Hi
sometimes it may be usefull PIC external interrupts to your input, you can turn on portB pullups and make it work. I completed a high speed encoder reading using PIC 18f452 B0, B1, B2 interrupts. If you want I can post it.
thank you but I'd like to have all the inputs available for the external trigger, not only 2 or 3...
At this point I have only two possibilities: move to a more powerful processor, or use multiple monostable ne555, very easy
if you are looking for a more powerful processor the Microchip microstick development board is very good (we use it for student projects now)
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low cost (£16 in UK), comes with PIC24 and dsPIC processors, has an onboard USB programmer and a header to plug into a breadboard for you own circuits.