I am new to this micro controller and love it. I am amazed at what I can do with this little computer. I wish I had this 40 years ago, I would be a rich man.
My question is this;
What or how do I use a regular "overlay" to the arduino code?
What I want to do is create a simple program, where the answer box is a variable in the arduino code.
In other words, rather than have a new user of my machine have to learn how to write and change a sketch; how do I "overwrite" the question with a simple fill in the blank?
Here is an example.
I want the customer to see...
HOW MANY POUNDS OF GRAIN DO YOU NEED _____?
I can use the answer given as a variable in the Arduino code and answer the question and make it work.
For example; if the user says "5 lbs", then I need to run a relay that runs a grinder for, lets say, 50 seconds.
Is there an easy way to accomplish this?
Just guide me the right way and I will research.
Bear in mind, I know how to change the time variable for a certain pin; the user does not, and should not.
Thanks to any one who can help.
David D.
Start with...
How is your user going to input the data? How are they going to see the question?
they will use their own laptop is the idea.
They will have to download the "question software" of course, but I dont even know what that is going to be.
You can use the serial connection between the PC and the Arduino (via the USB cable) to transfer information back an forth. To do that, you'll need -
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To be able to program a PC application that knows hot to access a serial port. This functionality exists for many programming languages and IDEs, but the specific implementation may be a bit different.
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To decide on a "protocol" of communication, i.e. how to parse the data, begin or end a message, etc.
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Implement that protocol on both sides.
Voila! 
Edit: And, to show off a little with an old but relevant project... Arduino + Delphi = Pong - YouTube