Multiple Buttons. Multiple LEDs. Multiple Interfaces!!

Projects General Guidance
1

Hello All

So Im new to Arduino, and component level electronics in general.

So the project.

14 Momentary RGB illuminated buttons, Interfacing via a computer (PC or MAC) with customisable actions. (so Java or something)

It would in an ideal world be able to spit out MIDI or keyboard presses or OSC or whatever else 3rd party software uses for communication between hardware interfaces. (this is probably going to be done via software)

In an ideal world it would also be able to have (as an optional expansion) communication over ethernet to the computer, and an LCD screen to display the assigned function of 8 of the buttons (customisable by the software)

Id like to keep the cost as low as possible, and the form factor as small as possible. If my prototypes are successful then I could go for commercial manufacture.

Where do I start with the physical wiring of the LEDS/buttons to the interface. Physically building the item is a piece of cake, but its getting it electrically working is my sticking point. I was looking at the teensy, and arduino boards but im none the wiser. I understand that Ill need to matrix the LED's and buttons up?

cheers

Dunc

2

This isn't an ideal world, but we do our best.
Why don't you tell us what you want to do with your 42(love that number) LEDs?

3

Basically the LEDs are for showing that they are assigned, or have been actioned. So they will all be one colour for 99% of the time, or off. For example there are 10 of which will be blue if they are assigned, and go green for 2 seconds once pushed. (or be assigned to be a different colour, and then go green when pushed)

There will be one button which will be orange, and will flash when pushed

One button which will be green, and will go red for a user defined amount of time when pushed.

There will also be a simple On / Off button that I forgot to mention, to inhibit the button pushes.

EDIT: Shift registers would be fine, as I dont require the LEDs to fade.

HTH

Dunc

4

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