here's the datasheet of the max232 I'm using:

http://www.datasheetcatalog.com/datasheet...2CPE.shtml

(click one of the links), I omitted the capacitor that goes from supply to ground, it's for decoupling purposes. I have a 470uF going from supply to ground instead (lower capacitive reactance, should be a lot better to short those high frequency spikes) upon switch up etc.

Ah another thing, imagine the serial connector as you would be watching the serial connector (DB9 type--i.e. 9 pin)at the back of your computer when youre going to plug a serial connector into it. Yeah thats the classic way to wire a serial connector. No handshaking required.


PS: Say p1.3 and p1.2 are low upon switch up (i.e. after being reset)...they're supposed to be +5V both of them right? Could that mean that one of them/both are shorted to ground?

Thanks in advance

Kai Busuttil