Check out Maxim's MAX233. No external caps required. I have had great success with the DIP MAX232 and SMT Caps. Great space savings. I normally use size 1206 tantalum caps (12mm x 6mm) and the standard DIP16 package but am thinking of taking the plunge and use the SOIC package in mynext design for more space saving. BOth these packages can be hand soldered.

HTH

Vic

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Victor Fraenckel - The Windman
victorf ATSIGN windreader DOTcom
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