In my opinion, the best thing you can do is to get the PICKey from FED, together with their marvelous C-compiler WIZ-C, starting at =A335:- for t= he compiler. The PICKey is an USB in-circuit programmer and debugger, it supports virtually all PICs, except fo a few strange ones. WIZ-C is a ANSI C-compiler with built in debugger and simulator, capable = of handeling virtual external equipment such as a terminal, I2C device LCD's and much more. Together with the "Key" it will do debugging in real HW within the C-Source. The Pro version can simulate multi-PIC projects with communication betwee= n them. The compiler comes (in the Pro-version) with virtually all libraries you need such as Floating point and more. WIZ-C also incorporates the "App-Designer" that is a function that creates necessary code for some common functions WIC-C Pro Lite starts at around =A335:-, supports three PIC's, and can be upgraded to the full version for a low cost. They also have a very good C-Tutorial to start off with. Have look on their website www.fored.co.uk With best regards Tomas Larsson Sweden Verus Amicus Est Tamquam Alter Idem > -----Original Message----- > From: piclist-bounces@mit.edu=20 > [mailto:piclist-bounces@mit.edu] On Behalf Of Joseph Pantoga > Sent: Sunday, May 22, 2005 9:25 PM > To: Microcontroller discussion list - Public. > Subject: Re: [PIC] cheap, trusty programmer? >=20 >=20 > I was looking at the ICD2, but apparently you need header=20 > boards for some PICs., I was also looking at the PICStart=20 > plus, and although it is a little above what I was hoping to=20 > spend, I think it might be my best option. Thoughts? >=20 > --=20 > http://www.piclist.com PIC/SX FAQ & list archive > View/change your membership options at=20 > http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/piclist >=20 --=20 http://www.piclist.com PIC/SX FAQ & list archive View/change your membership options at http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/piclist