Shopping...

Every time I think I've ordered all the parts I need, I realize I still need another part. 
I decided to give up on the NRF24L01. Not that I couldn't get it working, I could, but I want the potential to have multiple transmitters and I kept running into problems. I noticed in the arduino forums that I'm not the only one who wanted to try it and then gave up on it. I have one ESP8266 sitting in my stash. I didn't want to use it because I feared that I would run into the same router problems as the MKR1000 if I tried to use multiple arduinos. But I also saw that it has a function to make a network in and of themselves, so my previous arduino network idea still may work. I think it would be easiest to for now program it to just send UDP packets, like the MKR1000, and then afterwards if I have time, figure out how to make a multi esp network. 

I realized that I have a few 8 channel analog multiplexers, but my total number of analog sensors will be more than 8. I ordered a 16 channel mux. Even though it hasn't arrived yet, I downloaded an example code, tweaked it, and added the LIS3DH to it. That way I at least have the code done for the IR sensor, FSRs, and the accelerometer. Even if I can't figure out how to combine it with the colour sensor, that's still plenty to work with and make into a complete instrument. I really hope I can get the colour sensor working with everything else though. I also have an LED strip that I was saving for another project, but I thought it would be really cool to add it to the ball, and have it change colours based on what the led strip is sensing. I will have to come up with a way to diffuse the light though so the players aren't blinded...

I also realized that all of my sensors are either 3.3V compatible or both 3 and 5V compatible, BUT the IR is 5V compatible only. I tried hooking it up to the 3.3V output to see what happens. It still works, but not as great as it could be. I want to use my Arduino Pro Minis for this project and the ones I have are only 3.3V. I ordered a level shifter to hopefully help.

After ordering more parts from Elmwood and BC Robotics, I realized I need a JST switch to turn on/off the battery because it would be difficult to unplug wires while inside the hamster ball. Sigh...