passing arrays through URLS

I need to pass a array through a url. Currently I'm assigning the array to the url like so http://localhost/dir/page.php?checkbox_array=$checkbox_array but when I want to sort through the array on the recieved page it is not possible because the array seems to have been replaced with the string value of "Array". The array I wish to can be of any size / dimensions. Also by passing a fenominal amont of variables throught the array I am starting to wonder what the limits are of this method an how likly is it that a browser will becoming the limiting factor in this. Becasue I have only a limited amont of time to test this site I'm only testing on Netscape and IE 4+ and they seem fine but I'd hate to find out later that thjis was a poor method for this reason. All any help with this is apreciated in anticipation. Reagrds Jamie