hi,
ok, thanks. i will get an MCU with internal memory but do u think it will be able to take the software i will require for this project?

i am using standard 5mm LEDs with a current of 10mA for the display.

as a result i was thinking that the transistors to drive the rows won't be necessary.
i am also thinking that the last bit from the I/O port can be used to control the OE and clock of the HC574.
also i think i will have to develop a code that helps the HC138 and HC238 do the right sequencing
but can i do that using the data lines as well?
(i.e. both HC574, and the HC138 will be tied to the same data line. e.g the enable pin of the HC318 can actually be tied to the data line not going to any row i.e D0 or D7.)

pls let me know where i am wrong.

thanks
ehigie