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LinkM - USB to I2C

LinkM is a USB adaptor 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 also lets you program or control multiple BlinkMs simultaneously.

Not currently available

Our Code: SKU-000519

Supplier Link: [SparkFun MPN:9903]

Description

LinkM is a USB adaptor 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 also 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. BlinkM’s sold separately.

Specifications

  • Driverless. Identifies itself as a USB Human Interface (HID) class device, which nearly every operating system supports without requiring additional drivers.
  • Has no exposed components. Its hard plastic case makes it appropriate for long-term installation.
  • Synchronizes groups of BlinkMs with a metronome signal so that their patterns do not drift in time (this even works when the LinkM is only connected to a power supply, such as an iPod USB charger).
  • Works as a generic USB->I2C device, making it compatible with hundreds of standard I2C devices.
  • Contains an I2C buffer chip for driving longer I2C bus cables.
  • Open Source firmware, available from Google Code
  • Open Source libraries for C, Java and Processing that work on Mac OS X, Windows XP/7 and Ubuntu Linux, also available from Google Code.
  • Acts as an I2C master with built-in BlinkM metronome for synchronising groups of BlinkMs so that their patterns do not drift with time
  • Additional I/O pins on the board. AVR hackers can crack open the case to get access to digital I/O pins and use LinkM as a standalone microcontroller platform.

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