[Lowfer] PIC PROGRAMMER QUESTION

[Charlie , W5COV]

Hi All ,

I am a total and complete newbie to the world of programming PIC's . 

However it is now time for me to learn to program them , so I can move forward from my discrete and TTL circuits .

What programmer and what software do you recommend ? I want something that I can start out doing the basics with and then keep using the same equipment as I advance in my skills . I don't want anything proprietary either . I am looking for something that is as universal as possible , without breaking the bank .

Any other tips , hints and tricks you can pass along for either the software or hardware would be greatly appreciated .

Also what chips should I order to keep on hand , just in case I manage to let the good smoke out of one of them . <grin>  

CV is off of the air and will be for a few weeks , while I do some much needed receive system upgrades .

Also Saturday morning at 3:30 a.m , with no warning  , my home took a direct hit of measured 100 MPH winds , equal according to the NWS , to an EF0 to EF1 Micro Burst Tornado . So we are busy with cleanup and repairs for a couple of weeks .

THANKS IN ADVANCE !!

Charlie , W5COV