>shift registers dramatically increases the real estate and wiring.  Should
>I consider the PIC16C63A with its larger size but increased I/O capability?
>Then I could utilize the USART for communications and the built-in SPI.  I
>think the additional cost of PIC16C63A would almost be offset by the
>additional cost of the shift registers for the PIC16C5x, let alone the
>reduced software complexity using the built-in USART and SPI.  Of course I
>will not utilize many of the features of the PIC16C63A - but that does
>leave room for possible expansion.
>

I would say YES, i've used the '63 and it's never let me down.  I would
however consider the '66, its got more memory for that future expansion we
never quite forsee.

John C.