Float to byte array

I want to convert a float into an array of bytes (char) to transmit over a non-canonical serial connection. I want to use the 4 byte structure of the original float that way I do not have to worry about variable lengths and still get full precision.

One method I have stumbled upon is this CCS compiler FAQ but I would like to try to get my approach (already implemented) working before I redo the code. Especially since I'm not sure if the PIC C compiler works the same as the ARM Linux gcc compiler in this scenario.

I attempted to use a union to do the conversion like so:

Code:

union
{
    char bytes[4];
    float val;
} bfconvert;

float bobsuruncle = 7.314239;
char output[4];

bfconvert.val = bobsuruncle;
output[0] = bytes[0];
output[1] = bytes[1];
output[2] = bytes[2];
output[3] = bytes[3];

on the other side of the serial line I perform the opposite process:

Code:

union
{
    char bytes[4];
    float val;
} bfconvert;

float whosuruncle;
char input[4];

// Read bytes off serial connection

bfconvert.bytes[0] = input[0];
bfconvert.bytes[1] = input[1];
bfconvert.bytes[2] = input[2];
bfconvert.bytes[3] = input[3];
whosuruncle = bfconvert.val;

The resulting output varies wildly with small changes in the actual float value (I don't have any examples off hand unfortunately). The best example I can give is that a value that should be very close to zero (no higher than 0.1, but generally lower) comes out as:
680667722740137984.000000

Thanks in advance,
osuee

Trouble reading a binary file as float values - I need the EXPERTs' HELP in C++ code!
Check that the receiver is using the same endian as the sender, and adjust accordingly.

Thank you for your response. I'll do some more testing with the endianness (though my int16's SEEM to come across fine), the post you linked was very helpful.

Sorry for not looking thoroughly through the forums archives before posting.

*edit* After digging into my compiler's tools I found out that Microchip PICs use a different float format than the IEEE standard. You learn something new everday...

Thanks again,
osuee