> Additionally, the PicStart's serial connection is completely
> nonstandard/proprietary, with pretty low-level UART stuff. Would this still
> work with LINUX (even emulating DOS)? It definitely doesn't work with the
> MAC.

I've been looking at the PICStart communications with an HP 4952A protocol
analyzer.  They use receive data, transmit data, and one handshake line in
each direction.  The handshake lines are toggled after every command or data
byte.

I haven't completely worked out the details yet, but I think the Macintosh
could actually talk to it.  A special cable might be needed.

Cheers,
Eric