I2C lcd ( arduino ) with PICBASIC, help

[iw2fvo]

Dear Steve,

I am not able to findout the detailed spec for the QC2004A display. I can tell it is working well using the standard PBP connection diagram.
I am posting a general spec for LCD addressing ( attached ).

I did a very bad experience with the PCF expander board that was attached to the LCD: the trim pot that should adjust the contrast of the display has the cursor connected to ground and one side connected to 5VDC. I did turn it just to be sure of the contrast setting and I got a short circuit of the 5Vdc to ground when turned fully clockwise. The result is that my ICD2 programmer smoked and it is no longer working. I have attached the photo of the PCF expander to warn about this item: there is a very very gross design error on it.
I am looking to find a new pic programmer to buy: what do you recommand to me ? Is the pickit3 really good ?
I have a pic16f877 to replace on the ICD2 programmer but I do not have any possibiliity to program it with the required bootloader... I will ask someone tomorrow !
I really hope to test your programs soon. I will let you know.
I want to thank you once again for the help you are giving to me .
Regards,
Ambrogio