scroll:bit

by Pimoroni

scroll:bit is a little display with a lot of pixels! Its 119 bright white LEDs are perfect for scrolling messages with your micro:bit, or for animations, graphs, and more!

Just slot in your micro:bit, then code scroll:bit with the block-based Microsoft MakeCode editor, or with MicroPython in the Mu code editor. It works in a very similar way to the built-in red LED matrix on your micro:bit, so if you've used that then you'll know exactly what to do.

Features

  • Comes fully-assembled and ready to use
  • 17x7 matrix of bright white pixels (119 total)
  • Individual PWM brightness control of each pixel
  • Uses the IS31FL3731 LED matrix driver chip
  • Compatible with micro:bit and micro:bit v2
  • Microsoft MakeCode and MicroPython support
  • No soldering required!

Software 

You can code scroll:bit with the block-based Microsoft MakeCode editor, that'll get you started with the concepts of how to code a matrix of LEDs or, if you want to delve deeper, then you can use MicroPython in the Mu code editor.

To add the scroll:bit library in MakeCode, click on the cog at the top right hand corner, then "Add Package", then search for "scrollbit". You can find full instructions at the GitHub repository for the library.

Our Getting Started with scroll:bit tutorial has a bunch of useful information and even embedded code examples (including how to make a spirit level) that are easy to download straight to your micro:bit. You'll be up-and-running in a jiffy!

Our MicroPython library for scroll:bit is also available at GitHub, again with full instructions on how to get going with it.

Worksheets

Our Tanya has put together some lovely educational content for scroll:bit, including downloadable worksheets for use in the classroom or for learning at home.  They'll show you how to get started and how to build some simple projects with MakeCode blocks.

19 customer reviews

2 years ago
An excellent add on for the micro:bit. Plugged it in, added the extension and away it went. Simple to create some quite enjoyable and useful functions. I would recommend it as one of the first things to add to a micro:bit as it is so quick and easy to get working with really visible results.
by Peter about scroll:bit via REVIEWS.io
3 years ago
LEDs are bright and no additional power required so easy to use. Great to give much more detailed display options than the 5x5 micro:bit display.
by Robert about scroll:bit via REVIEWS.io
3 years ago
Brilliant bit of kit, used along with the scroll cards. He's had it doing lots of cool things with his micro bit (10yo)
by Jayne about scroll:bit via REVIEWS.io
4 years ago
Very neat little device but I am still working out what to use it on!
by robert about scroll:bit via REVIEWS.io
4 years ago
Its a pleasure to eyes and works perfectly!
by Anonymous about scroll:bit via REVIEWS.io
4 years ago
The Scrollbit is a wonderful addition to the Microbit, giving you so much more canvas to work with! Lots of fun. I just hope the extensions/plug-ins to MakeCode are supported for a long, long time to come!
by Mark about scroll:bit via REVIEWS.io
4 years ago
Easy to set up and use and much larger than the on board display
by john about scroll:bit via REVIEWS.io
4 years ago
Good software support for the bbc microbit. Had a good time teaching my daughter with this display. Good bright and easy connections.
by James about scroll:bit via REVIEWS.io
5 years ago
It's very handy to have a little more space to display information, especially when used in conjunction with, say, another micro:bit + enviro:bit.
by Neil about scroll:bit via REVIEWS.io