> If I use the USART of the PIC16F627 (or any other PIC with an
> USART) in async mode to communicate with a PC via a RS232 serial
> port, do I need to a transceiver chip such as the MAX232, or will
> it work without the transceiver? The datasheet I have on the
> PIC16F627 seems unclear about his, as do the application notes on
> the Microchip website.

        To use the UART in the PIC you require a transceiver. It IS possible to do
RS232 without a transceiver, but you can't use the built in UART (since you
need a signal inversion). Personally, unless you REALLY need to cut down on
size/cost I wouldn't even consider doing it without a transceiver chip, too
many possible compatibility issues. TTYL

--
http://www.piclist.com hint: The PICList is archived three different
ways.  See http://www.piclist.com/#archives for details.