My project is starting

[ScaleRobotics]

I looked to my favorite bootloader, Tiny Pic Bootloader http://www.etc.ugal.ro/cchiculita/so...bootloader.htm, but it does not cover your chip. So I looked around, and found a Microchip Ap Note AN1302. It talks about programming multiple chips through the I2C port. I have not had a chance to read it yet, but this might be good for you. Specially since you need to program two or three chips. It has the hex files, and the PC program here: http://www.microchip.com/stellent/id...pnote=en546181

With the PIC18 devices you can do a run-time config http://www.picbasic.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=4093

But not with PIC16 devices. So your configs need to be right the first time. But worst case, you could fedex new programmed PICs to your friend in Ohio, if you needed to change configs. (Well at least if it's not surface mount).

Edit: By the way, sounds like a very cool project. I am going to have to read more about EMC2. I hadn't even heard about it. What is the largest span you can hot wire? Can you post any pictures?