BlinkyTape by Blinkinlabs
Best all-in-one solution for creative makers building interactive LED projects.
BlinkyTape is a unique LED strip featuring an integrated light processor, eliminating the need for external microcontrollers, power supplies, or connectors. Simply plug in a USB battery pack or wall charger to power it. It boasts 60 independently controllable, full-color RGB LEDs encased in a weather-resistant silicone. The integrated processor includes a standard micro-USB connector, allowing it to run independently or connect to a computer for interactive projects. It comes with companion software like PatternPaint for creating custom patterns and animations, and supports dynamic lighting with a Processing tutorial for creating light soundtracks and monitor backlights.
$35.99
Owner Satisfaction
4.5
/ 5
Category Rank
607
/ 1545
#607 in Development Boards
Price vs Category Average
-59%
Below average
Who it's for
- Beginners seeking a quick, hassle-free lighting setup
- Advanced makers wanting full control over hardware and firmware
- Installers building large-scale, synchronized light displays
Who should skip it
- Developers creating complex, high-frame-rate animations
- Arduino enthusiasts preferring standard, familiar development environments
- Users needing a simple, battery-powered portable solution
Performance breakdown
Setup Simplicity
Integrated processing removes the headache of external controllers and complex wiring.
Software Accessibility
PatternPaint makes creating custom animations intuitive for beginners and hobbyists alike.
Durability
Weather-resistant silicone housing protects the strip for both indoor and outdoor use.
Customization Depth
Arduino compatibility offers advanced users total control over complex lighting logic.
Animation Capacity
Storage limits restrict complex, long-form sequences compared to more powerful controllers.
Integration Versatility
Standard USB power and open-source support make it highly adaptable for projects.
Key Specs
60 independently controllable RGB LEDs (WS2812B)
Atmega 32u4 processor, compatible with Arduino
Animation storage space
22K, enough for 300 frames (compressed)
Housed in waterproof silicon tubing
1 m (39.3”) long, 12.5mm (0.5") wide, 4mm (0.16") thick
LEDs spaced 16.6mm (0.66") apart
USB powered, 5V @ 300mA for a sample pattern (current draw varies with program)
Open source hardware and software
Features
- Integrated light processor eliminates need for external components
- Weather-resistant silicone casing for durability
- Standard micro-USB for easy power and connectivity
- Companion software (PatternPaint) for intuitive pattern creation
- Supports dynamic lighting and interactive installations
- Arduino compatible processor for advanced customization
- Open-source hardware and software for community development
What customers say
The BlinkyTape earns overwhelmingly positive feedback, especially for its exceptional ease of use, making addressable LED lighting accessible. Users highly value the plug-and-play functionality, allowing simple file dragging instead of complex microcontroller programming. This simplicity is perfect for rapid prototyping and educational settings. The accompanying software is intuitive, significantly lowering the entry barrier for beginners. Furthermore, the physical build quality is rated highly; the tape is durable and the USB controller reliable. While advanced users note limitations compared to custom builds, most agree the premium price is justified by the integrated design and significant time savings. It is celebrated as a reliable, high-quality tool that successfully delivers on making LED art easy for everyone.
Know before you buy
No, the BlinkyTape features an integrated Atmega 32u4 processor, which means the controller is built directly into the strip. You can power it via USB and run animations without any additional hardware.
Yes, you can use the included PatternPaint software to create and upload your own custom animations. For more advanced users, the board is Arduino-compatible, allowing you to write your own code for complex, interactive lighting effects.
The LEDs are encased in a weather-resistant silicone tubing, making them durable enough for outdoor installations. However, ensure the micro-USB connection point is protected from direct moisture exposure.
The onboard memory provides 22K of storage, which is enough to hold approximately 300 compressed frames of animation. This allows for smooth, looping patterns even when the device is disconnected from a computer.
Absolutely. You can use the micro-USB connection to stream data from your computer, enabling features like monitor backlighting or reactive light soundtracks using the provided Processing tutorials.
The BlinkyTape is USB-powered and runs on 5V. You can use a standard USB wall charger, a computer USB port, or a portable USB battery pack for mobile installations.
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