> So before I do this, let me ask -- is there a small hand-held programmer 
> that
> I can purchase on which I can easily download a hex file and use that to
> program the PIC-based device?

Well, if you are going to use a laptop, then an ICD2 will power itself of 
the USB, and program chips.

But I think you are asking if there is a self contained device that you can 
load the hex file into, and then go into the field with it all self 
contained. I do remember someone on this list working on a device like that 
in the past. 

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