Homebrew PCBs

David McNab wrote:
> Hi,
> 
> I spent a few tormenting hours tonight battling with my PIC programmer
> (a JDM clone), checking everything from the programming app right down
> to voltage levels and calibration on the programmer itself.
> 
> Strangely, after dozens of attempts, it came right (with no changes made
> to hardware or software) and I'm happily programming again.
> 
> The only possible cause I can think of is a dirty ZIF socket.
> 
> Has anyone had trouble with ZIF sockets?

Sometimes.

> If so, is there a recommended
> way to clean them?

Put a chip in and clamp down the lever.

Push the chip back and forth sideways (push hard) so that the pins
slide and grind along the contacts holding them.