An interesting example of what is possible with the Arduino development platform has been described by Instructables member Jonathan Bush whose fireworks controller system is quite simple in design yet effective in operation.
Based around an Arduino Mega board, the controller includes a solid user interface panel and can trigger relays which send current to the electronic matches with the fireworks. Although fireworks aren't available to the public in most areas, this still shows what can be done or perhaps motivate your own control panel project. A quick demonstration is shown in the following video:
For more information and some interesting discussions about this control module, visit the Instructable page. And for more, we're on facebook, twitter and Google+ - so follow us for news and product updates as well.
When working on your own projects based on an Arduino Mega or EtherMega that require external circuitry or wiring - and you're not up for making a PCB - consider using a Freetronics Protoshield Mega. It includes the male header pins and a reset button to fit, and is also a little shorter to allow space for the RJ45 socket on an EtherMega. For more information and to order, visit the product page.
