void serial_init(void)
{
    // Initialize serial connection at 9600 baud
   trisc = 0b11000000;
   baudcon = 0;
   spbrg = 77;
   txsta = 0;
   txsta = txsta | 32;
   rcsta = 144;
}


void serial_write(unsigned char data)
{
    // write a character to the serial connection 
    while ((pir1 & 16)==0);
    txreg = data;
}

void serial_printf(unsigned char text2print[])
{
    // print a string to an RS232 connection
    unsigned char counter = 0;
    while (text2print[counter])
    {
        serial_write(text2print[counter]);
        counter++;
    }
}