Rich

@Brent No. As I said above it works using software serial so I'm sticking with that for now.

Hi, I started to suspect that there was a problem with my breadboard / leads. I decided to try software serial on different pins and that seems to work fine, so I'm happy with that for now.

I'm baffled. I've found another PIC16f1825 and it behaves exactly like the previous one yet the PIC16F1937 works perfectly using the same breadboard, jumper leads and TTL/RS232 converter.

OK, so I found a PIC16F1937 in my parts. I gave it a try with Anobium's TX code; perfect. So I tried the RX code. Perfect as well. Has anybody tried this on a 16F1825? Is mine broken? Regards, Rich

Hi Awais, thanks for your help. I put the jumper wire between pins 2 & 3 and downloaded the Hercules software. Unfortunately I don't have access to an oscilloscope but the loopback test seems fine. I tried one of the sample codes but I get the odd correct character with lots of rubbish between.

Thanks Awais, yes there is a power LED. It was only on when data was being transmitted. I have now connected 5V to VCC and it is permanently on. So, with the VCC connected I tried Anobium's modified code. TX sort of worked but RX produced nonsense.

What's powering the MAX3232 converter board? There doesn't seem to be a connection shown to the board's VCC pin. Normally that would have to be 5V or 3V3. The board is powered by the PC through the USB port.

Images 1 and 2 should be reversed above.