>From: Ruben vd Merwe [mailto:rubenv@AMPNET.CO.ZA] >Subject: Re: [PIC]: Home Automation with PICs > > >Thanks Lyle > >What are the possibilities for RS232 or 485? By the sounds of it I = might >have to go to a type of star config, as all my nodes will collaborate = in >one place. > >Ruben > -- Standard RS-232 is not addressable, though the "AUSART" in the newer pics supports an addressing scheme. I have stretched RS-232 over much longer wires than are suggested, but your mileage may vary. I have no experience with RS-485, but I believe the hardware layer has many of the advantages you appear to be looking for. I do believe it requires a driver chip. With RS-485, you can create a network of your design, but you are left = with creating all the details yourself. If this is what you want, great. One reason I chose CAN is that most of the error detection, bus = arbitration,=20 and other low level details are already done for me. I just set up the necessary stuff and wait for messages that are pertinent to this node. I am not an expert on CAN. There are many on this list with far greater=20 experience than I. I am working towards knowing it better though. If I have offered misleading or "wrong" information, I hope someone with better knowledge will step in and offer a correction. I think your time will be well spent by reading more details on each of the methods you are considering. The CAN system was designed by Bosch. I'm sure a bit of time researching this with Google will provide you = with a great deal of information. There is a site "out there somewhere" that is a working community effort to create a home automation system based on CAN controllers. I don't = have a link. The choices are all yours. There are many methods available, each with advantages and disadvantages. It's up to you to evaluate them and decide which best fits your needs and experience. I've offered about all I CAN without interjecting too much personal opinion (I hope). Good Luck, Lyle -- http://www.piclist.com hint: To leave the PICList mailto:piclist-unsubscribe-request@mitvma.mit.edu