Beginner Micro

 There are times when you want to connect your microcontroller project to a PC. By sending data as serial information using the RS232 communication format you can talk to a terminal program on the computer such as hyperterminal. This project shows you how to build a simple interface module to connect you microcontroller to a PC serial port. The MAX232 circuit can be built into a module to make the connection from PIC to PC very easy.

Circuit Board
The circuit board can be made with any of the freeware PCB software programs such as expresspcb.com. Just copy the layout below. The traces can all fit on the bottom side of the board.

  The parts list is short and most of these parts are available from various
sources such as jameco.com or digikey.com.

Parts List
U3 – MAX232N Serial Chip
C1, C2, C3, C4 – 1uf 100v Electrolytic Capacitor
J1 – DB9 9-pin D-Sub connector
5 pin, SIP header
2 pin, SIP header
RS232 Circuit Board

Assembly Instructions
1. Insert C1, C2 C3 and C4 into the board as shown below and solder in place.

2. Insert J1 9 pin DB9 connector and solder leads in place.

3. Insert the 16 pin socket. Make sure the “U” shape in the top of the socket lines up with the tiny “u” in the circuit board outline. Per the drawing below. Solder the leads in place. Insert the 16 pin MAX232 chip in place
making sure the “u” lines up per the picture below.

4. Insert the 5 pin SIP header at the end of the board and solder
5. Insert the 2 pin header at the side of the board and solder.

Now you are ready to connect your PIC to your PC.