first post:
send out 4 idle characters (characters without the start bit)
last post:
When I mean ilde byte, I meant the UART will send out a 1 as the start bit
Are you saying The UART is not to send anything? If it is to send something, just not the start byte, the receiver will pick the first low as a start byte.

Problem with using a simple delay is that would require the use of a free timer. I'm trying to get away from doing that.
Do you have to listen during idle time? if not you can use the same timer as the UART. Otherwise you can run TxD through an or gate.

Erik