> bit-bang a pin instead.  If the protocol is a more standard one,
> say 9600 8n1 then no problem.

I've run PICs with rs485 up to the higher standard baud rates. At higher
baud rates the problems are the same as with RS232: you need the proper
crystal to get the exact baud rates you need.

You do need a tranceiver chip, but you need one with RS232 also. The chips
cost about the same.
-- 
D. Jay Newman           ! Polititions and civilations come and
jay@sprucegrove.com     ! go but the engineers and machinists 
http://enerd.ws/robots/ ! make progress
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