Unlock the secrets of nature with code, engineering, and the Kitronik Smart Greenhouse Kit for BBC micro:bit!

The Kitronik Smart Greenhouse Kit for the BBC micro:bit provides an exciting way to learn about the relationship between plants and their environment. The user will learn how to monitor environmental conditions and then how to build automated systems.

The kit comprises a two-part plastic greenhouse, Kitronik environmental control board, water pump, Kitronik ZIP Stick, and Mini Prong soils moisture sensor. Also included are 5 crocodile clips, ZIP extension cable and a small screwdriver. Just add a micro:bit, seeds, and then some water and you will have everything you need!

The kit also ships with detailed instructions that will get you up and cultivating in no time. Additionally, there are 7 online MakeCode tutorials. They cover everything from gathering sensor data and having the system automatically react to it, to visual user interfaces and more.

At the heart of the micro:bit controlled Kitronik Smart Greenhouse Kit is the Kitronik environmental control board. This board provides a variety of sensor inputs and connection points for the BBC micro:bit (V1 & V2) and provides the ability to control outputs for devices such as a water pump, fan, servo or heater pad.

The environmental control board can be coded with the MakeCode editor and Kitronik has produced a set of custom blocks to make the job as simple as possible. The blocks can be added via the add Extensions function in the editor by searching “Kitronik” or from https://github.com/KitronikLtd/pxt-kitronik-smart-greenhouse.

The default crop for these types of experiments is often cress, as it is quick growing, requires little tending, and can be harvested when they are approximately 5cm tall (within a few days). There are other sprouting plants, such as sprouting white mustard, which also grow quickly and can be harvested when they are 5cm tall. You can also look into micro-herbs/micro-greens. Once you have chosen your preferred crop type you then need to choose a suitable soil. 

Note:

• This kit does not come with a BBC micro:bit, available separately here > BBC micro:bit.
• This kit is not waterproof. If you get the board wet, please turn it off and allow it to fully dry. The risk of shock is very small, but be cautious.
• Due to electrolysis and the damp environment, the electrodes on the Mini Prong Moisture Sensor will degrade slowly over time. Please see our general safety advice for more information.

Features

• Build automated growing systems that react to changeable environmental conditions.
• This kit is compatible with both micro:bit V1 and microbit V2.
• The kit comes with detailed assembly and coding instructions.
• At the heart of the kit is the kitronik Environmental control board, designed to be the control hub for this kit.
• Key features of the Environmental control board are;
• It features a number of sensor inputs that can be coded to control the board's outputs.
• There is an onboard BME 280 environmental temperature, barometric pressure and humidity sensor and a separate Real-Time Clock (RTC).
• The board also features an onboard piezo buzzer, 2 1A outputs (ideal for a water pump, heater pads or fan), 3 status ZIP LEDs, a ZIP LED expansion connector and servo output. In addition to these, 3 BBC micro:bit pins are broken out to croc-clip connections as further inputs and outputs, along with pads for 3V and GND.
• It can be powered via the onboard 3xAA battery holder or the 2.1mm DC Jack, and the power is controlled via the on/off switch with an adjacent LED indicator.
• There are also 7 online MakeCode tutorials that introduce you to all of the features of the board.
• Crops such as cress, sprouting white mustard and micro-herbs/micro-greens are ideal for use with this kit.
• Code it with the MakeCode editor using our custom code blocks.
• The Kit can be powered by 3 x AA Batteries or a plug-in power supply.

What's in the box?

2 x Moulded plastic greenhouse enclosure parts.
1 x Kitronik Environmental Control Board for micro:bit.
1 x Water Pump.
1 x Kitronik ZIP Stick.
1 x Mini Prong Moisture Sensor.
5 x Crocodile Leads.
1 x ZIP extension cable.
1 x Screwdriver.
1 x User guide Booklet.

