signal too weak for RS232?

[dhouston]

You don't need a MAX232 for PIC-to-PIC RS232 0-5V is adequate. All the MAX 232s will do is boost it and then drop it back to 0-5V on the other end.

You need inverted RS232 between the PICs and the PC. PIC-to-PIC doesn't matter but both send/receive need to be the same, either inverted or non-inverted..

[emptyset]

thanks Adam and Dave for the quick response. i've used the MAX chips in the past but it is always easier to use inverted PIC-to-PC.

the PC part is just fine. the other embedded device i'm speaking to won't respond, so i'm wondering if it is waiting for the 24V levels...

i don't know what micro is in the device - maybe i'll open it up and see what is in there.

does anyone know if the MAX232 chip can handle a 0-5V input properly? if embedded device has a MAX232 inside it, and my PIC is talking to the MAX part, will it read 5V as a "1" input?

thanks again!
Pat

[Pic_User]

Max232 Data Sheet
Found under:
RS-232 RECEIVERS
Input Threshold Low
Input Threshold High
Input Hysteresis
-Adam-