Jason

> Hello , I am trying to set up USART module on my PIC to (eventually)
> communicate with other pics.

It's been noted that you are using synchronous mode.
Synchronous has its very real place but is less liable to be used in
"Hello world" type uP-uP interfacing.
It introduces a number of factors which complicate things when getting
going. In expert hands and/or once things are well sorted out
synchronous transfer is arguably less hassle than asynchronous.

BUT when getting going "just to try it" etc - use of asynchronous aka
async mode is 'to be preferred'.

In async, at the character level,  'each processor is (to a reasonable
extent) an island complete unto itself' - each does their own thing
with no explicit interactions and if the two are well enough agreed
communications happens.

The 'agreement' required is quite simple.
Same baud rate, same data polarity, same number of start/data/stop
bits, same parity of CRC.
(Assume NO higher level functions such as flow control etc)

Once those requirements are met then with PIC1 configured as
transmitter (say) and PIC2 as receiver then, if PIC1 sends a
character, PIC2 WILL receive it.

But, importantly, with synchronous it takes two to tango. While you
can indeed send sync data 'into the void' it's more usually a joint
effort between friends. With async, if PIC2 is absent or dead or a
smouldering ember, and PIC1 sends a character, the character will be
sent. It can be seen with an oscilloscope, adumbrated with a
voltmeter, seen on an LED if slow enough data rate. Even tasted with
your tongue  as a voltage level change :-).

SO: Async is your great friend.
Use it first.
Understand what's involved with getting it going.
Then use synchronous if it proves useful in due course.

___________

As soon as you can, acquire an oscilloscope.
ANY scope will make a vast difference*. A half decent one will do far better.
(Even a Velleman 1 MHz, or an old Heathkit scope, or a tube
Telequipment or ... will be useful.
Oscilloscopes time variant signals into spatial mapping on their
screens. They provide engineers with  eyes in an otherwise visionless
world. A vastly useful tool.

* Any, really. While an old valve clunker with poor or no sync, wavy
trace, dead synchronisation, dim phosphor and anchor class mass will
be vastly annoying to use, BUT will light up your world. Acquire such
only if free and you are utterly broke. Otherwise go slightly
upmarket.  A modern marvel will transform it.

Canadian oscilloscope store.
Warranty.
Prob not cheap but ...
    http://stores.shop.ebay.ca/The-Oscilloscope-Store__W0QQ_armrsZ1


BUYING AN OSCILLOSCOPE ON EBAY
tRY TO AVOID THIS
  http://reviews.ebay.ca/Buying-an-Oscilloscope-on-ebay_W0QQugidZ10000000001568756


Look at Joe's soundcard oscilloscope suggestion.
About free.
Low frequency but useful.




   Russell
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