Sending 4-bits from RFID reader->hyperterminal->PIC18F

[iamkennyk]

I am trying to set up an RFID system. I am fairly proficient in C++, but I am by no means proficient in C.

When the RFID reader detects a tag, it transmits a 4-bit ID (#'s and letters) via rs232. I can successfully view the tag ID on hyperterminal display. It continuously prints the 4-bit code about every 3 seconds, separated by spaces.

What I have not been able to do it is write a program that allows my PIC18F4620 board to read what ID is being sent to hyperterminal. I do not really have any code to display because I know I am not approaching the problem the ideal way. I am simply looking for ideas that any of you may conjure up after reading what is above.

Some questions I have:
Will I need to use gets() and is there a way I can make it only read the first 4 characters, or up until white space?
Do the baud rates from the RFID reader and PIC board need to match?

Thank you all very much in advance...

[dyeatman]

The answers to your questions:
1. Gets willl not return until it receives CR (13).

2. The best approach is to use getc() and save each character, then start checking for a string match after the 4th char is received. (you might use the strstr() function)

3. Yes, the baud rate, # chars, parity, stop bits etc all must match.