RS232 comms - need help with datasheet

[malc-c]

Uhmmm... this was working fine, disconnected the comms lead from the EasyPIC5 board, now nothing is displayed in hyperterminal when the cable is re-connected. - Errr

Have re-compiled and re-loaded the version of code I was working on, have even opened an earlier version and corrected the definds in that, compiled and tried again.... still no joy.

Either cable is damaged, com port on the PC damaged, or max chip on the Easy PIC is damaged. - To disprove that I installed the old 16F877A which still contained the development code (prior to porting to the 18F chips) and 20Mhz xtal - hyperterm displayed the data correctly - so cable, ports and max chip obviously works.

So with the power off I removed the 16F877A and installed the 18F4580, swapped the xtal back to the 12Mhz and then powered on (with hyperterm still "connected") and presto - works fine.......

Stumped !!!!!!!!

[mackrackit]

4580 and code is good.
PC and cable is good.

Maybe hyperteminal is acting up? Try the Serial Communicator in MCS?
Maybe the dev board has something loose? Try bread board?