the idea of a front panel diagnostic isn't so bad
and could
also be used for other machines, correct? Besides, lots of
blinky lights always impress company.
Sounds like a fun project.
Somewhere between a logic analyzer.and a protocol analyzer
I have no idea if IDE, 10BT, or other interfacing signals could be
tapped off to drive LED's without disrupting the actual comms
taking place. Just takes some electronics skills.
I stop at resistors and TIP120's, this might take more than that.
John A.