Dwayne Reid wrote: > I'd like to suggest that you visit > . > > You can assemble that programmer on one of those cheapie solderless > breadboard sockets in a fairly short time. Make sure that you > include the test LED mentioned near the bottom of the page. > > All you need is the PIC processor (16f628) sent to you. You could > purchase one from Wouter but I think the least expensive way for you > to get one is to have someone on this side of the pond simply program > one up and ship it to you. > > Have a look at that page and decide if that's the way you want to > go. If so, mention it on the list and someone will offer to program > and ship you the PIC. Then you can program your own devices to your > heart's content - and be sure that the PIC is programmed properly, > every time. The Wisp628 is a "real" programmer in that it doesn't try to cheat the specs of a serial port and uses it the way it is intended. It's probably the simplest and cheapest real programmer out there. My EasyProg is another alternative (http://www.embedinc.com/easyprog). The circuit is a bit more complicated but you should still be able to build one up on a solderless breadboard. Some parts of the circuit can be eliminated that are used to sense how big a package is in the ZIF socket and that deal with the resulting shuffling of pins. It will still take a few more parts and a little longer to build, but supports a lot more chips. The software, firmware, and schematic are all open, as I believe the Wisp's are too. The runtime software is a set of regular Windows executables. I'll program a 16F648A for free with the latest EasyProg firmware if you send me one with a self-addressed and stamped envelope/package to return it in via the US post office. It's no big deal for me to pop a 16F648A in a programmer and send it back, as long as I don't have to stand in line at the post office, hook up with UPS, FedEx, deal with any special instructions, etc. If the post office won't take it, postage is insufficient, it gets returned or whatever, it's gone for good. If you include a email address I'll let you know when the programmed part has been sent back. Send your 16F648A to: EasyProg Embed Inc 410 Great Road Littleton, MA 01450 ******************************************************************** Embed Inc, Littleton Massachusetts, http://www.embedinc.com/products (978) 742-9014. Gold level PIC consultants since 2000. -- http://www.piclist.com PIC/SX FAQ & list archive View/change your membership options at http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/piclist