SparkFun Forums

[VStar650CL]

I dunno, I'd have to say the complexity of I2C depends on the device's perspective. I2C master is trivial, but did you ever write an I2C slave? Even in a uC with I2C functions in hardware, the only way to implement it is with a 5-state state-machine. Easy it isn't!

[macegr]

Oh but complexity isn't necessarily about how many possible states it can be. Once you get those states coded correctly (I've done slave and master I2C), it's pretty much going to work. Software serial may require extra time testing and tweaking to actually work, and ongoing testing and tweaking since other parts of your code can easily interfere with communications. Just my opinion though. I2C exists for a reason....

[VStar650CL]

Heck yes, I didn't say RS-485 is a panacea. When there's multiple devices on the bus, like all the little silicon critters that run the average car these days, I2C is both handy and efficient... just not if the vehicle is 1000 ft long. Both are good tools that have their proper place.

[emile_b]

Probably not of much use for this project, but I know CAN is good for 'car networking'

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Controller_Area_Network
http://www.ni.com/automotive/can.htm

[VStar650CL]

True also. 'Nother tool, 'nother spot in the toolbox.