I have a project I'm working on where I'm converting color signals into midi messages. I built all the hardware, so I am sending midi output that my computer can read through my sound card. I am very new and very daunted by PD though. I think PDuino and firmata would probably be the way to go, but I'm not sure. I'm not even sure how I would start building the patch. Basically, I would like to control 8 single direction dc motors on the arduino by midi, assigning each motor to a note on any octave, and controlling their speed by velocity from the midi controller. I have a motor shield built that can control 4 dc motors bi-directionally, and it can control 8 in single direction. It uses PWM to control speed stepping.

Basically, I'm a super noob, and in way over my head. Any help at all, like pointing me in the right direction, or walk throughs are highly appreciated. I'm not even sure all I would want would be possible, but I'm all for lofty goals.

Thanks for looking.