Hi Paul,

Paul Anderson wrote:
> Hope I have this categorized right:)  If not, do let me know.  I have
> the Olimex PG4 board, with a PIC16F84A.  I'm aware that the olimex
> board uses the serial port for power, and it will not work with a USB
> to serial adapter. 

I'm not familiar with this programmer, but I suppose it takes its power 
from the DTR and/or RTS pins. If you can use it with your specific 
USB-serial converter depends on:
- can it control RTS and/or DTR at the serial connector
- does it supply enough current for the programmer
- does your PC software control RTS and/or DTR
I have a USB-serial converter with support for DTR and RTS and have used 
it successfully with a PIC programmer which takes (a little) power from 
the RTS pin to control some opto couplers.

Regards, Rob.

-- 
Rob Hamerling, Vianen, NL (http://www.robh.nl/)
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