

>>11)  What is the best PIC programmer?
>Picstart Plus is good in that it will usually be the first programmer
>to support new devices. Not the cheapest but wil probably save you
>hassle in the long term.

Actually I suspect this will be overtaken by the ICD2 in being the first to
support new devices. See the recent discussion on the new menu selections in
MPLAB6.30 for flash updating the PS+ which you cannot yet do until a new
hardware attachment is made available. Also the ICD2 allows in circuit
debugging, for about the same cost as a PS+, and will run off a USB port,
which may be important for folk with new machines without built in serial
ports.

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