Quote Originally Posted by GeorgeD View Post
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Is there not a way to knock one up without the use of a PIC? itmeans I have to buy a programmer or look for someone selling a chip prorammed using their design
The PIC is the brain, the heart, the very soul of the project :(

If you must buy a programmer this is the one I recommend http://www.rapidonline.com/Electroni...+2+Starter+Kit . You will also find a vast selection of ready made and DIY PIC programmers that mostly cost less, don't even think about them!

After much pondering over the requirements of an 'internet project' I'm still convinced the all in one, ready made, USB friendly, no need for a dedicated programmer, cost over £25 but save hours of frustration (1), units are the best options :)
http://robosavvy.com/store/product_i...roducts_id/726
http://robosavvy.com/store/product_i...roducts_id/543

Saves hours of frustration? This is fact under XP at least, best to check comparability of the USB driver with Vista/Win7 if required.