Where did you get your PBP at?
I bought it here locally for almost double the original price when converted to our currency. I guess its the product of taxes, duties, import/export etc. That made it that high. However, I find it a good investment because of its capabilities and the "easy learning" factor drove me to buy it. I also have a BS2 and BS2P40 both bought double the price from the original price when converted. PIC is hard to find in here only those that are most applicable are available such as the 16F628, 16F877, 18F242 and the 16F84 most the MCUs available here are Atmel and Zilog based. I've sticked to the PICs because of their Flash capabilities and an easy ICSP programming mode.

I just found something on the net and its a MAX186 interface to BS2, its actually my first time to try this device. I guess I have to test it on my BS2 first and then learn how it operates so that I could incorporate it to the PIC. This is the best thing about PBP it is compatible with the BS2 so I only have one software to work on both.

Thanks again for the reply skimask.