This project has languished for a long time but I think I will resurrect it. 

The format will change but still be similar in many ways, with stackable boards and solder-on front panels. The main difference is that the new design uses an LPC1549 ARM processor and has built in RS485 networking using a protocol I am designing called R3N (Robust Redundant Ring Network).

Why bother when you can run Linux and WiFi or Ethernet on a board 1" square these days? I dunno, I just like doing this stuff and I can see uses for it.