Hi,
I'm developing a PIC24 controlled base station to provide an RF communication and relay of sensor data. In my application the device will connect directly into a serial network.

In the debug stage I would like to examine measured data, and receive program updates via the UART. I see that RS232 transceivers are usually used to provide level shifts and other processing before PC interface. I don't have this kind of transceiver on my board, I only have a jumper to take my TX, RX, VDD (2.5V), and GND.

Is it really so that I need this tranciever device on my board? Is there a converter I can take and plug and play (jump my wires and connect to DB9 connector? Or do I need to take an IC and put something together?
Thanks

 

MAybe this works

http://www.ftdichip.com/Support/Documents/DataSheets/Cables/DS_USB_RS232_CABLES.pdf

 

Yes such a cable will do the job. Just rember one thing. You can get those cables in 3.3 or 5 volt versions. Remember to select the correct voltage for your system

 

You need some sort of conversion. Google "RS232 level shifter" and you will get many good choices.

Sparkfun sells one such board. It is a little pricey for my tastes but should be good for a debug environment. You can also just copy their posted schematic and build your own (today).