micro:bit

Please note: The batteries in the pic are not the supplied batteries. Please read the below description to see what is in the box.

The BBC micro:bit is a pocket-sized codeable computer with motion detection, a built-in compass, LED display, and Bluetooth technology built in.

It measures 4cm by 5cm, is available in a range of colours, and designed to be fun and easy to use. It can be coded with something simple in seconds – like lighting up its LEDs or displaying a pattern – with no prior knowledge of computing.

It also connects to other devices, sensors, kits and objects, and is a companion to Arduino, Galileo, Kano, littleBits and Raspberry Pi, acting as a spring board to more complex learning.

Each element is completely programmable via easy-to-use software on a dedicated website that can be accessed from a PC, tablet or mobile.

Product Overview

Get creative, get connected & get coding with the micro:bit go. A complete set containing all the parts and inspirational ideas to get started with the micro:bit. Each micro:bit go contains 1x micro:bit, USB cable, battery holder & 2x AAA batteries along with a Quick Start Guide featuring 4 fun ideas all in a retail ready pack. The micro:bit go is the quickest and easiest way for children to get going with the micro:bit. The micro:bit is a pocket-sized computer that you can code, customise and control to bring your digital ideas, games and apps to life. Measuring 4cm by 5cm, and designed to be fun and easy to use, users can create anything from games and animations to scrolling stories at school, at home and on the go - all you need is imagination and creativity. The micro:bit is completely programmable. That means each of its LEDs can be individually programmed as can its buttons, inputs and outputs, accelerometer, magnetometer and Bluetooth Smart Technology.

Features

• Upgraded processor (nRF52833)
• 64MHz Arm Cortex-M4 FPU (over 4 times faster!)
• 512KB Flash storage on board
• 128KB RAM
• MEMS Microphone with LED indicator and on-board speaker
• 5x5 LED matrix display
• Touch sensitive logo "button"
• Accelerometer/compass
• Light and temperature sensors
• Sleep/off mode for batteries powered projects (w/ LED indicator)
• Up to 200mA of current for external accessories
• Bluetooth 5.0 radio allowing micro:bits to talk to each other
• Notched edge connector (easier to connect things like crocodile clips and conductive thread)
• Dimensions: 52mm x 42mm x 11.7mm

It's the same shape and size so should be already familiar to countless teachers and learners, and also compatible with the vast majority of add-on boards and accessories.

Applications

Embedded Design & Development

What's in the box?

With over four times the processing power and eight times as much RAM as the original micro:bit this new model opens up a world of new possibilities! We're especially excited about how well MicroPython will run on the new model where previously the limited RAM was a struggle.

• Upgraded processor (nRF52833)
• 64MHz Arm Cortex-M4 FPU (over 4 times faster!)
• 512KB Flash storage on board
• 128KB RAM
• MEMS Microphone with LED indicator and on-board speaker
• 5x5 LED matrix display
• Touch sensitive logo "button"
• Accelerometer/compass
• Light and temperature sensors
• Sleep/off mode for batteries powered projects (w/ LED indicator)
• Up to 200mA of current for external accessories
• Bluetooth 5.0 radio allowing micro:bits to talk to each other
• Notched edge connector (easier to connect things like crocodile clips and conductive thread)
• Dimensions: 52mm x 42mm x 11.7mm

It's the same shape and size so should be already familiar to countless teachers and learners, and also compatible with the vast majority of add-on boards and accessories.

It's programmed with beginner friendly, drag and drop interface MakeCode with the option to progress into MicroPython later on, opening up even more programming possibilities!

It's packed with inputs, outputs, sensors and radio communication features that can be combined into and endless variety of projects.

• Inputs and outputs: An important part of any computer system. As a very small computer, the BBC micro:bit has plenty of inputs and outputs to learn about and use.
• LEDs: An LED, or light-emitting diode is an output device that gives off light. Your BBC micro:bit has a display of 25 LEDs for you to program.
• Buttons: A very common input device. Your micro:bit has two "clicky" buttons and a touch sensitive button you can program, and a reset button.
• Radio: A way of sending and receiving messages and BBC micro:bits can use radio waves to communicate with each other.
• Accelerometer: A motion sensor that measures movement. The accelerometer in your BBC micro:bit detects when you tilt it left to right, backwards and forwards and up and down.
• Compass: An input sensor that detects magnetic fields. Your BBC micro:bit has an inbuilt compass that can detect the direction in which it is facing.
• Light sensor: An input device that measures light levels. Your BBC micro:bit uses the LEDs to sense the levels of light and lets you program your micro:bit as a light sensor.
• Temperature sensor: An input device that measures temperature. Your BBC micro:bit has a temperature sensor inside the processor which can give you an approximation of the air temperature.
• Pins: On the bottom edge of your BBC micro:bit there are 25 gold strips, called pins. These pins allow you to really get creative. You can create circuits, connect external things like buzzers and motors and make your own fun projects.
• Sound: Your BBC micro:bit can be programmed to make a wide variety of sounds - from single notes, tones and beats to your own musical compositions.
  
  

• microB USB Cable for programming
• Computer/laptop with Internet access

• Set up guide
• Using the LEDs and buttons
• Using the sensors
• Radio and Pins
• Project ideas

The micro:bit V2.2 has no less than six sensors onboard to create awesome projects:

• Motion
• Temperature
• Light
• Magnetism
• Sound
• Touch

More Resources

The BBC micro:bit is a pocket-sized computer that introduces you to how software and hardware work together. It has an LED light display, buttons, sensors, a speaker, microphone and many other input/output features that, when programmed, let it interact with you and your world.

Visit What is the micro:bit? to find out more or explore all the features in depth through short videos.

You will need a computer, tablet or phone to write and send code to the micro:bit, but once the code is on the micro:bit it works as a standalone device with just the battery pack. Visit getting started for support taking your first steps with the micro:bit.

The Micro:bit Educational Foundation produces free coding tools and teaching resources to support you as you explore the potential of the micro:bit:

• Choose your perfect programming tool in Let's Code:
  • Run whole class coding sessions easily with micro:bit classroom
  • Teach block-based coding with Microsoft MakeCode or text-based coding with the micro:bit Python Editor
• Explore our free resources for teachers including:
  • Quick projects for beginners and more advanced users
  • Curriculum-linked lessons and units of work
  • Professional development courses and events like webinars and code-alongs
  • Classroom resources such as student handouts, reward certificates and posters

As well as givings students a hands-on approach to coding, the micro:bit is an engaging classroom tool that gives students confidence to try new things and get creative with technology.