SpectroZIF18 is a high quality Zero Insertion Force socket mounted on a one slot wide card that plugs into your SpectroBUS18 prototyping system. SpectroZIF18 is used for 18 pin PICMicro packages that cannot be programmed in-circuit or are not "Flash" parts such as windowed devices that must be erased using "UV" erasers. If you are using parts that do not support ICSP, or must be removed from your SpectroBUS to be erased then SpectroZIF will save significant time.
Using either the SpectroZIF or SpectroBUS U1 socket for your HOST PICMicro will give identical results in all modes of operation, you can even use the ICSP connector to program the HOST PICMicro In-Circuit while using the SpectroZIF.
SpectroZIF simply makes it easier to insert and remove the HOST PICMicro during the programming and or erasing cycle.