Thank you all for the input on the class. Maybe its a good thing I did not go. (the world may never know!)

But what about a good solid chip to start with. Do they make one with a built in RS-232? eventually my project will need to interface to a RF module that is controlled via RS-232.

Like I said before the keypad project will be basically enter a code, allow the user to run a motor one direction or the other. (This is obviously over simplified because there will need to be several levels of codes for different reasons...)

Save me HOURS of combing though datasheets and give me your opinions here!

Thanks everyone!
bill12780