The main star of the show is certainly the dsPIC33CK256MP506 - 100 MHz 16-bit DSC in QFP64 package. 

To interface with such fine pins in a non-destructive way, I make use of a socket. 

And to save myself from constantly finding a way around the socket pinout, I use 64 header wires to bring all the pins onto a small breadboard. The result looks messy but should save me some time.

Note: Just at this point, I noticed the breadboard has very conveniently only 63 rows. 🤦

To program the dsPIC, I have the PICKit 3 programmer.

Using the recommended minimal circuit from the datasheet and MPLAB IPE software, I can get the chip ID - success. 

Note: If you are not able to connect to the PICKIT, this part of an EEVblog video may help.