Even at twice the cost...how much is that in dollars and cents?? Not much, and again, more display real estate is always nice, heck, even if you didn't add anything, you could use larger fonts for easier reading (which interests me - I'm low vision).
If more analog inputs, etc. are needed, they are availabe in I2C modules, if program space is an issue, then perhaps we should stop using a Nano.? A Mega isn't that much more expensive, and offers a lot more.? It is larger physically, but even that can be overcome - they make small board versions, here's one source:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-Small-Meduino-Mega2560-R3-Pro-Mini-ATMEGA16U2-Arduino-Mega2560-Compatible-/152111349696?hash=item236a8affc0
Resistors paired with buttons and an analog input do work, a variation is to use a potentiometer, works well for menus where you want to scroll through (i.e. just twist the dial and scroll through).
Membrane key pads are cheap and work well, a 4x4 (giving 16 buttons) can be done with 8 digital pins.
I'm not in favor of chopping up the raduino board, but it appears to me that we can use separate boards.? The Raduino appears to consist of a voltage regulator that feeds the Nano, the Si5351 chip and support components, and the display.? The Nano and display are already separate boards.? The Si5351 with it's support components is also available on a separate board from ADA Fruit and on eBay:
https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-si5351-clock-generator-breakout/overview
The voltage regulator doesn't appear to be necessary when using separate boards.? The output from the BITX is 12v, that can be fed to the Nano Vin (pin 30) and it's internal regulator will bring it down to 5v.? 5v from the Nano could feed the display and the Si5351 board.? The Si5351 is actually a 3v item, but it has a regulator to drop from 5 to 3, plus level shifters so it can be used with 5v circuits.
K3NG has an interesting rotor controller project using an Arduino...it can communicate with a PC using Yaesu and Easycom protocals, so Arduino libraries for rig control are available.? His method of configuring how the code is compiled by editing a separate file where you choose what options you want is interesting too.? Here's a link to his project:
https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-si5351-clock-generator-breakout/overview
It should be noted that his project uses a Nano too...but he's announced that he's dropping support for the Nano and moving to the Mega.
It's been a while since I Arduino played, but I'm looking forward to my unit showing up and playing again!
73,
Steve, KA0NEB
