MarkT:
Well a lot of those motors are just switched on and off, so remote relays or MOSFET switches would probably be the simplest way to drive those (keeping all the high current switching away from the Arduino). Signal cable runs should be shielded or twisted pairs or both.Are the LED strips to be PWM'd or just switched on/off?
You might benefit from extra input/outputs, suggesting a Mega perhaps.
You'll need to be careful to how everything's powered - separate power for Arduino - and how everything is grounded. Are the motors large?
Thanks for the quick response! I'm not the greatest with hardware, but my programming's pretty top notch. I apologize if any of my questions are a little silly or misguided.
I've never heard of a MOSFET switch, so if you could elaborate a little, I would appreciate it.
I assume you're suggesting shielding and twisted pairs because of the distance the signal needs to travel. Would it be worth looking into buying signal repeaters?
The LED strips would just be turned on/off.
The motors are very small. As for power, is there a more effective (or better) method than using the "Power Tail? ("Arduino | Arduino Microcontroller - Maker Shed)
Also, I'm reading a lot about Arduino Shields. Are they an essential piece, or are the just an easy way to add features? And it seems as if the majority of the sensors would need to be connected to a breadboard that is connected to the arduino? At least the heftier motion sensor.
Any/all clarification would be appreciated (: