Cheers guys, no can do this week.
got parents evening for my 17 yr old son from 6-8pm by the time i get back home and i've hung drawn and quarted him it'll be too late.
i'll be there soon. at the moment real life just seems to getting in the way. i keep this thread updated with purchases and who know's i may even have a go myself...just need a soldering iron as well.
Thanks for the offer of help, you guys are great!