RS232 to TTL level shifter using transistors

Here is a schematic for a convenient circuit to connect a micro to RS232 (COM) port using only common parts, no MAX232 and such.

BOM:
C1         220pF
D1         1N4007 - Can be almost any regular diode
J1         DB9
P1         CONN_4 - Can just use wires
Q1         BC558  -  PNP Transistor can probably use any PNP transistor
Q2         BC547 - NPN Transistor can probably use any NPN transistor
R1         10K
R2         10K
R3         10K
R4         3.3K
R5         3.3K
R6         3.3K

PIN 1 requires VCC the same voltage that the Microcontroller uses

Tested up to speeds 115200, used in many projects, ESP8266,sniffing router ports and the likes.

PDF