not able to gain access to 74HC*** Logic. what he does need is something to help him build his own programmer.

NOPE, if he can not "gain access" to the correct parts, the last thing he should set out to do will be "build his own programmer". The average post list for those threads dealing with building kitchen table programmers without access to the correct parts is about 100 ending with "I give up".

ISP, however only require a standard RS232 transciever. (unless, of course, on top of all this he uses a non-ISP chip).

It is so darn easy to say "I want to build a car, but do not have acces to wheels" and expect a forum to help.

Erik