Requires

• A web browser and an internet connection.
• One of the following; BBC micro:bit V2. or BBC micro:bit Starter Pack V2.
• 3 x AA Batteries or plug-in power supply.
• Seeds, such as cress.
• Soil.
• Adding a Solar Panel to the Environmental Control Board.
• Tech Talks - live stream playback.

These Lithium Batteries are a superior choice due to their combination of long lifespan (2000 cycles), high discharge capabilities (low internal resistance), and advanced safety features (integrated BMS) - all translating into a better investment compared to traditional lead acid batteries they can effectively replace.

Common Applications

• Gate motors
• Alarm panels
• UPS (Uninterrupted Power Supply)
• Toys
• Torches

Specifications

• Capacity in Ah: 8Ah
• Capacity in Wh: 102.4Wh
• Nominal Voltage1: 2.8v
• Maximum Continuous Discharge Current: 16Amps
• Peak Discharge Current (60 sec): 22Amps
• Charge Voltage: 13.8-14.6V
• Maximum Continuous Charge Current: 8Amps
• Short circuit protection: Yes
• Over voltage protection: Yes
• Under voltage protection: Yes
• Over current protection: Yes
• Charge Temperature: 5°C – 45°C
• Discharge Temperature: 0°C – 45°C
• Terminals: F1 – 4.75mm flat
• Weight (net): 1000g
• Dimension (L x W x H): 151 x 65 x 95 mm
• Number of Cycles (minimum) 100% DOD: 2000

What's in the box?

1 x 12.8v 8Ah Lithium Phosphate Battery

PETG is short for polyethylene terephthalate glycol-modified

PETG is the perfect filament to combine strength and ductility, which is why it's used in so many mechanical parts and robotics. It has great chemical resistance with good water, acidic and alkalic resistance. PETG in its raw form is also FDA and EU commission regulation approved as Food Contact Safe.

Print temp : 235 – 255°C 
Heated Bed : 65 – 85°C​
​Fan speed / Cooling: 0 - 50%
Speed range : 30 - 60mm/s optimal
Printability : Moderate
Net Weight: 1kg

What's in the box ?

1 x SA Filament  PETG White (1.75mm)

For streaming with computers or mobile phones,
The Volkano Clip Series Microphone features a noise filter whilst the tie-clip helps to secure the mic in place.

A foam microphone cover helps to protect the mouthpiece.
Great for streaming, vocals and gaming this mic really is an all-rounder geared for convenience.

Feaures

• For streaming with computers or mobile phones
• 3.5 mm Jack
• Tie-Clip Included
• Noise Filter Included

Specifications

• Signal Noise Ratio: >60 dB
• Frequency Response: 50 Hz - 16 kHz
• Mic Sensitivity: -34 dB +/-3 dB
• Mic Impedance: 2.2 k
• Mic Direction: Omnidirectional
• Mic Type: Electret Capacitance

What's in the box?

1 x 3.5mm Clip Microphone

Full Aluminum Passive Cooling Open Case for Raspberry Pi 5

What's in the box?

1 x Full Aluminum Case for Raspberry Pi 5

Resources:

Intsallation Guide: https://youtu.be/uOdaYrvMqxc

What's in the box?

1 x Argon ONE V3 Aluminum Case

You might also like....Elevate your RPi 5 sound experience by adding an Argon BLSTR Dac to your order.

Resources

Argon One V3 M.2 NVME PCIE Case manual

M.2 NVMe Drive Compatibility:

Other drives may also be compatible but we have not tested them yet.

