Microcode Studio ICD serial comms problem

Hi everyone, newbie here. I am trying to get the ICD operating in Microcode Studio Plus (MCSP) using PBP from a PIC18F458 training board bought from Futurlec. I am using a 3 signal (Rx, Tx, SG) cable from the RS232 connector (using MAX232 chip) on the board into the PC DB9 serial port. The port and board are set to 9600 baud rate and matched start/stop bits. The code compiles and programs OK but when the ICD is selected the MCSP puts out the message saying the link has timed out indicating that the PC and PIC are not communicating.

I assume the MCSP sets up the PIC USART or do I have to change any port setting to get the chip set up? There's nothing mentioned in the Futurlec board manual that suggests the USART needs setting up. Has anyone any advice or had experience with setting up the MCSP ICD? BTW, Futurlec technical dept. don't seem to respond to any queries.:mad:

Are you adding the DEFINE OSC x, where x = the frequency of the oscillator you're
using?

It just won't work if you're not.

Yes oscillator frequency is defined. If I use the communicator window option and fit a DB9 connector with data turned around, presumably this would debug the MCSP/PC end of the link?

Since you are using a trainer board, this might not be the cause; but I use breadboards, and I find the ICD works reliably only when I have a decoupling cap (0.1 uf) across Vdd and Vss.

Regards,

Anand