Is the world ready for TTL RS-232 serial?

[NavMicroSystems]

... I'm really reluctant to send out a RS-485 system based on my own experience with the termination problems. Its also harder on the end user because they will need a 232 to 485 converter for each network

There is no big difference:
You'll either need an RS232 Level Shifter or RS485
Transceiver.


RS232 is actually not designed for your kind of application.

However,
a number of Listeners on a the same bus with a single Talker shouldn't be much of a problem.
(Even boosting the fanout of a standard driver is no real problem)
But you should bear in mind that you are most likely running off specs
and the price you have to pay is less compatibility and reliability.

With more than one Talker it is going to be difficult.

(There is no standard RS232 Driver with Open Drain).

Imagine the following scenario:

You presume: any device your product could be linked to is within the specs,
so there shouldn't be much of a problem if your product is slightly off specs.

Now the Designer at the other end has had the same thought
and is as well slightly off specs (but the opposite way)

Guess what:
Those two devices will (most likely) not be able to talk to each other!
(Worst case they could even destroy each other!)

So again:
there is a reason for standards being exactly defined.
And a good design is supposed to be within the specs.