[Solved] Binary number to control pins

Using Arduino LEDs and Multiplexing
1

I've been looking for a way to control my output pins. I'm pretty sure that it should be possible with a binary number, I just can't seem to find anything useful on the Web... :confused:
Here's the idea:
I have pin 2-13 as outputs, and 4 analogs as "gnd".
I've made a 4x4 rgb matrix. As it is running now it's lighting one "room" at a time, using delayMicroseconds. but if I could make a system that would control all outputs at once, I could light one row at a time, saving time, giving me more brightness. Now I would like to have a 12 digit binary number,
000000000000: all pins off.
000000000010: second output pin on (pin 3 in my case)

Can anyone help?

Thanks in advance.

2

I'm pretty sure that it should be possible with a binary number,

I'm pretty sure I can't think of another way.

However, it really depends on which Arduino you're running on, and the AVRs all have eight bit ports, so a single write isn't going to work.

You could try a combination of bitRead and digitalWrite, look up direct port manipulation.

3

Thanks for the quick reply AWOL.
"direct port manipulation"! Exactly what I was looking for. Perfect Cheers.