Important Note

This entire repo was AI created - including all of the data within. The intent was to A) help me with my personal electronics inventory; and B) see how I could use AI to make that process a bit easier. DO NOT TRUST!

BBC micro:bit

Details

• Location: Cabinet-1, Bin 28
• Category: Microcontroller Boards
• Type: Educational Development Board
• Microcontroller: Nordic nRF51822
• Brand: BBC
• Part Number: 3530 (Adafruit)
• Quantity: 1
• Product URL: https://www.adafruit.com/product/3530

Description

Pocket-sized programmable computer designed specifically for education and beginners. Created by the BBC for teaching programming and electronics to children and newcomers. Features built-in sensors, LED display, and Bluetooth connectivity in a user-friendly package. Perfect introduction to coding, electronics, and physical computing.

Specifications

• Part Number: 3530 (Adafruit distribution)
• Microcontroller: Nordic nRF51822
• Architecture: 32-bit ARM Cortex-M0
• Clock Speed: 16MHz
• Operating Voltage: 3.3V
• Power Input: 3V (2×AAA batteries) or 5V (USB/external)
• Dimensions: 52.0mm × 42.1mm × 11.0mm
• Weight: 9.0g
• Temperature Range: -25°C to +75°C

Image

Features

• 5×5 LED Matrix: 25 programmable red LEDs for display
• Built-in Sensors: Accelerometer, magnetometer, temperature sensor
• User Interface: 2 programmable buttons (A and B)
• Bluetooth LE: Wireless communication and app connectivity
• Edge Connector: 25 pins for external connections
• USB Interface: Programming and power via micro-USB
• Beginner Friendly: Designed for educational use

Pinout Diagram

Official micro:bit Pinout

Basic Wiring Examples

LED Connection

micro:bit Pin 0 → LED Anode (long leg)
LED Cathode (short leg) → 220Ω Resistor → micro:bit GND

Note: Pins 0, 1, 2 have touch sensing capability

Button/Switch Connection

micro:bit 3V → 10kΩ Pull-up Resistor → micro:bit Pin 1
micro:bit Pin 1 → Button → micro:bit GND

Code: pin1.read_digital() returns 1 when not pressed, 0 when pressed

Analog Sensor Reading

Sensor Output → micro:bit Pin 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, or 10 (analog pins)
Sensor VCC → micro:bit 3V
Sensor GND → micro:bit GND

Code: pin0.read_analog() returns 0-1023 (0-3.3V)

Servo Motor Connection

Servo Red Wire → micro:bit 3V
Servo Black/Brown Wire → micro:bit GND
Servo White/Orange Wire → micro:bit Pin 0 (PWM)

Code: pin0.write_analog(value) where value is 0-1023

I2C Device Connection

I2C Device VCC → micro:bit 3V
I2C Device GND → micro:bit GND
I2C Device SDA → micro:bit Pin 20 (SDA)
I2C Device SCL → micro:bit Pin 19 (SCL)

Note: Built-in pull-up resistors included

SPI Device Connection

SPI Device VCC → micro:bit 3V
SPI Device GND → micro:bit GND
SPI Device SCK → micro:bit Pin 13 (SCK)
SPI Device MOSI → micro:bit Pin 15 (MOSI)
SPI Device MISO → micro:bit Pin 14 (MISO)
SPI Device CS → micro:bit Pin 16 (or any digital pin)

Battery Power Connection

2x AAA Battery Pack → micro:bit JST Connector
OR
3V Coin Cell → micro:bit 3V and GND pins

Note: No built-in charging - use external charger for rechargeable batteries

Programming Setup Guide

MakeCode (Recommended for Beginners)

1. Visit makecode.microbit.org in web browser
2. Create new project
3. Drag and drop blocks to create programs
4. Download .hex file
5. Copy .hex file to MICROBIT drive

MicroPython Setup

1. Visit python.microbit.org in web browser
2. Write Python code in editor
3. Download .hex file
4. Copy .hex file to MICROBIT drive

Arduino IDE Setup

1. Install Arduino IDE
2. Add micro:bit board package
3. Install required libraries
4. Select “BBC micro:bit” from Tools → Board

Programming Examples

MakeCode - Basic LED Control

// Show heart on button A press
input.onButtonPressed(Button.A, function () {
  basic.showIcon(IconNames.Heart);
});
 
// Show sad face on button B press
input.onButtonPressed(Button.B, function () {
  basic.showIcon(IconNames.Sad);
});
 
// Clear display on shake
input.onGesture(Gesture.Shake, function () {
  basic.clearScreen();
});
 
// Forever loop - scroll text
basic.forever(function () {
  basic.showString("Hello World!");
});

MicroPython - Sensor Reading

from microbit import *
import music
 
while True:
    # Read accelerometer
    x = accelerometer.get_x()
    y = accelerometer.get_y()
    z = accelerometer.get_z()
 
    # Display temperature
    temp = temperature()
    display.scroll(str(temp) + "C")
 
    # Check buttons
    if button_a.was_pressed():
        display.show(Image.HAPPY)
        music.play(music.BA_DING)
 
    if button_b.was_pressed():
        display.show(Image.SAD)
        music.play(music.WAWAWAWAA)
 
