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.

5 customer reviews

a month ago
As with all Pimoroni products, the PicoVision is beautifully put together. Great functionality, excellent connectivity and lots of flexibility. Pimoroni always design with such flair and ingenuity. Great product, highly recommended and can't wait for a RP2350 version!
by Steve about PicoVision (Pico W Aboard) via REVIEWS.io
a year ago
Really nice retro 80's computer that you can program yourself in micro Python. Not for everyone, but if you like the early 8 bit computers, then this is for you. Be prepared to put in some work upfront to get the best out of this little marvel.
by Paul about PicoVision (Pico W Aboard) via REVIEWS.io
a year ago
A very interesting solution, with great potential. I haven't used all the capabilities of this device yet, but I'm working on it. It allows you to use an HDMI monitor as an output from Raspberry Pi Pico.
by Paweł about PicoVision (Pico W Aboard) via REVIEWS.io
a year ago
The demos worked great but I think there is something wrong with my gpu. Started out getting errors on thunny. Then it started being unable to load the buttons finally it quit loading files. I'll be sending for another copy as well as reloading thunny.
by Graeme about PicoVision (Pico W Aboard) via REVIEWS.io

User photos