[sdiy] PIC advice needed (OT)

[Colin f]

> PGM is used with the LVP/ICSP mode = low voltage in circuit 
> serial programming.
> This allow to burn the PIC under +5V only . The Vpp pin is 
> not used in this case to burn the PIC and the LVP flag must 
> be ON , else it will not work...

Is the Vpp/MCLR pin not still required to put the PIC into reset for LVP ?
I'd stick to the normal programming mode.
LVP costs you an IO pin, and people seem to have way more trouble with LVP
than standard ICSP.

When using the MCLR/Vpp pin with a pull-up to the 5v rail, always remember
to use a diode to protect the 5v rail from the programming voltage.
Expensive serial DACs don't take 13v supplies well.

Cheers,
Colin f