just found this programmer

[siliconmix]

http://www.botkin.org/dale/rs232_interface.htm.

[jimmc]

I'm getting a 404 on that link.

Jim

[deephaven]

just drop the '.' after htm

[alm]

This is not a programmer, just a convoluted solution replacing a MAX232 by something not conforming to the RS-232 spec: funny stuff if flow control kicks in, no negative voltages, may not be happy if the output is shorted or connected to +/- 25 V.

[metalphreak]

I used a similar setup for dumping the DVD-rom drive key from my Lite-on Xbox 360 drive. It work's ok depending on your Serial port hardware and what you are trying to do, but in a pinch it works ok

[siliconmix]

thanks  .i should imagine it's quite stable using the fets.

[deephaven]

You can make your own Pickit 2 see here: http://www.obddiag.net/picprog.html

It uses a programmed PIC itself, if you need a hand in getting that I can program it for you.

[siliconmix]

cheers.might take you up on that.

[westfw]

The first time I saw this (or similar mosfet-based circuit), I got a distinct uncomfortable feeling about mosfet gates connected mostly directly to external wires of indeterminate length.  When I asked around, I did get some comments to the effect that it did tend to burn out, so I reverted to the original Serial Arduino circuit (this was for a single-sided serial Arduino.)