We will be using two programmers, Olimex’s PICStart+ compatible PIC-MCP-USB programmer, and Microchip’s PICkit 2. Both programmers have been tested to work with the three chips used here.

Since, you can safely power the mini development board (at this time) by the PICkit™ 2 Microcontroller Programmer itself, remember to switch off the mini development board’s power supply during ICSP ...

The PICkit 2: If you’ve ever wanted to get into PIC programming, possibly the PICkit 2 would be for you. [Ray] has written a review of his first experiences with setting it up and programming.