Very Simple ICSP Programmer

[mister_e]

It seems that I lose a couple I/O pins when I use ICSP. RB6 and RB7 specifically.
I want to program the device then be able to use every IO on the chip. Is this possible without disconnecting the ICSP cable entirely?

Depending what you want to do with those pins. Many here will use those PGD, PGC pin as push button inputs. You must design your circuit in regard to this issue.

In the worst case, you can use an DPDT relay + 1 switch to toggle those pins manually between PROGRAMING and NORMAL use.

For all of my application i use a 5 pins ICSP connector with an external switch box (circuit attach here) between my PICSTART and the taget PIC.

PIN 5 (GND/PGM) is a switched Ground. This is use with some PIC that need GND to PGM (low voltage programming pin) when programming. You can use this pin for the relay trigger.