In a message dated 11/23/98 4:18:14 AM Pacific Standard Time,
peterw@WAYBEAT.COM.AU writes:

<< So, what techniques are people using to make sure that the salve pics
 always detect the start bit of a host request message even tho they
 might be in the middle of doing something ?? >>

A goo interupt driven serial routine will do this.  You can also use a
hardware UART to generate the interupt.  Maxim makes a cute little UART for
embedded applications. (MAX3100)

Dave Duley