I am developing an interface between many discrete input / output devices
(lazers, keyboards, 1000's of leds, ir sensors, etc).  I am currently
using a couple of 16C65's and a I2C interface to communicate between the
PICs.  Each PIC has a specific function (cycle through lights, send ir
pulses, create sounds, etc) and they in turn communicate with a 16c84 with
an serial eeprom (through i2c also) for memory allocation / access.

The next step is to link the i2c bus to midi.  My problem is that I'm not
sure that the 16c84 has enough hp to listen to the i2c bus and manage a
midi line (31.25kb serial).  Any comments / suggestions?  I'm considering
using a 68hc11 for the midi work and let the pics do the "dirty work"

Additionally, I'd like to switch all the 16c65's to 16c84's. What's
holding
me up is that the 16c6x's have the hardware i2c receive somewhat built
in and works acceptably at decent speeds (all of the 16c65's are running
at 20mhz).  I know this can be done in software but I'm concerned about
performance.  Anyone care to comment? Should I use a "better" interface?

If I were to go to a 68hc11 or some variation thereof, could anyone
suggest a starter "module"?  It seems from my limited knowledge many
people make kits for these chips, but they are taylored for robotic uses.
I need something with ample memory and high speed i/o (the more the
better).  I have 12 midi lines to control (i was thinking of 12 pics...)
I've also considered using rs485. comments?

Thank you.

Arnaldo
aec@ao.net