Debbie wrote:
> PICers, 
> I find myself in need of a few 17C44 PICs. Any ideas on suppliers in Australia,
> preferably Melbourne? I checked Jaycar & Rockby's websites - no joy. 
> 
> Will order from o'seas if have to - Futurelec maybe?
> 
> Seems I seriously need to upgrade my old PICSTART PLUS, as it's protesting that
> the 16F77A is unsupported. The Picstart Help file indicates an upgrade is no
> drama - but you need a blank 17C44, which I don't have.
> 
> Thanks for advice.
> 
> Debbie
> 
> PS: Are there any gotchas I should watch out for?

Check this page:
http://www.microchip.com/stellent/idcplg?IdcService=SS_GET_PAGE&nodeId=1406&dDocName=en010020&part=DV003001

At some point, they introduced a flash chip on a board that replaces the 
17c44 in the PICSTART.  It allows continual updates for new chips.  But 
it requires that your PICSTART be of a certain vintage.  For older 
units, it won't work.

The gotcha is that for the older units they no longer support 
programming newer devices with the old 17c44 chips.  So if you buy a new 
17c44 and put in the latest code (at least 5 years old now?), it won't 
program newer parts.

The flash mod part is about US$30 or so...

I have one and like it.

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