INTRODUCTION TO BBC MICRO:BIT

Chris Wong
Dec 5, 2021
4 min read

Updated: Dec 19, 2021

Introduction

So you bought this thing called a micro:bit...or even better, you've purchased the updated version, the micro:bit v2. But what is it?

The BBC micro:bit is a pocket-sized computer that lets you get creative with digital technology. You can code, customize, and control your micro:bit from anywhere! You can use your micro:bit for all sorts of unique creations, from robots to musical instruments and more.

The micro:bit is a project by the BBC in an effort to bring computer science education and STEM topics to every student in the United Kingdom. It is an open development board that works in sync with other onboard hardware components to get you started down the path of programming hardware.

At half the size of a credit card, you will be surprised at the amount of hardware each board is equipped with, including 25 red LED lights that can flash messages. There are two programmable buttons that can be used to control games or pause and skip songs on a playlist. The micro:bit can even detect motion and tell you which direction you’re heading. It can also use Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) to interact with other devices and the Internet.

The micro:bit features an embedded compass, accelerometer, mobile, and web-based programming capabilities. The micro:bit v2 adds an onboard speaker and MEMS microphone, as well as a touch-sensitive logo. Both boards are compatible with a number of online code editors across a number of different languages. This guide will focus on MakeCode, a block or JavaScript-based environment that was developed by Microsoft.

Hardware Overview

There are two versions of the BBC micro:bit and both have a lot to offer when it comes to onboard inputs and outputs. In fact, there are so many things packed onto these little boards that you would be hard pressed to really need anything else if you were looking at just exploring the basics of programming and hardware.

Front

On the front of the board there are a number of components that are pretty visible right off the bat!

LED Array

The micro:bit has a 5x5 LED array that you can use as a tiny screen to draw on and display words, numbers and other information.

Light Sensor — A bit of a hidden gem. The LED array doubles as a light sensor!

Edge "Pins"

The gold tabs at the bottom of the board are for hooking up external components. The tabs with larger holes can be easily used with alligator clips to prototype things quickly! To access all the pins, you will need a board with an edge connector. For breadboard prototyping, you'll want the micro:bit breakout with headers.

BACK

The back is where a lot of the magic happens. Check it out…

Microcontroller — The brains of the outfit. The micro:bit is powered by a 16MHz ARM Cortex-M0 microcontroller with 256KB Flash and 16KB RAM.
Accelerometer/Compass — The micro:bit has an onboard accelerometer that measures gravitational force, as well as a compass that can detect its orientation using Earth’s magnetic field.
Bluetooth/Radio — Communication is huge with the micro:bit. You can communicate with your phone or tablet using Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) or between two or more micro:bits using the standard “radio”
Temperature Sensor — No, the drawing is not numbered incorrectly! The microcontroller doubles as a temperature sensor!
USB Port — used to upload code to your micro:bit or power from your computer or laptop.
Reset Button — A button to reset your micro:bit and start your code over from the beginning.
JST Battery Connector — A connector to hook up an external battery pack to your micro:bit.

Hooking It Up

The micro:bit uses a microUSB cable to hook up to your computer or Chromebook. It is as simple as plugging the cable into your micro:bit and the other end into an open USB port.

Once you plug your board in, you should see the small yellow LED on the back of your micro:bit light up and possibly blink a few times. Then whatever existing program that was put on the micro:bit will start running. If this is your first time plugging your micro:bit in, go ahead and play around with it a bit — push buttons, shake it, and you will get a bit of an Easter egg.

Using MakeCode

Makecode is the platform where most young users build their code blocks. It's designed with children in mind, ensuring easy user interface for futher programmers. Click the link below to start coding:

MAKECODE EDITOR

Let’s take a quick tour and check out what is available to us!

Projects — A cloud storage system connected to your computer with no account setup required.
Share — Allows you to share your project code in a number of different ways with your friends!
Blocks/JavaScript — Choose your own adventure by programming in blocks (default) or in JavaScript.
Program Space — This is where the magic happens and where you build your program…where you “make code.”
Zoom/Undo-Redo — Sometimes you need to undo things, or zoom out and look around; these are the buttons for that.
Name & Save — Name your program and save it (download it) to your computer.
Download — Similar to Save, download your program as a .hex file and drag it into your micro:bit.
Block Library — All of the options in terms of program building blocks, which are color-coded by function.
Simulator Hide/Show — You can hide/show the simulator if you would like.
Simulator — You don’t need hardware! MakeCode has a real-time simulator! As you change your program, you can see what it will do on this virtual micro:bit!

Getting Your Program Onto Your Micro:bit

This will download your program file to your standard download location, probably the Downloads folder on your computer, or whatever location you have set in your download preference.

You then simply click and drag your program file from its download location to your micro:bit drive, which shows up as an external device.This will download your program file to your standard download location, probably the Downloads folder on your computer, or whatever location you have set in your download preference.

You then simply click and drag your program file from its download location to your micro:bit drive, which shows up as an external device.

Powering the Micro:bit

One of the way to power up your micro:bit on the go is to use AAA battery pack of 3V. Be reminded that your microcontroller only withstand the maximum volage of 3.3V, anywhere higher than that threshold will damage your board.