Greetings,
Knew I'd respond, didn't ya?
1. I'd prefer the power supply separate. Assuming a 5 or 12 volt standard, that allows all the various computer and other supplies to be used. And power supplies do fail. Much easier to make a connector that can be used with whatever stable source people have. That also keeps the ac away from the board, solving and preventing related issues. Reduces board size for what would be an unneeded part, in my belief.
For me that also allows any power supply noise and size issues to be moved a short distance away from the board. Allows models to be more likely to have controllers placed inside, nearer the leds.
2. DMX seems to be a good way to go. We already have that part both hardware and software wise dealt with.
3 and 4. Channel numbers. There's a point of diminishing return. 2048, I would think. :-)
Working with speed limitations of pics, etc., 512 makes one universe go round. 256 acceptable, as that may be what many people would see as enuff. Half a universe is better than none.
5. Header pin outputs. I can work with that. Seems the simplest solution. Can fit in small areas. Easy connectors to find and make. Kind to small animals...
6. 20ma seems the proper current. Works with known leds. Can always be used as a starting point for a rare input to other things.
7. SMT should be doable. As far as the parts, we really aren't using anything really exotic here, are we?
I'll put my support behind this, as I'm looking already at ways to do this. Let me know what can be done from this end. And official statement of thanks for looking at the possibility, where ever it leds....
Keith