General Programmer Questions

There are a bunch of PIC programmers out there that have their own software/driver.
I am using a K8048 kit that naturally has it's own programmer software. WhenI program my 6f627, that particular software is pulled up to write the hex to the chip. I had to add the programmer to my IDE in addition to the 'builtin' programmer list.
I'd like to get rid of this extra step and go from build to program without the added programmer software to be used in order to write to the chip.

Does the list of programmers in the IDE actually have the programmer software builtin?
Is the extra step eliminated if I use an Epic for instance?
If so, can I build or buy a less expensive programmer that emulates an Epic or other programmer in the predefined list?

The extra step annoys me but cash is an issue too.

hummm, F628 has a internal USART. You can use a simple bootloader software. As IDE you can use MicroCode Studio. The free version allow you to program/Debug F628 with a simple circuit.

http://www.rentron.com/PicBasic/MCS_X3.htm

As you see it's simple to use and build. If your device is not support by the ICD, you must build/buy external programmer like EPIC,PICSTART or else.

I heard often about IC-PROG and PONY-PROG. Seems to be easy to build/use.

IC-Prog : http://www.ic-prog.com/index1.htm

PONY-Prog : http://www.lancos.com/prog.html

But, i do not like those free prototype ones... It's my own opinion here. I prefer use one build/supported by a well known/trustable company. For sure more expensive but for sure, it worth the investement.

I use PICSTART since several years without any problems. EPIC is also a good choice.

Once your code is compile with PBP, you can use every programmer you want. Every programmer have is own software.