I am attracted to LVP because it uses just few resistors and no external power supply, once the RS232 can provide the voltage.
I have one pin less ? No problem : I've got 39 left !
Also 18F452 has 2 pins for Vdd and 2 for Vss, and nobody is complaining !
Ramon, be realistic. Your need is, I suppose to be able to program a PIC and go on doing it in a way to learn program writing. It is not a question of number(count) of pins, but in port B loosing a pin would mean some real loss. A byte short of 1 bit, whether used as output or input at digital level.
No point in liking because less components. I do agree a design with minimum components (if it is a design) should work trouble free.
Finally, at the end of discussion, if your purpose is not served, what are we gaining.
Please do go for a PICKIT2 and your goal might be well achieved. I have it and believe it functioning well.
I agree with the responses above. But one other thing to consider is the PIC a virgin? If not, and it had an encounter with a HV programmer which turned OFF LVP capability, then you are out of luck without a HV programmer. The LVP bit can only be changed with a HV programmer.
I'm not sure if this will work, but have you tried turning off FIFO buffers for the serial port?
no, mr kchriste - no HVP yet.
A bit better - I had a struck of luck, melted
(1) **broken link removed**
with
(2) **broken link removed**
...
and now I have a working LVP for 18F452 :