Western Digital SN850

Western Digital SN740

Western Digital SN570

Western Digital SN530

Western Digital Black SN750 SE (Phison Controller)

Team MP33

Samsung 980 Pro

Samsung 980

Sabrent Rocket Nano

Sabrent Rocket 4.0

PNY CS1030

Origin Inception TLC830 Pro NVMe

Netac NV3000 NVMe SSD

Netac NV2000 NVMe SSD

Lexar NM710

Lexar NM620

Kioxia Exceria NVMe SSD

Kioxia Exceria G2 NVMe SSD

Kingston KC3000

Kingston SNV2S NV2 Gen4 PCIe NVMe M.2 2280 Solid-State Drive

Inland PCIe NVMe SSD

Crucial P3 Plus M.2

Crucial P3 M.2

Crucial P2 M.2

Axe Memory Generic Drive

AData XPG SX8200 Pro

What's in the box?

1 x Argon NEO 5 BRED Case

Resources

Testing info : https://magpi.raspberrypi.com/articles/raspberry-pi-5-cases-group-test

What's in the box?

1 x Argon NEO 5 M.2 NVMeCase

Resources

Argon Neo 5 M.2 NVMe manual

M.2 NVMe Drive Compatibility:

Other drives may also be compatible but we have not tested yet.

Western Digital SN850

Western Digital SN740

Western Digital SN570

Western Digital SN530

Western Digital Black SN750 SE (Phison Controller)

Team MP33

Samsung 980 Pro

Samsung 980

Sabrent Rocket Nano

Sabrent Rocket 4.0

PNY CS1030

Origin Inception TLC830 Pro NVMe

Netac NV3000 NVMe SSD

Netac NV2000 NVMe SSD

Lexar NM710

Lexar NM620

Kioxia Exceria NVMe SSD

Kioxia Exceria G2 NVMe SSD

Kingston KC3000

Kingston SNV2S NV2 Gen4 PCIe NVMe M.2 2280 Solid-State Drive

Inland PCIe NVMe SSD

Crucial P3 Plus M.2

Crucial P3 M.2

Crucial P2 M.2

Axe Memory Generic Drive

AData XPG SX8200 Pro

What's in the box?

1 x Argon POD case only

Resources

Argon POD installation guide

What's in the box?

1 x Argon POD case only

Resources

Argon POD installation guide

Please note: The Raspberry Pi 5 is not included

Features

• Argon THRML Radiator Cooler significantly boosts thermal management on the bare Raspberry Pi 5
• Superior heat dissipation away from the Raspberry Pi 5 with copper heat pipe and tower style radiator for enhanced cooling capabilities
• Integrated 60mm PWM blower fan helps cool down the Raspberry Pi 5 faster
• Quick snap on and push pins for easy mounting on Raspberry Pi 5 
• Comes with thermal compound and thermal pad for better heat management

What's in the box?

1 x radiator cooler

This is a heatsink set for Raspberry Pi 5. Raspberry Pi 5 computers deliver great performance and of course, more power will generate more heat for all CPUs. This is especially true for Raspberry Pi 5 as it is the most powerful Raspberry Pi board. With good heat management, this single-board computer will stay cool and cold!

See the below installation using the blue kit

It comes with 4 heatsinks with thermal pads. The thermal pads are for better thermal conductivity. They are particularly for CPU, RAM IC, I/O controller, and LAN chip on Raspberry Pi 5 board.

• NVMe (Non-Volatile Memory express) SSD, normally via PCIe bus. These are NOT SATA SSD
• 2242, mechanical size/dimension, please ensure the size fits the board
• M.2 M-Key (Only 128GB is B+M-Key), please make sure the M.2 socket supports M-key
• Comes Pre-loaded with Raspberry Pi OS and is ready to boot up on
  • Raspberry Pi 5 (with the latest bootloader firmware and a PCIe to M.2 HAT. To update the bootloader, please refer to this tutorial)
  • Raspberry Pi 4 Model B (with the latest bootloader firmware)
  • Raspberry Pi 400
  • Compute Module 4 (CM4) with NVMe SSD carrier board.
• Please DO NOT format it if you intend to use it with the Raspberry Pi board.

