Blinkenhub
Which Mac mini does Blinkenhub fit?
Mac mini (November 2024 and later). The stand follows the rounded-square footprint of that model exactly, so the two look like one piece.
How does it connect to my Mac?
With a single USB connection. That one cable powers the hub and the lights, and carries the data for both.
What can I plug into the USB ports?
Blinkenhub adds two USB-A ports to the back of the stand, right below the Mac’s own. They run at High Speed USB 2 (480 Mb/s), which makes them a good fit for keyboards, mice, security keys, dongles, and anything else that needs an old-school USB connection.
How does it help keep my Mac cool?
The center of the stand is open so the Mac’s air intake underneath gets plenty of air, and a comb of fins at the back keeps the exhaust flowing.
Where does the light go?
Down and out, onto your desk. A ribbon of 17 individually addressable RGB LEDs runs along the bottom edge of the stand, behind a frosted diffuser. Rather than shining at you, it washes soft color across the surface your Mac sits on.
Software and lights
How do I control the lights?
With the Blinkenhub Python API. Software on your Mac can set the color of each of the 17 LEDs in HSV color, with an optional fade, and start animations: hue, saturation, or brightness moving up, down, or back and forth; the pattern spinning clockwise or counterclockwise; or a Cylon-style sweep. See an example on the home page.
The package also installs a blinkenhub command for quick tests. For example, blinkenhub rainbow lights the stand in a rainbow, and blinkenhub stop stops any animation.
Do I need to set anything up for my Mac to find the hub?
No. The API finds Blinkenhub on its own over USB.
Does my script have to keep running for an animation to play?
No. Animations run right on the hub, so once your software starts one, it keeps going on its own, once or forever, depending on how you set it up.
What can I use it for?
Anything you can detect from software on your Mac. Write a python script to turn the desk red when a build fails, pulse when a message arrives, fade to amber at the end of the day, or show the progress of a long job.
What does it do without a script to control it?
By default, when Blinkenhub powers up it will generate a slowly rotating rainbow.
The kit
What’s the difference between the assembled Blinkenhub and the kit?
The assembled Blinkenhub arrives fully built: stand, hub, and lights, put together and tested. Set your Mac mini on top, plug in one cable, and you’re done.
The kit includes all the internal parts: the USB hub board, LED strip, and screws. You print the stand on your own 3D printer using the models we supply, then fit the parts inside. It’s a good choice if you want the stand in a particular color.
How do I build the kit?
Follow the kit assembly instructions. They cover printing the three parts of the stand, fitting the hub board and LED strip, and testing the lights.
Can I design my own stand instead of printing yours?
Yes. The kit’s electronics work with an enclosure you design yourself. Keep in mind that the warranty covers the electronics as delivered, not the enclosure you build or damage that happens during assembly.
Ordering and warranty
Where can I buy Blinkenhub?
From our store: buy it assembled or buy the kit.
Is there a warranty?
Yes. Blinkenhub is warranted against defects in materials and workmanship under normal use for 90 days from delivery. If you find a defect during that time, let us know and we’ll repair or replace your Blinkenhub, or refund what you paid.
For kits, the warranty covers the electronics as delivered. It doesn’t cover a stand you print or design, or damage caused during assembly. For the details, see the limited warranty in our Terms of Sale.
Is Blinkenhub made by Apple?
No. Blinkenhub is made by Blinkenstuff and isn’t affiliated with Apple.
Where is Blinkenhub available?
Currently, Blinkenhub is available in the US only.