This thread has gone off the deep end.

I see Ian wants to build up a "simple" programmer and get "simple" code
for using PIC processors.

For the amount of effort to get "free" stuff working, a small investment
would get a known working system and the FREE (as in beer) development
environment from Microchip.

This is easier then this backwater development system.

The PICKIT3 $45
http://search.digikey.com/scripts/Dk...me=PG164130-ND

MPLAB 8 is FREE
http://www.microchip.com/stellent/id...&part=SW007002

minimal hassle and works out of the box.

Why do this any other way ?
even for a hobby project !

I can't imagine that Ian can't afford $50.

hamilton