You also need to consider what software the user will have to install to work with the programmer hardware.
If you go with a dumb (no processor) solution I suggest you do not try to obtain VPP from the serial port.
I do not think you can get ICD2's anymore but the PICkit2 is selling for $35. You may be able to talk them into a quantity discount. It may be borderline but I would think about how much engineering and manufacturing will cost to come up with a custom solution. The PICkit2 comes with a program call PIKkit2.exe. To reflash the chips it will only be 3 or so mouse clicks. There is also a program called PICkit2cmd.exe. It may be possible to use this program to automate the update. The one down side is that you will need a RJ17 to PICkit2 cable for each unit.
3v0
If you go with a dumb (no processor) solution I suggest you do not try to obtain VPP from the serial port.
I do not think you can get ICD2's anymore but the PICkit2 is selling for $35. You may be able to talk them into a quantity discount. It may be borderline but I would think about how much engineering and manufacturing will cost to come up with a custom solution. The PICkit2 comes with a program call PIKkit2.exe. To reflash the chips it will only be 3 or so mouse clicks. There is also a program called PICkit2cmd.exe. It may be possible to use this program to automate the update. The one down side is that you will need a RJ17 to PICkit2 cable for each unit.
3v0
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