Strange SerOut Problem

[masosi]

1) Are you sure you have pin 2 correct and pin 5 correct (you are using a 9 pin connector that is straight thru?) see http://www.airborn.com.au/rs232.html

Correct

2) Try it without TX connected

Will do again - didn't make a difference last time

3) A must - add a decoupling capacitor across VDD and VSS (10 uF should do or anything close to this)

Will do

4) You do have pin 5 connected to your PIC ground?

Yes

5) try another power supply that can be regulated (or 3 AA batteries in series)

Will do

6) Do you have access to an oscilloscope? see what is coming out of PortA.1 and pin 2 on the cable?

I don't have one unfortunately - an LED flashes like mad though...

7) Check your hyperterminal settings to make sure you have 300 selected and the parity off

Have checked that many times!

8) you have been using a crystal like in your sketch?

4MHz with capacitors as drawn