I see no answer to this so far.

mike wrote:

> If I try to read the RCREG I get empty (which it
> should ). SOmehow, my receiver is dead. I have tried
> several chips, same problem.

> However, if I use the Pic Basic compiler, I can read
> the keyboard entry with no problem. Same hardware.
> Same ports.

  It's a very strong likelihood you are setting up the UART incorrectly.
Second guess - you haven't done something you need to do in *any*
interrupt.  Published appnotes have been known to have glaring errors.
The PicBasic author obviously know all about it, you will just have to
learn it (whatever "it" is!).

  Either someone steps in and points out a known error in the datasheets
and/ or appnotes, or if there is no "standard" blunder in them, you
should disclose your code, both IRQ routine and initialisation and the
latter for all ports too!
--
  Cheers,
        Paul B.