Talon2000

Apparently I'm making this way harder than I needed After looking at the original schematics for the two Switch Matrix's they share the same Data lines, and the second shared two of the address lines. So I got it stuck in my head that I would have to do the same when making the new design, and I don't. There is just enough I/O on MCP23S17 to handle the complete matrix and leave an I/O pin that I can use for the Test Switch. I've attached an updated Schematic showing the connections to the MCP23S17 Is this something that could work? Thanks, Kevin

I'm really leaning towards the MCP23S17 from reading what I can understand. It more closely resembles the original 1970's style PIA. Now to figure out how to connect all this mess together.

Looks interesting, but since I have no experience using a 430 or any micro controller I'm not sure if this would be something I could use. Here's a set of schematics I drew up rather quickly showing the Switch Matrix's and the interfaces of the existing boards. I think I will have to have separate Data lines, and I'm currently guessing the strobe lines will be in the form of address lines which would also need to be separate from everything else. Again forgive my ignorance. The markers indicate the pin and board number of the existing connection so I can keep everything straight for now. the I# are the switch inputs to what will be the 430 and the ST# are the Strobe lines which will come from the 430. Then the Cmos ttl will be run with Datalines, Interrupts, and Strobes. If I'm understanding all this.. I realize I bit off a large project to start with. But hey once piece at a time. First thing I need to figure out is how to input the switch matrix while leaving enough I/O to run the rest. I haven't drawn up the Plasma 7 segment displays as of yet. There are 4 6 Digit Alphanumeric displays, and 1 4 digit display. I think I should be able to run that with about 7 or 8 datalines, and a strobe. Not sure yet. Kevin 5X8 MATRIX.bmp Cabinet Switches.bmp Lamp Interface.bmp Solenoid Driver.bmp

My Google-fu has let me down. Or perhaps there isn't such a thing. I was hoping to find a booster back to increase the # of I/O lines on the EXP430FR5994 Launchpad. I'm going to attempt to connect 2 5x8 switch matrix's most likely using SPI. But I'd rather not breadboard something up if there is already an addon to do what I need. Kevin

Well, I missed the Arduino craze, if that's a thing? Anyway, I've just purchased the following. http://www.ti.com/tool/MSP-EXP430FR5994 http://www.ti.com/tool/boostxl-audio No real Coding skills, no real knowledge of Microcontrollers. I do have ASSC. in electrical electronics, and about 20 years experience in component level troubleshooting. My goal, or my attempt will be to replicate an early 1980 pinball MPU to control lights, solenoids, and read switch matrix's to ultimately control a pinball machine. With the extended goal of adding music, and sounds, change rule sets etc. I know this has been accomplished with the Arduino Mega, I don't know if it can be done with what I've got coming in the mail this coming week. But I'm willing to learn, and ask questions. Kevin http://www.ti.com/tool/MSP-EXP430FR5994