How can I read an RS485 stream?

[DynamoBen]

One tip: You have to place the chip in either transmit or receive mode. If your planning on doing some type of bidirectional communication you will need to use one pin on your PIC for this task AND write your commands to toggle it when needed.

[ngeronikolos]

Thanks guys,
I understand.I have to use the same commands as in RS232 interface?
If it is that correct,I have to replace the max232 with the MAX1482. My chip I want to be in receive mode!!

Before I connect the master device with my pic,how can I read the data using my COM1 of my PC?

Thanks
Nikos Geronikolos

[DynamoBen]

To receive via your PC you would need to connect the RS-485 transceiver to a RS-232 converter. You would then either pull RX TX enable lines high or low. Alternatively, you could tie the enable line to RS on the serial port...your call.