If you only need the 9 bits in the PC to PIC direction, maybe you can use
the parity bit.

On the PC calculate the parity bit value based on the byte of data, then set
the communications control to odd or even parity depending on whether you
want a 0 or 1 in the parity bit.


If it was me, I'd scrap the whole 9 bit byte idea and just send two 8 bit
bytes. If the extra time for sending 9 extra bits is a problem, double the
baud.

Paul

> -----Original Message-----
> [mailto:PICLIST@MITVMA.MIT.EDU]On Behalf Of Brusque
> Sent: Wednesday, November 27, 2002 9:26 AM
>
> Hello,
>
>         how can I send/receive serial data in Visual Basic using 9 bits?
>
>         I'm developing some equipment that comunicates with each
> other using 9
> bits (the 9th bit indicates the start of a packet when set). Now I'm
> needing to make a PC application in Visual Basic to comunicate with this
> gear, but the MSComm control only works with 6/7/8 bit width.
>
>         Thanks,
>
>         Brusque
>

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