No, you don't. Max 232 is required to convert serial signals from uC (which are 0-5V or 0-3V) to +/- 15V required by RS232 interface (PC DB9 or DB25 connector for example). In your case, you have to connect the VCCIO pin from FT232 (which is the power pin for serial inputs/outputs) to the power supply of PIC, then connect directly all the signals you need.
No, you don't. Max 232 is required to convert serial signals from uC (which are 0-5V or 0-3V) to +/- 15V required by RS232 interface (PC DB9 or DB25 connector for example). In your case, you have to connect the VCCIO pin from FT232 (which is the power pin for serial inputs/outputs) to the power supply of PIC, then connect directly all the signals you need.
VCCIO is powered with the power supply of the circuit interfaced with the datalines of FT232. The power supply of FT232 must be 5V, therefore you will connect it to 5V from USB or from external power supply. But the circuit wired to datalines can work on diffrent voltage (ex. 3,3V). If the interfaced circuit works on 5V, then put 5V on VCCIO. If the external circuit works on 3,3V, then put 3,3 on VCCIO.
/pisoiu
Edited: The FTDI site contains application schematics with interfaces to various microcontrollers, take a look there.
I´ve tasted FTDI chips up to 1MBps in XP,WIN98, and WINME. Results: A GREAT and CHEAP chip. I´ve followed application notes from FTDI website, they are really cookbooks.