The micro:bit board is extremely popular among enthusiasts worldwide. Developed initially by the BBC for pupils to easily learn the basics of programming and develop a creative mind, the micro:bit board has since won over a much wider audience than simply that of English schoolchildren!
Inexpensive (under €20), small (it can be used in connected clothing, drones and programmable mini hot air balloons) and equipped with a whole bunch of sensors, it’s easy to understand why so many people are crazy about this British microcomputer!
It’s so popular that you’ll now find a host of micro:bit accessories and extensions.
Here are our 5 favourite micro:bit extensions, found in our catalogue.
5. The Cube:Bit programmable LED kit
If you’re an artist or designer, the Cube:Bit should appeal! You get a set of RGB NeoPixel LED slices that you can assemble to create programmable cubes of light. The effect is stunning, as you’ll see if you watch the video below:
4. IOT:bit – the IoT expansion board for micro:bit
The IOT:bit board is a pretty cool extension for a micro:bit, especially if you’re looking for something for IOT projects… as its name suggests! It will multiply the number and type of connectors on your micro:bit board, allowing you to connect numerous sensors and actuators.
Another advantage of the IOT:bit is that it has an integrated WiFi module, which your micro:bit can use for home automation applications for example!
3. BitBot XL programmable robot
The BitBot XL kit is relatively inexpensive and will transform your micro:bit board into a robust mobile robot. Ideal as a quick introduction to robotics, you can then add an ultrasonic sensor to make it 100% autonomous, or even a programmable gripper.
The BitBot XL robot can be programmed using the Microsoft MakeCode visual interface as well as the Python language, making it suitable for a wide audience (from age 11, but also a good choice for adults just starting out).
2. The micro:bit starter kit
A kit designed for beginners! With this micro:bit starter kit you can familiarise yourself with the micro:bit board and its numerous sensors, as well as the Microsoft MakeCode visual programming interface and some electronic circuit basics.
The micro:bit starter kit comes with enough electrical parts to build your first electronic circuits, including resistors, diodes, a potentiometer, transistors and switches.
There is also a small booklet (in French) that will guide you through 13 lessons, to ensure that you understand the role of each component and can quickly design your own assemblies.
1. Grove Inventor Kit for micro:bit
Have you heard of Grove? It’s a large family of modules designed by Seeed Studio that we’re particularly fond of:
- A wide variety of modules and sensors
- Libraries and packages available online
- Very inexpensive
- No soldering required
- Adapters exist for use with Raspberry Pi, Arduino, micro:bit and even NVIDIA Jetson!
As you can see, combining micro:bit and Grove will open up a whole field of possibilities in terms of experiments and inventions of all kinds!
The Grove Inventor Kit for micro:bit includes 10 modules and a booklet explaining 12 introductory projects.
