I'd like to add something if I may? Take a look at this thread:

http://www.picbasic.co.uk/forum/show...=&threadid=428

This will show you just one of the things Mel was telling you about. I assumed my factory made rs232 <> TTL converter hardware was built with MAX232, but instead it was built with SMD transistors with open collector and 16F628's harware USART disliked this very much... Just my 2 cents

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Sincerest regards,

YZ7REA Vladimir M Skrbic
4N7ATV Repeater Administrator
YU7GHZ Radio Club President