@ roachburn
I want to get the max 3232 chip working
Can you test the max 3232 as a stand-alone...Use a terminal program ( Aceesories/Communication/Hyperlink ) , connect the R232 at COM1 or any free 9 pin serial connection of your computer, select that - 9 pin serial - port ( at the terminal program ), Use a logic probe at the output of Rx / Tx. And see what is going on...
This is just an idea...