BL!NKr - A DIY Self-Contained LED Strip Control Unit

A Simpler Way to LED Without Sacrificing Versatility

What is BL!NKr?

BL!NKr is a self-contained LED strip controller with no online access required. At the size of a credit card and controlled solely through tactile inputs (buttons, switches and knobs, oh my!), BL!NKr requires minimal setup once assembled and offers an easy-to-use physical interface, and its memory feature makes it easy to take from place to place without losing your last settings.

Created by Sara Berarducci

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Key Features of Every BL!NKr

No matter which kit version you buy, you'll be able to enjoy these features!

  • Compatibility With Many LED Strips

    From 5V to 12V to 24V, RGB to GRB to strips with or without a separate white channel, BL!NKr can handle it, and it supports 30 to 300 pixels! Hook up a uniform COB for the ultimate glow, or check out my Maker's Choice option that I like the best for the price.

  • Open-Source Code

    If your BL!NKr doesn't have exactly what you want in its animations, you can always write your own! Since the code is all in CircuitPython, it's easy to edit.

  • Runs on AC Power

    No battery to replace, EVER! If you don't buy the Maker's Choice Pack or one of the power supplies I recommend, make sure your power supply has a compatible DC output connector.

  • Non-Volatile Memory

    BL!NKr remembers what animation you were on last! I hate when I have to select the animation I want every time I turn on a strip. BL!NKr doesn't have that problem! As long as the mode switch is in the correct position, BL!NKr will boot up with the same animation, color, and brightness as it had when it was turned off / unplugged.

  • Wide Variety of Animations

    I've looked through tons of animations on other LED controllers and selected my favorites for versatile usage. Whether you're looking to make your dorm room shine, have a head-banging party, or read by a soft glow, there's an animation for you. Animations with a specific color are customizable with the optional rotary encoder, and special holiday palettes are at the end of the animation cycle in both passive and PIR modes!

  • Options For Three External Sensors

    With the PIR sensor, the LED strip can turn on when it senses motion with one of several animations and turn off once more after a set amount of time without motion!


    With the electret microphone, the LED strip can oscillate and flash with different colors depending on the volume of your surroundings!


    With the rotary encoder, you can finely control the color and brightness of your LED strip, adjust the timer of the motion sensor, and adjust the sensitivity of the mic!

  • No App Required

    No annoying smartphone setups, no wifi networking. Everything is self-contained on your BL!NKr board!

  • Easy to Build Yourself

    If you know how to solder, building your own BL!NKr will be a piece of cake. All components are through-hole and cheaply sourced!

several kit versions available

Which BL!NKr Kit is Right for You?

SensorNode PC Board Prototype

Board

The cheapest way to get your very own BL!NKr: just the bare PC board. Includes detailed instructions for assembly, setup, and usage, as well as a parts list (BOM) and links to all the parts you need! It's definitely the cheapest option to buy the parts yourself from the original source


You'll need to buy your own Raspberry Pi Pico (typically $4-5) and load BL!NKr's software onto it. You'll also need to buy your own LED strip and power supply, as well as whatever external inputs you want. All details are included in the instructions.

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Bag

A great gift for geeks! Includes everything you need to build the PARTIALLY-Assembled version yourself; Pico not included.


If you don't want to go ordering parts yourself, this is for you - this reward comes with a bag of all the parts that need to be soldered on. But there's only a limited quantity available!


Of course, you'll still need to buy your own Pico, LED strip, and power supply to make your kit fully functional. Instructions included, of course!

Built

PARTIALLY-Assembled! Ready to add a Pico, an LED strip, and power supply.


A great deal if soldering isn't really your thing, but you're willing to do a little bit. This guy comes with all the board components soldered on already, and I get it this way straight from the supplier, which makes it much easier for me and much faster for you. This reward includes the partially-assembled board, instructions, software, and 3D print files for a case if I meet my stretch goal.

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Built+

The difference between the Built and the Built+ is a plus sign, fifteen dollars, and an included, pre-programmed Pico already integrated into the board! Fully functional right out of the package, all you need to do is hook up your LED strip and plug in your fuse and power supply!


External inputs sold separately with all rewards including this one, but of course, instructions are included. I'll also sample test these as I build them to try and head off any bugs you might encounter.

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Have a BLAST!

Get all optional add-ons to really take your BL!NKr to the next level! Shown at the right is the full package for those who want all the fixin's.


BL!NK on!

Check Out the Kickstarter!
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Open-Source Software

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Settings Memory

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No App Required

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Wide Range of Animations

BL!NKr

Add-Ons

These options can be purchased separately to enhance your BL!NKr.

Motion Sensor
Microphone

Microphone

With adjustable gain, headers not soldered on
Rotary Encoder

Rotary Encoder

Includes the cable and a rubber knob grip
Microphone, Motion Sensor, and Rotary Encoder

Maker's Choice LED Pack

12V 150px individually addressable LED strip with compatible 12V 3a power supply

Thanks For Checking Out BL!NKr!

Whether you decided to support me in my technological journey financially or just in your heart, I sincerely appreciate you taking the time to look over my project! I'm so grateful for what I was able to do! Please feel free to check out the project page of the funded Kickstarter, and have a good day :)