FT232R and PICs connection

[dolyshor]

Hello,

I have the following situation:

hardware:     FT232R        PIC16F1938
                     TXD    tied with    RX
                     RXD    tied with    TX
                     RTS    tied with    MCLR
                     CTS    see below
software: Win7 32, ds30Loader GUI 1.5.7, driver for FT232R v2.10.00 (I know that there 
is a newer version but for this chip - FT232R - it's no difference); other software or 
firmware are not relevant for this discussion.
I have tried to write some firmware into the PIC either connecting CTS pin of the FT232R 
to ground or leaving it unconnected. In both situations I have been able to write 
correctly my firmware into the PIC regardless the settings in the GUI:
a) Reset tab: manual or RTS checked;
b) Basic tab\Flow control: None or Xon/Xoff or Hardware or Both.
So, the recommended schematic - I mean the connection of CTS to ground - from page 21 of 
the main manual, October 2012 version, and the above mentioned settings are required 
only when we are using a true, not a virtual, COM port together with the MAX232 shifting 
levels chip?
In that case, there is no longer needed a 5-pin connector, but a 4-pin one, to upload 
the firmware into the PIC.
Am I right?

[Mikael Gustavsson]

Hello,
Only GND, Tx and Rx are required for both true and virtual com ports.
Connecting CTS is not required.
Connecting RTS to MCLR is not required but makes it easy to reset the PIC/dsPIC.

[dolyshor]

Hello,

Thank you for your answer.
It is as I have expected.