jshipp:
Well I think I just found my problem....Arduino + Avast Antivirus = issue I just reported. I rebooted and turned Avast off before I started the Arduino software. All the planets are back in line and everything works as it should.
Yeah, real-time AV will do stuff like that.
Just FYI I have never worked with a micro-controller before however I have a need for a multi-timer to run several 12v/120v relays to hook up several standard plug in devices. I am trying to make a variant of a reef controller (I have a 90 gallon saltwater mixed reef fish tank) that I saw for several hundred dollars. I figure this project will cost be about the same however I dont learn anything by buying something and plugging it up.
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Ah, well. There is a section of the forum called Project Guidance that may be more useful for specifics like this.