If you want to talk over only a short distance, then you can directly
connect the two usarts by using a simple crossover connection:

tx1 to rx2    tx2  to rx1

The rs232 inverter stuff is to allow transmission of signals
over longer distances.

If you are having trouble receiving at all (or transmitting at all)
see my tutorial/program available at:

http://redrival.com/mcgahee

Please read the whole thing and make sure that you have taken care of
all the gotcha's mentioned.

Fr. Tom McGahee

----- Original Message -----
From: Greg Hartung <ghartung@USWEST.NET>
To: <PICLIST@MITVMA.MIT.EDU>
Sent: Saturday, May 20, 2000 4:44 PM
Subject: usart to usart


>    I am trying to get a 16f877 to talk to another one over the built-in
> serial usart.  I don't think I need a Maxim or Dallas rs-232 chip.  Can
> I simply hook tx to rx?  Receiving 877 never gets anything.  I tried a
> series resistor and a pullup.  No luck.