Dear Robert!
Thank you for the elaborated answer.
I thought everyone who built the ATU-10 device knows that there is no connection between the power supply network of PIC16F1454 and the pad #2 of the programming connector.
My problem is solved now - I added that connection and the chips programms just nicely.
I will make this correction on my version of the PCB. My project goals are discussed
here (and
here are some previous corrections).
Warmest regards,
Tony