In a message dated 99-04-06 20:24:18 EDT, you write:

> Well, after input from this list, I have settled on a MAX213E for my RS232
>  interface.  I have to implement RTS/CTS handshaking so I began studying the
>  specifics and it turns out the RTS and CTS are both IO.  So I began
>  thinking . How can I implement both input and output using a single PIC pin
>  ?  Can it be as simple as using diodes ? I doubt it although I'm sure
>  diodes come into play.
>
Why do you think that RTS & CTS are bidirectional?
I have used RS232 for years and never noticed this ... I think that depending
on whether you are implementing a DTE or DCE, you might have different use
for the signals, but they do not change direction in any one connection setup.

Ian C.