Mr.E,
As you suggested, I ran the communications test program through the serial port via the MCS and everything was right on. It filled up the receive window with the expected text. Without a scope check on RB4 when hooked up to the H-bridge I don't think I can do to much more with this, other than fine tuning the DEFINE CHAR_PACING ? If you have any other ideas on what to try I'll give them a go. Thanks for lifting the bar to the next level. JS