    # Detect shake
    if accelerometer.was_gesture('shake'):
        display.clear()
        music.play(music.JUMP_UP)
 
    sleep(100)

MicroPython - External LED Control

from microbit import *
 
# Blink external LED on pin 0
while True:
    pin0.write_digital(1)  # LED on
    sleep(500)
    pin0.write_digital(0)  # LED off
    sleep(500)

MicroPython - Analog Reading

from microbit import *
 
while True:
    # Read analog value from pin 0 (0-1023)
    sensor_value = pin0.read_analog()
 
    # Convert to voltage (0-3.3V)
    voltage = sensor_value * 3.3 / 1023
 
    # Display on LED matrix
    display.scroll(str(voltage))
 
    sleep(1000)

MicroPython - Touch Sensing

from microbit import *
 
while True:
    # Check touch on pins 0, 1, 2
    if pin0.is_touched():
        display.show("0")
 
    elif pin1.is_touched():
        display.show("1")
 
    elif pin2.is_touched():
        display.show("2")
 
    else:
        display.clear()
 
    sleep(100)

MicroPython - Radio Communication

from microbit import *
import radio
 
# Enable radio
radio.on()
radio.config(channel=7)  # Set channel (0-83)
 
while True:
    # Send message on button A
    if button_a.was_pressed():
        radio.send("Hello from micro:bit!")
        display.show(Image.ARROW_E)
 
    # Receive messages
    message = radio.receive()
    if message:
        display.scroll(message)
 
    # Clear display on button B
    if button_b.was_pressed():
        display.clear()
 
    sleep(100)

Built-in Components

• LED Display: 5×5 matrix of red LEDs
• Accelerometer: 3-axis motion detection
• Magnetometer: Digital compass functionality
• Temperature Sensor: Built-in temperature measurement
• Buttons: 2 user-programmable buttons (A and B)
• Reset Button: System reset functionality
• Power LED: Indicates power status

Connectivity & I/O

• Edge Connector: 25 pins total
  • 5 large pins for alligator clips (0, 1, 2, 3V, GND)
  • 20 additional pins for advanced connections
• GPIO: 19 general purpose I/O pins
• Analog Inputs: 6 pins with ADC capability
• PWM: Multiple pins support PWM output
• Communication: I2C, SPI, UART protocols supported

Programming Options

• MakeCode: Visual block-based programming (recommended for beginners)
• MicroPython: Text-based Python programming
• JavaScript: Text-based JavaScript programming
• C/C++: Advanced programming with mbed
• Scratch: Visual programming environment

Sensors & Capabilities

• Motion Detection: 3-axis accelerometer for tilt and shake detection
• Compass: Digital magnetometer for direction sensing
• Temperature: Built-in temperature sensor
• Light Sensing: LED matrix can detect ambient light levels
• Touch Sensing: Logo and pins can detect touch

Power Options

• USB Power: 5V via micro-USB connector
• Battery Pack: 3V via 2×AAA battery pack (not included)
• External Power: 3V via edge connector pins
• Power Management: Automatic switching between power sources

Educational Features

• Curriculum Aligned: Designed for UK computing curriculum
• Age Appropriate: Suitable for ages 7 and up
• Cross-Curricular: Integrates with math, science, art, music
• Progression Path: From blocks to text-based programming
• Community: Large educational community and resources

Programming Environment

• Web-Based: No software installation required
• Offline Options: Downloadable editors available
• Simulator: Test code without hardware
• Easy Upload: Drag-and-drop programming
• Multi-Platform: Works on Windows, Mac, Linux, tablets

Applications

• Education: Primary and secondary school computing lessons
• STEM Projects: Science, technology, engineering, math activities
• Art Projects: Interactive art and creative coding
• Games: Simple games using buttons and display
• Wearables: LED badges and interactive clothing
• Home Automation: Simple IoT projects
• Robotics: Control motors and sensors

Advantages

• Beginner Friendly: Designed specifically for newcomers
• No Setup Required: Works immediately out of the box
• Visual Programming: Block-based coding reduces syntax errors
• Built-in Everything: Sensors and display included
• Affordable: Low cost for educational institutions
• Robust: Designed to withstand classroom use
• Extensive Resources: Tutorials, lessons, and projects available

Ecosystem

• Accessories: Wide range of compatible add-ons
• Breakout Boards: Easy connection options
• Cases: Protective enclosures available
• Expansion: Compatible with various sensors and actuators
• Community: Active maker and educator community

Kit Contents

• BBC micro:bit board
• Quick start guide
• Packaging with getting started information

Additional Requirements

• USB Cable: Micro-USB cable for programming and power
• Battery Pack: 2×AAA battery holder for portable operation
• Computer: Any device with web browser for programming

Notes

• Version 1: This is the original micro:bit (Version 2 now available)
• No Longer Stocked: Adafruit no longer carries this version
• Upgrade Available: micro:bit V2 has improved features
• Educational Focus: Designed primarily for learning, not production
• Limited I/O: Fewer pins compared to other development boards
• Community Support: Extensive educational resources and community

Legacy Status

• Original micro:bit design from 2016
• Superseded by micro:bit V2 with additional features
• Still fully supported by programming environments
• Large installed base in educational institutions
• Compatible with most micro:bit accessories and resources