🚀 SideLinker (Advanced) - The Ultimate Sidecar Solution for Headless Mac mini

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Designed for Headless Mac mini / Mac Studio Users. "The Sidecar Bridge": Based on the SidecarCore private framework, featuring automatic wired/wireless reconnection, blind device detection, and native system notifications.

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🌟 Key Features

• 🔌 Exclusive "Blind Connect" Mode: Auto-detects and connects to the wired iPad without needing a device name.
• 🔄 Smart Retry Mechanism: Built-in 10-loop retry logic to handle slow system service boot-up.
• ⚖️ Dual-Mode Switching: Prioritizes Wired Connection (-wired) for zero latency, falling back to wireless automatically.
• 🚀 Permission Fix: Wrapped in an Automator App to bypass SSH Operation not permitted errors.

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🖥️ Step 1: Prerequisite - Configure Virtual Display (BetterDisplay)

⚠️ CRITICAL: This step MUST be completed while connected to a [Physical Monitor]. Otherwise, the GPU might not output correctly after unplugging HDMI, causing Sidecar to crash.

We use BetterDisplay to create a virtual "Primary Display".

1. Download: BetterDisplay Release.
2. Create Virtual Screen: Choose Create New Virtual Screen from the menu.
3. Key Settings:
   • Enable "Start at login".
   • Set virtual screen to "Connect on startup" and as "Main Display".
   • Enable HiDPI for Retina-grade clarity.

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🛠️ Step 2: Installation

Pre-compiled binary is available.

1. Download: Get SidecarLauncher from the Releases page.
2. Manual Compile:

   swiftc main.swift -o SidecarLauncher

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📦 Step 3: Wrap as an App (The Permission Fix)

1. Open Automator -> New Application.
2. Add Run Shell Script:

   /your/path/to/SidecarLauncher connect

3. Save as ConnectiPadWired.app in /Applications.
4. Ensure the App has Bluetooth and Local Network permissions in System Settings.

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📱 Step 4: iPad Shortcuts Setup

Create a Shortcut on your iPad:

• Action: Run Script Over SSH
• Script: open -a ConnectiPadWired

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🔌 Advanced: Direct Connection

Connect your iPad directly to the Mac via USB and run the shortcut. With Blind Connect enabled, the script identifies the USB link and ignites the screen instantly.