OK, So after reading the thread that knguyen916 posted:
If you are just fine using the MPLAB IDE to program your chips (another layer of complication) and are bothered by not getting a verification on the completion of programing the PIC24 chips then you should get a PicKit3.
If you want a simple application to install the firmware (you are not touching the code) and are not bothered by falsing the verification of the PIC24 chips then get a PicKit2. Plus they will be cheaper soon.
Do I have this correct?
So after getting a PicKit I will still need a zip socket that fits the Dongle chip and I'm set for programing, correct?
After that I will need to know about getting a soldering equipment and supplys. What do I need? Do I need a full soldering station with veriable temp or is a soldering iron with a set temp just fine? What size tip would be best?
