MCU Solenoid Project

Hi, I came across this video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sR3xm...layer_embedded

And I thought it would be a good project. I have actually 2 projects though. I want to run the instrument with a PIC16F84A. The only problem is that I dont have any way to program it. I have the chip already but no programmer.

I want to make one like the one on http://www.diylife.com/2008/02/15/pr...crocontroller/ I know what to do but Is there anything else I need to know to do that? Also, I will use a USB to Serial adapter.


My second question is about the instrument. I am using a 18v /1.1A AC adapter to power the solenoids I have built but the pic can't output 18v at 1.1A. I will use some kind of transistor or MOSFET. I am wondering which one (part#) and how I should wire it up.