hi nigel, i apologise about being vague there.
i intend to use the 8-bit parallel-to-serial converter to convert 8 bits received from the output of the Vd364 voice recognition module into serial form. I shall then program the micro to read this for an output.
You also answered my question about it being possible to use a micro with two UARTs. thankyou...
I think i've found my part: the DM74165N from national semiconductor. do you think it's adequate? for the 8-bit parallel-to-serial converter that is.