> My question is if is there any tutorial or document that 
> explains how to do a PICKit-alike thing from scratch? I'm 
> using a laptop so an usb interface would be a must.

you want to build yourself a pickit clone? the firmware and schematics
for both pickit1 and pickit2 are available, so have a go! been there,
done that.

note that you can use an usb-serial converter with most intelligent
serial port programmers (the ones that contain a PIC).

> I've reading about PIC16F877, it's manual, and on the 
> internet, read good things about it basically. Nowadays, is 
> still a good election for a first pic experience? 

If you want 14-bit core I would go for a 16F917. newer, slightly better
peripherals, cheaper.

But you could consider an 18F or even a dsPIC.

> Also been asking myself the whole evening what software is 
> used for pcb desing and printing from linux?

did you try eagle?

Wouter van Ooijen

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Van Ooijen Technische Informatica: www.voti.nl
consultancy, development, PICmicro products
docent Hogeschool van Utrecht: www.voti.nl/hvu
 

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