@ Mel:
Thanks for your interest in the progress of "Gizmo". All progress has been stopped as I cannot get the L289N motor driver to work; and there is no use in going forward with anything else on it until basic movement is achieved. You can find details on the problem under my post in the hardware section entitled, Back again with questions on the L289N motor driver. I have had a couple of the community members attemp to help me, but thus far the problem remains unsolved. I do believe that I have been diligent and through in my efforts to troubleshoot the problem; but have nothing left to try. It is my hope that perhaps DJ may offer his kind assistance at some point. Thanks again for your interest.
Lloyd