> I still feel that Microchip could have added a single sentence to the
> datasheet saying something like "Running the USART in asynchronous mode to
> connect via RS232 to DTE equipment such as computers, will require the use
> of a line transceiver. See application note xxx for an example".

The problem with this is it would rapidly inflate the documentation.
The datasheet is meant to be read by techs, not beginners.

When I was new to the microcontroller field I had the same question and
I've been in computers for 30 years now (with much of that in software).

However, *every* beginning PIC book (that looked worth picking up to me)
had a tranciever circuit.

And remember, you only need a tranciever if you want to go to real
rs232 level signals. You can use the UART for internal communications
without problems internally at TTL levels.
--
D. Jay Newman          ! Pudge controls the weather.
jay@sprucegrove.com    !
http://enerd.ws/~jay/  ! Oh good. My dog found the chainsaw.

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