SOLVED
I don't know where this would fit in the forum, but I can't seem to read, program, etc. a PIC16F877 in a PLCC package with the programmer.
I have made the proper pin to pin PLCC to DIP adaptor as I have done on many other chips, packages, but the programmer keeps going into error.
(ID error! Check the chip correctly? whether contact good pin?)
Using it in ICSP mode with another socket direct to the ICSP header on the programmer results in the same error. Turning off the ID check does not result in anything better.
So does anybody have luck in programming this IC in the TL866 in either DIP or PLCC?