HELP: Lighting Controller

immigant

I'm looking for a cheap way to control and power approx 20 fiber optic lights for a hobby project.I want the lights to be on a constant programmed loop with various commands to each output (eg. Light 1: off for 3 seconds on for 1 second, light 2: off for 7 seconds, on for 2 seconds etc. On repeat). I can manage basic programming but the easier this could be done the better.The fiber optics are for a small indoor hobby project so low power, nothing special. The fiber lights will be attached to the rear of a picture in a frame, the lights poking through the canvas with the controller tucked away in the rear of the frame also.What I'm looking for:Name and type of a suitable controller and fiber optic equipment and where to get them. Any helpful links or tips very welcome.

nmacc

Sounds like you're talking about something like this:
http://lightedcharts.com/

I know of two Irish companies doing this and both do good work. One is http://www.latitudekinsale.com/, the other one escapes me at the moment.

How you do it depends on the number of lights you need, but the simplest way is probably an Arduino. The Mega will allow you to run up to 54 lights, current permitting.

I've built these using the Mega and it's fairly straightforward, but don't underestimate the amount of time it will take.

immigant

that's what I want to do but I'm interested in making one myself. Thanks for the sugfestion. I'll give the Arduino a go