>The PC software could be hard to write especially if it will be a
>programmable user interface.

>You could also use the serial port, a PIC 16F628, 8 x 74HC595 chips
>which will only use 3 PIC IO pins for the 64 outputs plus transistors
to
>drive each relay. This arrangement includes a single pin reset
>capabillity. Smaller PCBs could be made up to cater for 8 outputs each
>and daisy chained.

>This arrangement would give you individual control of each channel and
>should be possible down to 1/10th second. however, if you are using a
>Windows environment, even though you tell the PC to do something every
>1/10th second, it may not do it exactly at that time.

>If it's just 'firing' each of the 64 relays only once at a certain time
>after a start condition then perhaps the PC software won't be that
>difficult.

For some projects that will get you very close to what you describe,
I'd consider MIDI as the medium to connect the PC to the PIC.

You can find some similar PIC projects at www.audiomulch.com/midipic/
Just look at the MIDI INPUT section of the page.

The advantage here is that you can use any MIDI sequencer software on
the PC to fire your triggers. You can get a Joystick to MIDI interface
(MPU-401) for US$25 from many sources.

By assigning musical notes to each event being triggered, it should be
easy
to create and edit your performance as a song.
Software for editing should be cheap and fully featured for your needs.

Good Luck,
Lyle

--
http://www.piclist.com hint: The list server can filter out subtopics
(like ads or off topics) for you. See http://www.piclist.com/#topics