hmmm yes that does help. I guess I have to do more research. i think i know what you are saying.
If I write a program with 3 parts in it, i could control which part runs at any time, with the proper control mechanism or input, in this case a three point switch or maybe a keypad with three keys in it. turn switch or press key and one part of the program runs.
So microcontroller on with on "power".
program runs, on repeat basic program (LEDs on all time)
press first key/turn switch first part of program (LED fire pattern)runs on repeat
press second key/etc second part of program runs (LED change fire pattern) on repeat
press third key/etc third part of program runs (LEDs change fire pattern) on repeat
press keys to switch or select programs.
Should I have a something inbetween the parts of the programs? IE press the key and all LEDs turns off for a second/ then full on, then run the selected firing pattern? like a reset. I'm not sure if this is need for LEDs. I wouldn't want to burn them out or anything.
I'll have to investigate which microprocessor would be the best one for my project. If i write the correct program without fatal errors it should work. Great! i can do this. I don't think my program will be that big.
All i wanted to know is if i need three seprate microprocessors, but no i don't. I can use one. with the correct program.
Thankyou for your reply. i'm new to this and all help is very much needed.
~Dimitri1990