work flow- how to move from one MCU to another

[Demon]

... RX and Tx connect to ? ...

The RX and TX pins on your PIC (C6 and C7), refer to the datasheet. The Lab X1 is wired for this already.

... Is there any software that goes with it or do I just use the Microcode Studio debugger as usual? ...

That's what I use.

... The Lab X1 uses this chip and a 75176 IC as well. Is that needed? (looks like it's only there for 485 comm)...

I look at the schematic for the Lab X1 and can't come up with a reason why it wouldn't work. I had made that circuit way back when I started with a U2 serial programmer; didn't have the Lab X1 then.

I probably just got in the habit of using my old thing-a-ma-bob.

I don't know the 75176 chip but it isn't connected to the RS485 connector for nothing. I'm guessing JP4 comes into play (this is only conjecture at this point). I haven't had to check RS232 on the Lab X1 yet.

Robert

From LabX1.txt:

RS232
... PORTC.6 and PORTC.7 are shared with the RS485 driver. Only one of the two
interfaces, RS232 or RS485, should be installed at a time.
...
RS485
...To enable RS485 communications, remove the MAX232 from its socket and install an RS485 driver IC. Pin compatible ICs include the MAX485 and SN75176, among others....JP4 controls the receive enable (/RE) line. This line is normally grounded to allow the received data to always appear on PORTC.7....

I don't have an SN75176 on my Lab X1. So unless you put one in, you should be set to go (my programming PC is not available right now)