BBC micro:bit - Kitronik University
This Kitronik University course is part of the BBC micro:bit partnership and covers aspects of the BBC micro:bit including an overview of what it is, what our role is and of course tutorials to let you get started using it within Design & Technology.
This course is still being written so check back regularly, or subscribe to our newsletter to be kept informed of updates.
Course Contents:
BBC micro:bit Overview:
Getting Started with The BBC microbit:
- Powering your BBC micro:bit.
- Transferring a program to the BBC micro:bit.
- Getting Started with Block Editor.
- Getting Started with Touch Develop.
- Powering the microbit.
Free E-Textiles sample packs:
E-Textiles tutorials:
Using the expansion connector with electronics:
- Using the BBC micro:bit edge connector.
- Don't steal my BBC micro:bit alarm! (Learn how to use the output pins and LED display on the BBC microbit).
- Cool colours temperature sensor. (Learn how to connect a sensor the BBC microbit).
- Light level detector. (Learn how to use the Kitronik edge connector breakout with the BBC micro:bit).
- BBC micro:bit controlled crane. (Learn how to hack a toy and control it with your microbit).
- BBC micro:bit Line Following Buggy. (Learn how to use the Kitronik motor driver board with the BBC microbit).
- Controlling a servo with the microbit. (Learn how to connect and code a microbit to control a servo).
Inventors Kit Experiments:
- Inventors Kit Further Resources (Hints & Tips videos and code links). (Additional resources for the Inventors Kit experiments).
3D Printing:
- 3D Printable case.
- CAD Resources.
- 3D Print Robot Wars Buggy, instructions and design file downloads.
Laser Cutting:
Hi
Do you sell the BBC micro bit computer?
Regards
Ray
Hi Ray,
There is a legacy group which is working on the finer detail of the legacy which includes distribution. Distribution will begin sometime after the last of the year 7 students have received theirs. We are hopeful at this stage that we will be a distributor.
Rob
how do i make sure that my year 7s get this then?
Hi Adam,
You can register your school to receive BBC micro:bits for your Year 7 year group here: https://bbcmicrobitschoolregistrationform.co.uk/english.html.
Hope this helps,
Many thanks,
Andrew
How/where do I find the driver for the micro:bit so that I can drag and drop the coding onto them ?
many thanks
Paul
Hi Paul,
The BBC micro:bit should appear in My Computer without the need for any driver.
Kind regards
Rob
Can you elaborate on how the LEDs are connected to the microcontroller/edge connector as there's a 5x5 array of LEDs, but the relevant pins of the edge connector are designated Col1-3 and Col7-9.
Thanks
Nigel Kendrick
(STEM Ambassador)
Hi Nigel, The 25 LED's are split into 8 columns (1-9), there are 4 rows but the rows aren't broken out (to avoid the risk of shorts). Unfortunately, that means that you can't drive the LED matrix from the edge connector.
An example of how to write and read from the i2C would be a great help. At the moment I can't seem to get the correct parameters/types set in micropython for microbit.i2c.read and write. In the project i am experimenting with i am using a MCP23017 with a single LED attached to GPB1. the circuit works when connected to an Arduino. bus address is 0x27
Hi Dave, it's not something we've looked into but if you use the following search term in google it should be the first result in the list, once there you can find information on iC2 at the bottom of the menu on the left. The search term: microbit micropython read the docs io ic2. I hope this helps.