Newbie, need suggestion for easiest programming

Forum 2005-2010 (read only) Software Syntax & Programs
1

Hey everyone.

I would like to build a machine which has 2 push button switches, a 4x4 LED matrix, and a motor.

Button 1 would be a sort of "option selection" button, which as you press it in succession leads to different arrangements of the LED matrix as well as adds to a counter variable.

Button 2 would be pressed when the user has found their specific option through Button 1, and would activate the motor for different time lengths depending on the counter variable, as well as de-light the LEDs that were lit up (in a specifically timed order, so there is need for individual LED control).

I have had a bit of C++ programming, but I am not quite as familiar with electronic circuits.

Here is my question:

What is the best method to control a 4x4 LED matrix in this application, for ease of programming? (I need to control individual LEDs) I have read through some of the Arduino articles on controlling LEDs with just the board, but on YouTube I stumbled upon a MAX2719 video - would this method be much easier? The matrix only needs to be 16 LEDs. Also, what would you rank the difficulty of this task?

Thanks for any input, I appreciate it.

2

You can control a matrix with a driver chip like you have found or do it direct from the board. This is an 8 X 8 matrix but the principal is the same:- http://www.thebox.myzen.co.uk/Hardware/Econo_Monome.html

The down side of direct control is that there is more software to write but it is cheaper than using a driver.

If you are including a motor look at decoupling:-

http://www.thebox.myzen.co.uk/Tutorial/De-coupling.html
and
http://www.thebox.myzen.co.uk/Workshop/Motors_1.html
http://www.thebox.myzen.co.uk/Workshop/Motors_2.html

Also, what would you rank the difficulty of this task?

Intermediate - not for your first project but could be your first independent project once you have some experience with switches and LEDs and how to drive them.

Good luck.