Hello,

I'm new to the list and to PIC programming.  This is an area I've wanted to
tinker in for a while, and the availability of cheap programmers and
software has finally convinced me to start.

For my first *real* project, I want to build an RS-232 protocol translator.
This device would read RS-232 on one port, examine the contents of the data
and write on a different RS-232 port.  The actual application would be to
convert a video game which uses an old unreliable video disc player to use a
new, reliable disc player that uses a different protocol.

Before I embark on this ambitious task, I need some information on
implementing RS-232 in a PIC (I plan to start with the 16C84).  For what
I've seen so far, it looks like it is possible to implement RS-232 directly
on the PIC without the need for an external UART.  Is that correct?  If so,
does anyone have pointers to code and/or circuits for projects that have
done this in the past?

Now, before I try and go for the gusto I figure the smartest thing to do
would be to build a couple of smaller projects, like an RS-232 receiver
(maybe a simple handheld LCD terminal) and an RS-232 sender (maybe something
that sends test patterns at different baud rates and/or word sizes to test
an RS-232 device).  Then if I can master these, I can use them to design
(and test) the final project.

Pointers to similar projects on the net, source code, book, application
notes, etc. would be appreciated.

By the way, I intend to publish full project details, schematic, PCB artwork
when I'm finished, so that other game collectors can update their video games.
--
Darren Humphrey                                 Voice:  (407) 339-8288
Distributed Simulation Technology, Inc.         Fax:    (407) 339-8202
777 E. Altamonte Dr., Suite 204
Altamonte Springs, FL 32701                     Http: www.simulation.com
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