I tried both versions with the same result. I added DEFINE CHAR_PACING with different values, no go. I wrote a blink routine for PORTB outputs and they all checked good. The MCS is a little tricky to work with so I have been double checking the parameters before programming. I am using the internal osc. and have DEFINED it so in some programs, again no change. My scope is down with a bad cap and the part won't be in for awhile so there isn't a good way to look at the output. Digital voltmeter and connection checks show nothing unusual. Not a very good day at the keyboard. I seem to have hit the brick wall. Later JS