OOPic input over serial

With a Pic processor and the PCW compiler, I know how to get a string
input over serial, get_char(), and I know how to convert that string
(ex. "23") into an integer. Is there anyway to do the same thing with a
OOPic?

Basically, I am looking for a way to read in a string from
hyperterminal (the string will end when enter is hit) and convert that
string into an integer for use within the OOPic. The $Str() function
will convert an integer into a string, is an easy way to do the
opposite?

I have an OOPic B.2.2+.

Thanks,
Tim