M.2 2242 M-Key NVMe SSD for Raspberry Pi 5 & Raspberry Pi 4

Cytron Technologies, is pretty excited about the  PCIe extension on Raspberry Pi 5 and Jeff Geerling has helped to verify that the MakerDisk NVMe (particularly 2242) works on Raspberry Pi 5, booting into Raspberry Pi OS without any hassle. Of course, you can use it to boot up Raspberry Pi 4 with USB to NVMe adapter. With Compute Module 4 (CM4), the PCIe Gen2 bus is extended out on some carrier boards such as the CM4 Maker Board or Mini Base (A). Furthermore, the NVMe boot is also officially released by Raspberry Pi.  This is a native NVMe SSD boot via PCIe bus, it does not go through to any USB to NVMe adapter.

 

This NVMe SSD is in the M.2 2242 (M Key) form factor. We called it MakerDisk! A Disk from Makers to Makers :) It is an M.2 2242, M-Key, NVMe Solid State Drive (SSD) with 512GB, 256GB, and 128GB capacity. And it is preloaded with Raspberry Pi OS.

 

Do check out Jeff Gerling talking about CM4 boots off an NVMe SSD, natively in this video:

If you prefer to read the article, welcome to check out the blog by Jeff Gerling here: The Raspberry Pi can boot of NVMe SSDs now.

 

From Jeff's benchmarking with eMMC, microSD card, and USB 3.0 (UASP) adapter, the native NMVe interface is 12x faster on the Pi for normal file operations that include: copies, and random read/write. And that also improves day-to-day performance.

 

 

Of course, we have also done some speed tests using the built-in Raspberry Pi Diagnosis. Here are the speed test results that we get based on the SSD Capacity:

 

Capacity - 128GB

• Sequential write speed 385505 KB/sec (target 10000) - PASS, over 38 times faster than the target
• Random write speed 25680 IOPS (target 500) - PASS, over 50 times faster than the target
• Random read speed 22351 IOPS (target 1500) - PASS, nearly 15 times faster than the target

• Sequential write speed 397187 KB/sec (target 10000) - PASS, over 38 times faster than the target
• Random write speed 27352 IOPS (target 500) - PASS, over 50 times faster than the target
• Random read speed 23608 IOPS (target 1500) - PASS, nearly 15 times faster than the target

 

Here is a comparison table between the Native MakerDisk NVMe (2280 and 2242) boot on CM4 Lite, eMMC on CM4, and microSD card boot (normal) on Raspberry Pi 4 Model B: The data are taken from Raspberry Pi Diagnosis

 

Note: Raspberry Pi Diagnosis result depends on many factors (New memory or used memory, interface, SATA interface, USB interface, USB cable, etc). It should be taken as a reference only.

 

 

 

As for the size, please make sure the carrier board or adapter supports M.2 2242, M-Key:

 

As far as we have tested, this NVMe SSD is compatible with:

• PCIe to M.2 HAT for Raspberry Pi 5
• CM4 Maker Board, and of course, you will need a CM4 Lite (No eMMC) version.
• Argon One NVMe Base will need manual adjustment of M.2 mounting spacer and screw to 2242

The NVMe 2242 B+M-Key (128GB only) MakerDisk SSD on the bottom of CM4 Mini Base (A), is perfect!

 

The combination of MakerDisk 2242 NVMe SSD and the latest Argon ONE NVMe Expansion Base is another perfect match:

Note: You will need to shift/relocate the SSD mounting spacer to the 2242 hole on the NVMe base to mount the shorter NVMe drive.

 

Setup of Raspberry Pi 4 Model B booting from MakerDisk NVMe (2242) SSD via a USB3.0 to NVMe Adapter.

 

Setup of Raspberry Pi 5 booting from MakerDisk NVMe (2242) SSD via a PCIe to M.2 HAT.

 

This NVMe M.2 2242MakerDisk SSD has a maximum sequential read and write speed of up to 1700MB/s and 600MB/s respectively. The above results are limited by the PCIe lane on CM4 and the USB3.0 to NVMe interface. It works perfectly and boots up without any issue in Argon One NVMe Case.

