I don't know the technical ability of you or your buddy but I recomend using a PIC chip. That's what my Dad and I did. It is more efficent and easier in testing phases because you don't have to change any hardware you just have to reprogram the PIC. Plus you can always add more features down the road. I wont be selling mine because my Dad and I don't have the time and we have since moved on to other more pressing projects.