There are various hardware implementations of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conway%27s_Game_of_Life Conway''s Game of Life] One of the most appealing is [https://www.adafruit.com/category/24 this one] This has the cool feature that many can be connected together to make a larger "world" The 4x4 size is too small to be very interesting by itself, and the starting pattern can''t be controlled. I propose a new implementation with the following features: * 8x8 multiplexed or "Charlieplexed" LED array * Expansion capability like Dropout/Adafruit version * On-line editing of starting pattern with optical download similar to the very clever scheme described [http://www.wayneandlayne.com/projects/blinky/design/ here] * Arduino-compatible boot loader if possible (or USBAspLoader) * All through-hole construction Hopefully the cost can be kept low ($20 per board as a target). Tentative BOM is [https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AlkcEtLoMLBZdE56bm04OENIa1N6alBMVGk4YWpnT0E here] BOM cost @ 25 = $8.32. == PCB Layout == Size options: * 4.8 in sq (0.6 LED pitch) * 3.2 in sq (0.4 LED pitch) * 2.4 in sq (0.3 LED pitch) If uC goes on same side as LEDs i.e. Dropout version, pitch is 0.7 inch. Can maybe do 0.6 inch pitch, thus 4.8 inch on side for square boards which can tile edge-edge. A 3.2 inch square with LEDs on 0.4 inch pitch is also do-able with the uC on the back. === Pricing for 15-20 pcs === * [[oshpark.com_OSH_Park]] at $10/board more or less. * ExpressPCB, PCBExpress and Advanced are not in contention === Pricing for 50-60 pcs === ''''PCBExpress pricing (E2 - 2L w/ SS+SM)''' * 14 in max, so 4x4 up is best. * For 65-168 in^2, 8 pcs are $669, 10 pcs are $715. * This comes out to $21/boards @ 32 or $18/board @ 48. ''''Advanced Circuits pricing''' * Seems that they can do 3*4.8 = 14.4 so price 3x2 up (14.4x9.6 in) * 10 pcs is $61.22 or $10.20 per board @ 60. * 5 pcs is $110.59 or ''''$18.43 @ 30.''' * Also 19.2x14.4 or 4x3=12 up. * $25 @ 24, $18.25 @ 36, $14.20 @ 48