Note: This MakerDisk SSD is PRE-LOADED with the Raspberry Pi OS, it can boot into Raspberry Pi OS right out of the box with the:

• Raspberry Pi 5 & Raspberry Pi 4 Model B, and of course, you will need a USB to NVMe adapter, or expansion board such as Argon One NVMe base
• Raspberry Pi 400, you will also need a USB to NVMe adapter
• CM4, the Lite version will be great as it should auto-boot from either microSD or NVMe SSD. Of course, it will also require a carrier board that has NVMe 2280 M.2 M-Key, or both key slots.

 

Is Your Raspberry Pi Ready with USB Boot?

Most of the latest Raspberry Pi comes with the latest USB bootable firmware. In case you have an older version of the Raspberry Pi board, or you are not sure, just check it using one of these methods:

 

Option 1: Do it from Raspberry Pi OS desktop with a monitor, keyboard, and mouse, going into the raspi_config, by leepspvideo:

  Option 2: Format a blank microSD card (you need to back up the content in case you have only one microSD card) into FAT32, and load the RPi4 EEPROM firmware using Raspberry Pi Imager(download from here). From Operating System -> Misc Utility Images -> Raspberry Pi 4 EEPROM boot recovery, choose your microSD card and load the image into it: 

After the Raspberry Pi Imager loads the EEPROM firmware into the microSD card, insert it into your Raspberry Pi 4 Model B's microSD card slot and power it up. After just 3 seconds, the EEPROM is updated with new firmware and it is ready for USB boot.

 

Option 3: Boot it directly if your Raspberry Pi 4 Model B comes with the latest firmware in the EEPROM, nothing needs to be updated :)

 

You can always reload the image/Operating System into this NVMe SSD using a USB3.0 to M.2 NVMe Adapter. We recommend using the official imager: Raspberry Pi Imager. Please check this video out on how to use the Advance features:

What's in the box?

1 x NVMe 2242 M-Key MakerDisk SSD (Preloaded with Raspberry Pi OS) - 128GB

You might also need a NVMe board. 

Resources

https://youtu.be/EXWu4SUsaY8 

Retro Gaming with Raspberry Pi shows you how to set up Raspberry Pi 5 to play a new generation of classic games. In this 180-page book, you’ll build a gaming console and full-size arcade cabinet, install emulation software and download original games with full step-by-step guides. Discover a vibrant homebrew scene packed with new games for original consoles and legal access to all those retro games you remember!

• Set up Raspberry Pi for retro gaming
• Emulate classic computers and consoles
• Learn to code retro-style games
• Build a console, handheld, and full-size arcade machine

What's in the box?

1 x Retro Gaming Book

The ULN2003 is one of the most common motor driver ICs, consisting of an array of 7 Darlington transistor pairs, each pair is capable of driving loads of up to 500mA and 50V. Four out of seven pairs are used on this board.

The board has four LEDs that show activity on the four control input lines (to indicate stepping state). They provide a nice visual when stepping.

The board also comes with an ON/OFF jumper to isolate power to the stepper Motor.

Specifications

• ULN2003 driver
  
• Suitable for microcontroller development
  
• Voltage: DC 5V
  

What's in the box?

1 x ULN2003 driver

Resources

How to control a ULN2003 stepper motor with Raspberry Pi

The Kitronik ARCADE for micro:bit is a fully assembled, compact and powerful gamer. The micro:bit(NOT INCLUDED) controls the gamer with a full colour LCD screen, perfect for playing retro games which have been coded and created via the popular MakeCode Arcade block editor!

For teachers and students to get started it’s as simple as:

1. Plug in a micro:bit(NOT INCLUDED),

2. Download a pre-coded game or let them create their own using the wealth of resources available with the MakeCode ARCADE site

3. Let them play the lesson away while having fun and learning at the same time!

What's in the box?

