The “core” building-block I mentioned in my last post is nearing completion, at least, the software.

I have my microcontroller handling “switch emulation” tasks. It can emulate either group of momentary switches or a group of toggle switches. Response time is real good in a dimly lit room, and it works decently well even with the overhead fluorescents turned on.

Right now I’m working on a basic keypad PCB I can throw together, for a ‘proof of concept’ prototype. The first keypads will likely only support 6 keys, and I’ll build from there. Six keys requires twelve LEDs, six of them need direct and discrete anode and cathode connection to the microcontroller. The other six LEDs are providing bias light for the sensors to “see”.

I should have a video up tomorrow of the breadboard in action, and hopefully some pcb’s by next weekend.