I have read many datasheets about MAX232 but my true questions is: What is the advantage of using it? In other applications I have not used it and have has serial comm. work. Why add more to my work??

In the second issue, specifically this is what is happening. I want to setup a IR receiver that would give "momentary" control over an electric motor. When the IR decoder receives a signal from a button being pressed and held, the test circuit is really turning the corresponding control port on + off really fast, instead of just on. So this is where im getting that crappy, sort of on w/noise signal.

I know I am having noise problems cause when my motor initially starts, its put reverb back into my whole design but maybe after 1 sec it goes down and it works. This is why I want to somehow isolate the motor ground from the rest of my design to help "clean up" the remaining part.

Thanks for any input,

Alan J