1 x Arcade for micro:bit

Resources

• Kitronik Arcade for micro:bit Datasheet
• An extensive range of resources are currently available via the MakeCode ARCADE website

LCD Digital Mini Handheld Multimeter AC/DC 750/1000V With Probe


LCD Digital Multimeter AC/DC 750/1000V Handheld multimeter for voltmeter, ammeter Ohm tester meter with probes.


Specifications

• DIY Supplies: ELECTRICAL
• Certification: NONE
• Origin: CN(Origin)
• Model Number: Digital Multimeter
• AC Current: /
• AC Voltage: 2-750V
• Measuring Resistance Range: 20k-2000k
• Operating Mode: Manual
• Measuring Inductance Range: /
• Display Type: Digital Display
• DC Current: 200u-2000u-20m-200m-10A
• DC Voltage: 200m-2000m-20-200-1000V
• Measuring Capacitance Range: /
• Dimensions: 190mm x 90mm x 30mm
• Operating Temperature: 0 - 40 ℃
• Colour: Black/Yellow

What's in the box ?

These 40mm (4010) fans are an efficient cooling solution designed to optimise the performance of your Raspberry Pi 5, and come with 4-pin connectors designed for the Pi 5's fan header socket.

Made for optimal thermal management, this cooling fan ensures that your Raspberry Pi 5 operates at peak performance, even during resource-intensive tasks.

In addition to the cooling fan, this kit includes heatsinks to dissipate heat effectively from critical components on your Raspberry Pi 5. The combination of the fan and heatsinks ensures comprehensive and reliable thermal regulation.

Note: The Raspberry Pi 5 is not included

Features

• Designed for Raspberry Pi 5
• Complete with Raspberry Pi 5 4-pin fan header
• No GPIO pins consumed!
• Supports PWM Speed Regulation
• Heatsinks to dissipate heat effectively from critical components

Specifications

• Weight of Cooling Fan: 100g
• Weight of Package: 500g
• Dimensions of Cooling Fan: L:40mm x W:10mm H:40mm
• Voltage: 5V

What's in the box?

1 x Cooling Fan
4 x Heatsinks
4 x Nuts
4 x Screws

The Game 5Pi Case from 52Pi is a retro gaming enclosure designed for Raspberry Pi 5, offering a retro aesthetic along with epic cooling capabilities!

The case pays homage to consoles of days gone by with its on-point retro gaming styling, complete with an awesome USB/Ethernet flap cover which we just love!

It's not just a pretty face either - the Game 5Pi gives you convenient access to most ports on your Raspberry Pi 5 (including SD access), along with power button access and even soft rubber feet. Cooling is a key priority too (essential for a retro gaming setup). The case comes with an Armour Lite V5 heatsink/fan for the Pi 5, as well as a case exhaust fan to keep the overall enclosure temperature down.

Combine with our NES-Style USB controllers for the ultimate 'good ol' days' retro gaming machine!

Raspberry Pi 5 not included

Features

• Retro gaming case for Raspberry Pi 5
• Armor Lite V5 included - Optimal thermal dissipation for the Raspberry Pi
• Side fan cooling system - In addition to the main heatsink and fan, the case features a side fan cooling system to further enhance airflow and cooling efficiency
• ABS Material - Constructed from high-quality ABS material
• Compact retro design - Visually appealing while maintaining a smaller footprint
• Movable cover - A movable cover protects the unused USB and Ethernet ports
• Easy Installation - Designed for easy and hassle-free installation
• Compatibility - The Game 5Pi Case is specifically designed for Raspberry Pi 5

What's in the box?

1 x ABS Upper
1 x ABS Lower
1 x Armor Lite V5 heatsink/Fan
6 x Thermal Pads
1 x Screw driver
2 x M2.5 Screw
4 x Self-tapping screw

Raspberry Pi5 not included

Resources

• Product Wiki
• Installation guide