A scary LED project for MSP430 Launchpad

I read the Evil Mad Scientist Labs project "A pumpkin that sleeps like a Mac".  This inspired me to build up an LED project to light my jack-o-lantern. Their project uses an ATtiny2313 and I didn't have time to order parts.  But I did have some TI MSP430 LaunchPad boards that I hadn't even opened yet. 

So I installed an IDE and ported the code from AVR to MSP430.

How to waste 2 weeks

Inspired by a class I took from the author of Extreme SMT Instructable, I decided to set up a SMT reflow soldering system.  Although his hotplate technique works well, it isn't as repeatable as I would like.  Recently, he added a follow-up instructable that adds a PID controller to the hotplate system, which should make the process repeatable.  But I didn't see that until I was already committed to the toaster oven system (parts had been ordered). 

And the hotplate technique still bothers me.  The heat is applied to the insulating FR4 fiberglass, so only convection heat is getting to the solder joints.  The bottom of the PCB tends to discolor slightly, so who knows what this means for long term reliability.

Reading several DIY guides, I became convinced that the way to go was to buy a PID temperature controller and a powerful toaster oven.  Why duplicate something you've seen work when you can try to do it "better"?  (hint: This is especially not a good idea when you are under a tight deadline, like I am right now.)

Lantern modification

I have a GE camping lantern that stopped working, so instead of just fixing it, I decided to make it "better".