Following in the footsteps of the hugely popular Raspberry Pi mini computer and Arduino microcontroller, comes micro bbc: a bit — and yes, we do mean, what BBC Continuing its earlier 1980s home/hobby computing days (30 years ago BBC Micro computers were a staple in UK schools and colleges), this tiny new computer was the result of a surprising number of partnerships.
But what is it for?
Launched as part of the BBC’s cross-platform Make It Digital initiative, micro:bit aims to make it easier for young people — and aspiring adults — to code and create a whole host of projects — from coding and launching games to turning. smart watch device.
Originally aimed at schools, the BBC micro:bit is now available to a wider audience, and when used with the code editor on the www.microbit.co.uk website or mobile app, or in combination with other devices or sensors, the potential for this is modest. small device unlocked. T
This is a BBC Micro: a little
The modest 5x4cm PCB shown here is a BBC micro:bit, a simple microcontroller that can be programmed on a PC, tablet or smartphone. The code is then compiled and downloaded to the device. On closer inspection, you will find various annotations indicating components, a neat touch on a device designed for learning, where the purpose of built-in components is usually hidden. The USB port is obvious; Bluetooth LE antenna is smaller so.
With five I/O rings for connecting devices, this is obviously even more straightforward than the Raspberry Pi Zero. — but a couple of programmable control buttons, an accelerometer, and a 5×5 LED array mean that a lot of functionality that you would normally need to buy extra bits for is instead available directly on the board, leaving those 5 I/O ports exclusively for external sensors.
Supplied with a battery pack (requires 2 AAA batteries), USB data cable, buzzer, audio cable, bulldog clips, and a USB stick with pre-written programs and projects, the micro:bit is ready to use once unboxed. Inside the box, you’ll find a nice piece of literature, including coding tutorials and the obligatory quick start guide. We had a guide for teachers, but as soon as the micro-bit becomes more accessible, we do not expect you to receive this particular document.
If you’d like more hands-on experience, www.microbit.co.uk is the place to find video tutorials and resources, as well as a range of editors such as the Java Script Code Kingdoms editor. and Microsoft Block Editor. Projects can be compiled and saved as .HEX files and transferred via USB to micro:bit.
The device can be used with a PC running Windows 7 or later, a Mac running OS X 10.6 or later, or an Android or iOS smartphone or tablet. Internet access is also required!
Actually it’s for kids.
As useful as a device like this is for anyone trying to get their head around coding, the BBC micro:bit — like the Raspberry Pi — is aimed at kids, especially those over 8. It also comes with a suite of security tools. instructions that everyone, especially adults, should read and understand.
Therefore, our device was also tested by a child. This is Caitlin, who previously got access to our Kano controlled Raspberry Pi. . She is 11 years old and is more computer savvy; she uses them almost daily for school work.
Kids can get started with micro:bit by going to www.microbit.co.uk, where the all-important Generate Code button is located.
Encoding programs for micro:bit
There are four encoding options available for BBC micro:bit which are available on the website as browser-based tools. You can choose from JavaScript Code Kingdoms, Microsoft Block Editor, Microsoft Touch Develop and that old Python standard!
