>First let me describe my opportunity. I have designed a timer (based on a
Basic Stamp and a PIC16C84)  that uses >two photoeyes, a solenoid, a light
and possibly other things too. All of these devices have to be located
about 150 to >1000 feet from my console. The system is portable so I did
not want a lot of wires going from the console out to the >devices.

>1. What is the simplest bus to implement? By this I mean, what chips are
out there to implement this bus and how >difficult is the programming?

   I think I2C is the simplest. It doesn't need any extra hardware like
Echelon, CEbus
CAN and others. It's not difficult to bit bang - as shown in AN554. It's
not as robust as others but is very capable of moving data from one device
to another.It
is also supported by a lot of manufactures like Microchip, Philips etc.

>2. Does anyone have any experiences with creating devices that sit on a
serial bus?

   I've used I2C, CAN and CEbus. I've also been around Echelon.

   Chris




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