Recommendation and Other PIC Questions

[MichiganLights]

I have a few SS boards non-operational now. I want to load the diagnostics firmware to help trouble shoot.

Q: When the diagnostics firmware is loaded can the board also run your show/display? Or can it only run the diagnostics?

Q: Is the PICKit3 recommenced? Are there better, more functional programmers covering a wider range of PIC for example?

Q: Where do you buy your programmers?

[gassy]

Q1. Diagnostics only
Q2. PICKit3 is a good choice
Q3. Sparkfun

I purchased 2 extra PICs and loaded the diagnostics on one and operational firmware on the other. Made field testing a lot easer. Be sure to label them.