morfis said:
I realise that but is it not a bit unusual to combine the two interfaces?
Generally the signal from the schmit trigger type circuit doesn't need to be converted from TTL to RS232 levels?
It is not unusual to combine the two interfaces at all, as they serve entirely different purposes. If you take a look at most of the data slicer circuits floating around the net you will notice that the ones not requiring a level conversion are powered off of the port itself. The output levels of these circuits are already rs232 compatable and aren't considered TTL level.
If, for some reason, the slicer is supplied by an external source (say 5 volts as an example) an appropriate level converter should be used to ensure compatibility with all ports. Will some ports accept a TTL level signal properly? Yes, many do (assuming the inversion is accounted for)! Do all of them? No not at all. Designs that "will work" are generally preferred over designs that "should work."
Not knowing the details of the circuit I assume that the circuit is being supplied by a single +5v supply. In which case, I see nothing wrong or strange here.