I will start looking for some waterproof containers.
Idea: Salt shakers!
- Lots of sizes to choose from
- Screw-on cap essentially waterproof, yet easy to open
- Bonus: Holes for the cables sealable with silicone
I'll hold off the purchase until I have decided what batteries and charger circuit I will need.
I'm not sure about your idea of salt shakers... They are usually not waterproof round the top/bottom (they only have to stop salt getting out) and they are often unusual shapes...
I would recommend getting a lock&lock airtight (and watertight) food container:
They are transparent and can be bought in a variety of sizes. There are also a lot of very cheap copy boxes that would do fine. You would have to put a hole in the box for the cables to go through and you woud need to seal that with a bit of silicone sealant but that is not difficult. I have also seen some which have extra bits on so you can strap them onto things...
I will also try some new button designs.
I'm still looking for some for you...
The LED Matrix, Arduino (probably a Pro Mini @5V), batteries and charger will have to wait to about mid-October due to exams, and other projects. Just to let you know, if I'm not active on this topic in the next few weeks, it doesn't mean the project's abandoned!
The pro mini looks cool... I am considering a few for projects but I may go with the mini arduino boards currently being designed by other forum members (they have the full size chip still)
If you are going to buy batteries and it is only going to be a backup then the small capacity batteries from sparkfun and the 'slow' charger should be fine for you... They are not that expensive...
If you haven't already got the matrices then you can buy 8x8s cheap:
In the UK:
You have to buy 10 but they are damn cheap (I bought 20, from virtual village, and have had no issues so far)
If you only want 1 or 2 then I could sell you them cheaper (about $2 each and then postage on top)
Mowcius