Have had thoughts about doing another one based around an 16F877a PIC, and the messages programmed in via and hand-controller with LCD, buttons and an rotary control (turn to select chrs) -- rather than connecting to an computer for upload of the messages through the serial port. This would make the system standalone. If I did make it connect to an computer, then I would have to make the Windows software in C# .net I really do not wanna do this, since it would not be an USB device, and these USB to serial converters on modern operating systems I hear have big dramas. The drivers are outdated and refuse to work on 64-bit machines.MCUU8, please don't go anywhere, a rolling message is my next project. The soccer club have asked if I can add that as a separate item and I know it's possible. I even have my local voluntary fire brigade that I'm part of asking if I can make one for them to put on the fire station tilt up door. We don't have the money to buy one.
Big job.