> As this is happening, the Active LED fades out along with the Power
> LED.

I think that's the big clue.  Something seems to be drawing a *lot* of
current.  Is the PIC in the right way?

> (I've swapped serial cables and power adapters
> neither of which made any difference at all.)

Have you tried swapping PICs?


********************************************************************
Olin Lathrop, embedded systems consultant in Littleton Massachusetts
(978) 742-9014, olin@embedinc.com, http://www.embedinc.com

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