Making an 16x8 Arduinome: I have a couple questions

I am currently gathering information on all the parts I will be needing for this project. The idea is to build a 16x8 Arduinome. The link below is what inspired me and generally what I want to build. I have lots of experience with wiring/soldering tons of PCB boards and various fabrication, so once I know exactly what I need, it should come together quite quickly.

http://createdigitalmusic.com/2007/04/09/building-a-custom-monome-controller-with-sts9s-david-phipps/#more-2006

I managed to stumble across this (http://nomeist.com/arduinome-parts-list/13) which includes most of the information I need to know, parts list/assembley. Is there anything missing from this list that I need to get, other than any enclosure stuff? I hear the 40h buttons are smaller, how do these buttons compare?

Onces its all put together, does the firmware there provided work on a Mac, I could see if it was for mac or pc?

Thanks

Ok, making a 16x8 Arduinome just involves making 2 8x8 Arduinomes and offsetting them in arduinomeserial, of which there are a few options available to you.

Button boards:

1/ Bibo's 8x8 button pcb, this would use the Sparkfun buttons. I advise you check out some flickrs and compare sizes as these are the largest button alternative available I believe.

2/ Starfire's 8x8 button pcb, this would use the Livid buttons. Again, check the specs on the sites and some pictures, these are smaller than the sparkfun and closer to the monome buttons.

3/ Monome button board, using the monome buttons of course. This is for the more genuine size.

4/ Sparkfun boards, uses the sparkfun buttons. This is the most awkward as you need to get 4 and wire them up so that they work correctly, the all in one 8x8 boards are much easier.

Options 1 & 2 would probably require you participating/organising a group buy to lower the prices to a reasonable rate. Option 3 is simply less frequent as it comes from Brian and Keli.


With the Logic boards there are various options as well.

1/ Bibo logic board, works with the Bibo button board and that's it I believe.

2/ Unsped shield, which works with the Bibo board I believe.

3/ Starfire logic board, works with the Starfire button board AND with the Bibo button board. Uses an SMD component which may put you off although it can be replaced with a through-hole component for extra cost.

4/ Monome logic board, works with the monome. Same situation as the button board, more genuine but less frequent.


Group buys would need to be organised for the Bibo (if he has none spare) and the Starfire. There is a group buy in progress for the Unsped shield. And you would have to wait for the monome.

Thank guys! I had no idea about the various board cominbations. I deffinatly want two 8x8, instead of several 4x4, and I want to keep the buttons as similar to the monome ones and as possible.

Im at work right now so cant look into details/prices, but do guys suggest any specific route to go, while keep the costs to a minimum?

Right now its looking like ill go either the bibo or starfire routes...