Both my linx rcvr and the pic are powered by 5v supplies (seperate) so I sort of ruled out a threshold problem but I thought of just using a transistor buffer last night to see if that solves it.

I thought the linx out and the pic input would be compaible as most schematics
I've seen show a direct connection.

It's like when I connect the linx, it just shorts out the signal completely.

I'm gonna goof with it later....I'm sure it will be something stupid.