Getting your hands on dsPICs

Hello all

I'm trying to start some DSP development and I've designed a system with a dsPIC30F4013 at the core. The problem is, I can't readily find it here in the UK. There's Maplins, who charge hugely for it and sasy it will take over 4 weeks to arrive and Microchip Direct who also charge hugely and I suspect it'll take 4 weeks to arrive also...

Anyone know of a better supply? Normally I get microcontrollers and the like from catalogue suppliers such as Farnell, but none of the ones I know have these in stock.

The other thing is I ordered a programmer a while back but it's dubious as to whether it'll ever turn up. Since this is only a one-off development I don't want to buy anything expensive or elaborate, but I might need to get another programmer as I'm pressed for time. Any ideas?

F*SH, About the DSPic's, Why don't ypu just order some samples from MicroChip? They usually arive in about a week or so..

Dave Purola,
N8NTA

Now that's a good idea! Ok, might take a while (coming from Thailand) but they seem free of charge so yeah, awesome!

Any ideas for a cheap one-off programmer?