Steve, I don't have much choice. The SPP feature on the 18F4550 has only 8 bits, I need at least 13.

I wonder if I can do this with discrete components instead of using the MCP23016 and 16F628 to generate a 4 bit combination. I have 13 momentary push-buttons that I have to get to the 18F4550 as fast as possible.

I'm sure there's another way. I'll ask on an electronics forum and see what the gurus there come up with.

Robert