> If I power the max232 with 3.3 volts, will it limit it's output to 
> levels between 0 and 3.3 volts on the TTL outputs and still provive 
> the necessary RS-232 levels as well, or do I need a specialty level 
> converter for LVTTL to RS-232?
my guess is that the 3.3V side will be fine but the voltages on the RS232 side will be lower than normal and it may not be able to run as fast, whether thats a problem depends on if the stuff you are talking to is really RS232 compliant (iirc RS232 devices are supposed to be able to recognise an input as low as +-3V but some need higher) 

if i had a max232 hanging arround and wanted to do a quick and dirty prototype i'd try it but a chip designed for the job  is probablly your best bet for a dependable setup (note: it seems the max3232 also only uses a voltage doubler so its line voltage is also relatively low, if you want maximum compatibility it may be better to use a max232 running on 5V with some level shifters).



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