LinkM for programming BlinkM

Technology
LinkM for programming BlinkM

linkMProto01.jpg
LinkM without enclosure

The clever folks at ThingM have a new open-source device on the way for programming BlinkM LEDs without an Arduino. It’s called the LinkM, a driverless USB adapter for OSX, Windows, and Linux that you plug a BlinkM (or MaxM or MinM) into. This seems like an excellent solution for artists, tinkerers, and students who are new to electronics but want to get some standalone RGB LEDs programmed and deployed.

LinkM is a USB adapter that addresses two of the most frequently-requested BlinkM features:

  • It enables you to program BlinkMs without setting up a separate I/O board, such as an Arduino.
  • It lets you program or control multiple BlinkMs simultaneously.

Plug it in, plug in a BlinkM, fire up the BlinkM Multitrack Sequencer, and start programming BlinkMs. It requires no drivers (when used with most operating systems), additional software or hardware.

They aren’t quite yet available for sale (should be shortly), but I was lucky enough to get my hands on one at Maker Faire and will post my experiences with it once I put it through its paces.

In the Maker Shed:

Makershedsmall

Blinkm Row

BlinkM – Smart LED

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John Edgar Park likes to make things and tell people about it. He builds project for Adafruit Industries. You can find him at jpixl.net and twitter/IG @johnedgarpark

View more articles by John Edgar Park

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