Kitronik Discovery Kit for the BBC micro:bit

by Kitronik

The Kitronik Discovery Kit for BBC microbit is a great way to get started with both programming and electronics. The Kit contains five experiments that start very simply, building up to simulating real world systems as confidence grows.

The included booklet assumes no prior knowledge and contains detailed information about everything the new user will need to know. It covers everything from using a prototyping board to how to use the Microsoft MakeCode Editor, and everything in between. This is the ideal kit for someone who is new to the micro:bit, electronics, and coding.

The kit contains five experiments and all of the components required to complete them. Each experiment has; a complete code walk-through, a circuit diagram and a top-down breadboard view, full explanations of what is happening, and how the electronics work.

Note:

  • This kit does not include a micro:bit, a micro:bit can be obtained from here.
  • No soldering is required and you can build your first circuit in minutes!

Features:

  • This kit offers a great introduction to both coding and electronics.
  • No soldering required - build your first circuit in minutes!
  • Make the 5 experiments in the step-by-step tutorial book and learn as you go.
  • All parts are included to conduct the 5 experiments.
  • Once you have completed all of the included experiments, you have the perfect prototyping system for further adventures with the micro:bit.
  • The code can be created in Microsoft's easy to use MakeCode editor.
  • Compatible with micro:bit v1 and v2!

Contents:

  • 1 x Breadboard breakout for the BBC micro:bit.
  • 1 x Small Prototype Breadboard.
  • 2 x Red 10mm LED.
  • 2 x Yellow 10mm LED.
  • 2 x Green 10mm LED.
  • 10 x 330Ω Resistor.
  • 1 x Piezo Element Buzzer.
  • 10 x Male to Male Jumper Wires.
  • The included experiments are;
    • LED Control Circuit.
    • Buzzer Jukebox.
    • Lights in sequence.
    • Digital LED Thermometer.
    • Traffic light with pedestrian crossing.

Requires:

Resources:

Below you will find three links. Kitronik have produced the code for each of the experiments, for each of the additional challenges, and also Python versions of each of the experiments. Each of the downloads are zip files, which will need to be unzipped to access the code examples. They have included two versions for each python experiment, a HEX file and a PY file.

MakeCode Instructions: Connect the micro:bit to a spare USB port on your computer. The micro:bit will show up as a removable disk drive in File Explorer (Windows). Once unzipped, the individual MakeCode files can be dragged and dropped onto the micro:bit in File Explorer (Windows). An orange light will begin to flash on the rear side of the micro:bit, once the flashing stops the transfer is complete and the program can be run. Alternatively, the files can be dragged and dropped directly into the MakeCode editor.

Python Instructions: Connect the micro:bit to your computer in the same way as outlined above. The HEX versions can be dragged and dropped onto the micro:bit in the same was a MakeCode HEX files. Alternatively, the files can be dragged and dropped directly into the Python editor or a Python ready editor of your choice.