Developing a new vending machine controller?

[mawg]

I want to develop a new vending machine controller and would like some advice.

I made a start 5 years ago, using MDB on an Atmel board, and go the code complete and tested, but was let down by the mechanical guy. I gave up the idea, but would like to try again and am not adverse to a fresh start, as things have probably moved on in the last five years, I am asking for general advice.

Should I go with MDB or CC talk (or, is there a better alternative)?
- which is more common?
- which has the cheaper peripherals?
- which has the most varied peripherals?
- which is easier to develop for?

I am a software developer of a few decades experience, but not the greatest with hardware, so thought that I would ask some advice here. I have another friend who can handle the mechanical aspects of the hardware, but he is unsure about other choices.

I am looking to use commonly available, well supported and affordable components wherever possible.

I would prefer to use Raspberry Pi, maybe Arduino, or another cheap, well supported board.

One hitch might be the 9 data-bit UART which is required for MDB. Any solution would, of course, have to have a device driver.

I plan to code in C and would like a board with good C support, with appropriate s/w libraries, and supported by a common IDE, such as Eclipse, or by its own IDE.

I can go without an operating system , but would also be comfortable with Linux, FreeRTOS, etc. While an o/s is not strictly necessary, it may become so later, as I might add WiFi.

I realize that this is a lot to ask and rather vague, but most projects are at the start. Thanks in advance for any help, even if it is just URLs.

[Coin Operated Group]

mdb or executive are the only protocols I know, what is cc? I would love to help and get involved if I can, what is the controller for vending machine general controls or monitoring solutions etc? ? have 15 years experience in vending and plenty of spare machines etc for assistance of required. PM me if you like