Micro:Bit
Overview
Overview
This page includes all the basic information needed to start using the micro:bit within your Classroom:
This page includes all the basic information needed to start using the micro:bit within your Classroom:
Section 1: Micro:bit Hardware
Section 1: Micro:bit Hardware
Section 2: Micro:bit Pins
Section 2: Micro:bit Pins
Section 3: Microsoft MakeCode
Section 3: Microsoft MakeCode
Section 4: Buying Hardware
Section 4: Buying Hardware
Section 5: Helpful Resources
Section 5: Helpful Resources
Section 1: Micro:Bit Hardware
Section 1: Micro:Bit Hardware
The micro:bit itself has a few different inputs, outputs and sensors include on the unit:
The micro:bit itself has a few different inputs, outputs and sensors include on the unit:
- Bluetooth Wireless communication
- Radio Communication
- Buttons (two inputs and a reset)
- LED Matrix (5x5)
- Motion sensor
- Temperature sensor
- Input and output pins
- Micro USB port
- Battery connector port
Section 2: Micro:Bit Pins
Section 2: Micro:Bit Pins
Some basic but very important information:
Some basic but very important information:
Large Pins:
Large Pins:
0: Pin 0
0: Pin 0
1: Pin 1
1: Pin 1
2: Pin 2
2: Pin 2
3V: 3.3v Pin
3V: 3.3v Pin
GND: Ground Pin
GND: Ground Pin
Each of the large numbered pins (0,1,2) can read analog signals (for example ones produced when reading an Ultrasonic or LDR). However, not all the additional pins can read analogy signals. Please refer to this diagram before choosing the additional pins. Pins that can read an anology signal are marked with ANOLOG IN in the diagram in orange
Each of the large numbered pins (0,1,2) can read analog signals (for example ones produced when reading an Ultrasonic or LDR). However, not all the additional pins can read analogy signals. Please refer to this diagram before choosing the additional pins. Pins that can read an anology signal are marked with ANOLOG IN in the diagram in orange
Link to micro:bit pins by Microsoft Makecode: https://makecode.microbit.org/device/pins
Section 3: Micro:bit Makecode
Section 3: Micro:bit Makecode
To program the Micro:bit, Microsoft has developed a web application called Makecode. The web app provides the option to use two common programming languages JavaScript and Python. However, Microsoft has also included their own version of a block code for beginners.
To program the Micro:bit, Microsoft has developed a web application called Makecode. The web app provides the option to use two common programming languages JavaScript and Python. However, Microsoft has also included their own version of a block code for beginners.
Section 4: Buying Hardware
Section 4: Buying Hardware
Micro:bit
Micro:bit
The micro:bit is available from a variety of suppliers both nationally and internationally. The best place to identify a supplier is from the list provided on the official micro:bit website: https://microbit.org/buy/
The micro:bit is available from a variety of suppliers both nationally and internationally. The best place to identify a supplier is from the list provided on the official micro:bit website: https://microbit.org/buy/
Although the micro:bit on its own can be used for numerous projects and applications, it is limited when it comes to larger projects that require more power and IO. Luckily suppliers such as Kitronik have developed additional hardware to be used in conjunction with the micro:bit to solve this problem. Some examples can be seen below.
Although the micro:bit on its own can be used for numerous projects and applications, it is limited when it comes to larger projects that require more power and IO. Luckily suppliers such as Kitronik have developed additional hardware to be used in conjunction with the micro:bit to solve this problem. Some examples can be seen below.
Link to Kitronik: https://kitronik.co.uk/
Link to Kitronik: https://kitronik.co.uk/
Kitronik Prototyping System for the BBC micro:bit
Kitronik Prototyping System for the BBC micro:bit
Kitronik :MOVE Motor for the BBC micro:bit
Kitronik :MOVE Motor for the BBC micro:bit
Kitronik Klip Motor Driver for BBC micro:bit
Kitronik Klip Motor Driver for BBC micro:bit
Kitronik Environmental Control Board for BBC micro:bit
Kitronik Environmental Control Board for BBC micro:bit
Kitronik Compact All-In-One Robotics Board
Kitronik Compact All-In-One Robotics Board
The Kitronik All-In-One Robotics board will be used in many of the following tutorials. This board adds lots of addiotional functionality to the micro:bit.
The Kitronik All-In-One Robotics board will be used in many of the following tutorials. This board adds lots of addiotional functionality to the micro:bit.
- Maintains the use of all the original micro:bit pins
- Can run four motor or two stepper motors
- Can run 8 servo motors,
- Battery terminal (10.8v)
- On/Off switch
Section 5: Helpful Resources
Section 5: Helpful Resources
