Same problem -- the serial outputs QA & QH cannot tristate.
It seems overkill to use a separate data selector chip as some
have suggested (though it would certainly work).  Maybe I'll end
up using the daisy-chain solution, but it would be neater to find an
SPI-friendly part.
Thanks to all,
Brian Aase

> Brian:
> What about using a 74HC299? All eight I/O pins change direction
as a
> group.
>
> -- Rich

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