Does using a Pic 18f2525 (etc) eliminate the need for an SN71176 (etc)?

[dmcole]

This question is akin to a man floating in the Pacific Ocean wondering whether the ocean liner he can't yet see over the horizon will save him by gantry or life boat; nonetheless:

If one were using a Microchip 18f2525 (or one of its siblings) in a DMX-512 environment (all those pins are needed for other things), can one drive it directly, or does there need to be an SN75176 (or similar) in the circuit? If the SN75176 is not needed, where do the plus and minus lines from the DMX/RS-485 go? (Pins RC7/18 and ...?)

The Microchip application notes are a little light on the RS-485 documentation. But then, they could be heavy and I probably wouldn't understand what they were saying.

Thanks.

\dmc

[P. Short]

You need an external RS485 receiver/transmitter/transceiver chip (as the case may be).

[DynamoBen]

The data + on your 75176 will connect to A, data - to B. If the device will receive DMX don't connect the data common (shield) to power supply common. If the device is a DMX transmitter then connect Data common (shield) to AC ground.

[dmcole]

Thanks guys.

\dmc