Unlock Creativity: micro:bit Accessories for Fun Projects

In this era of rapid technological advancement, the micro:bit has become the top choice for numerous innovators and educators. The micro:bit is an open-source hardware project initiated by the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), aimed at assisting young people in learning programming and electronic fabrication.

Have you ever marveled at the magical prowess of the micro:bit, or desired to delve deeper into its boundless potential? If so, this article is tailored for you. We shall provide an in-depth overview of several categories of micro:bit peripherals, enabling you to effortlessly grasp the key to technological innovation.

Now, let us embark on a captivating journey of exploration into the world of micro:bit accessories!

1. Expansion Board Categories

Expansion boards facilitate seamless integration between the micro:bit and various devices, thereby enhancing the micro:bit's capabilities. These versatile boards, diverse in form and function, unlock boundless possibilities for your creative endeavors. Envision the micro:bit as a formidable superhero, with expansion boards bestowing upon it an array of remarkable powers. Should you seek the ultimate companion for your micro:bit, look no further!

micro:Driver - Driver Expansion Board for micro:bit, This is an extension board designed specifically for micro:bit, featuring 9 GPIO interfaces, 4 motor drivers, and 8 servo interfaces. The motors and servos are controlled by an external I2C driver chip, allowing for programming control of various types of motors, including stepper motors, servo motors, and DC motors.

IO Extender for micro:bit, This IO expansion board is an affordable and user-friendly extension board designed for micro:bit. It exposes all the IO ports of the micro:bit and includes a dedicated port specifically designed for the "HuskyLens AI camera." The board provides a stable 5V power supply for the HuskyLens, ensuring its smooth operation in all modes. The clear silkscreen on the back clearly indicates the functionality of all the interfaces, facilitating quick and easy

More Expansion Boards: Refer to the Table Below

2. Robot Categories

If you aspire to create your own intelligent car or robot using micro:bit, the following components are what you need. They come in various forms, adding both fun and increasing the level of challenge and enjoyment in the learning process.

micro:Maqueen Plus V2 (Ni MH Rechargeable Battery), An advanced STEM education robot specifically designed for micro:bit, making programming learning more engaging and vivid. This compact and agile robot possesses powerful features such as graphical programming, sensor expansion, and robotic arm control, allowing children to explore the mysteries of technology through hands-on operations. It is equipped with environmentally-friendly Ni MH rechargeable batteries, instilling energy-saving and eco-friendly habits in children while they enjoy the fun of technology.

micro:Maqueen Mechanic - Beetle, By combining this intriguing kit with micro:bit and micro:Maqueen, you can transform your robot into 1a captivating mechanical beetle! Equipped with metal servos and mechanical components, it unleashes creativity and enhances the hands-on learning experience. With simple programming, it can assist you in accomplishing numerous technological challenges.

More "Robotics" Accessories: Refer to the Table Below

3. Artificial Intelligence Categories

Artificial intelligence accessories empower micro:bit with intelligent capabilities, making your projects more creative and engaging. These accessories enable micro:bit to recognize images, process speech, perform machine learning, and more, transforming it from a simple programming tool into a smart companion with an intelligent mind.

Gravity: Huskylens - An Easy-to-use AI Camera | Vision Sensor, An AI camera and sensor that brings AI vision within reach. It integrates various AI algorithms, allowing you to effortlessly harness magical features such as object recognition and face tracking. It can easily connect to development boards like micro:bit through a serial communication interface. Whether for maker projects or STEM education, HuskyLens brings endless creative enjoyment. For more information, you can click to watch this video.

More "Artificial Intelligence" Accessories: Refer to the Table Below

4. Internet of Things and Scientific Inquiry Categories

Internet of Things and scientific research accessories are mainly used to realize data transmission between micro:bit and other devices. Common communication modules include Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, LoRa, and more. These communication modules allow micro:bit to connect to the Internet, enabling remote control, data collection, and cloud services functionalities. They transform your micro:bit from a smart standalone device into a truly global communication machine.

Gravity: WiFi IoT Module, This module empowers your micro:bit with the ability to connect to the Internet, opening up a whole new gateway. It's like equipping your micro:bit with a superpower glove, allowing you to control your micro:bit, collect data, or interact with other devices worldwide, regardless of your location, through the Internet.

micro: IoT - micro:bit IoT Expansion Board: This cloud-shaped expansion board has the ability to transform your micro:bit into a versatile IoT device. It integrates various features including Wi-Fi, OLED display, motor driver, and multiple interfaces. Even without complex background knowledge, you can easily build IoT applications through a few simple steps!

5. Display and Interaction Categories

The accessories in the Display and Interaction category are primarily designed to enhance the user experience of micro:bit. For instance, the LED module can add vibrant colors to your micro:bit and make your creations more dazzling. These modules are capable of generating a variety of colors, adding rich visual effects to your projects. They are user-friendly and can be easily controlled for brightness and color through programming, enabling truly personalized designs.

Gravity: LED Button x 5 Pack: The LED lighting switch button included in this category consists of five colors (red, white, green, blue, and yellow). You can control it through programming, allowing the LED to illuminate when desired, thereby adding more interactivity and enjoyment to your projects.

micro: Circular RGB LED Expansion Board: With 24 RGB LED beads, this accessory offers a multitude of creative possibilities, serving as a clock, timer, game device, and more. When paired with the micro:bit board, buzzer, microphone, and sensors, it enables a wide range of interactive functionalities. Moreover, by changing paper cutouts and acrylic decorations, it can add colors and amusement to various festive occasions.

More Display and Interaction Modules: Refer to the Table Below

6. Power Supply Categories

The power supply module can be considered the "heart" of your innovative micro:bit projects, providing stable electrical support to ensure that your creations can showcase their vitality anytime, anywhere. They act as supercharged energy drinks for your works, supplying your micro:bit with sufficient power to carry out a variety of engaging tasks.

2xAAA Battery Holder(with Cover and Power Switch): This is a 2xAAA battery holder with a cover and power switch, allowing you to connect two AAA batteries in series and independently power your micro:bit. It serves as a portable power station for your micro:bit, providing convenience and mobility.

CR123A Li-ion Battery Holder for micro: Maqueen: This compact lithium battery holder is tailor-made for the Maqueen robot, enabling seamless installation of CR123A 3.6V batteries, allowing Maqueen to enjoy uninterrupted play for over 8 hours! It comes with an integrated charging circuit and a MicroUSB interface, eliminating the hassle of purchasing a separate charger. The safety upgrades, including over-current protection and reverse connection protection, provide you with enhanced peace of mind during use!

7. Miscellaneous Categories

In the world of micro:bit, innovation knows no boundaries. Apart from the various categories mentioned above, there are some "unique" accessories that stand out in their respective fields, adding diversity to the micro:bit world. These accessories are generally designed to cater to specific requirements and needs.

Track Map: This is a specially designed race track map for micro:bit robots, allowing your robot to travel along specific paths. It's like having a private fitness center for your robot, enabling precise track training and enhancing its navigation capabilities.

micro:bit Enclosure for micro:bit V1 & V1.5 &V2: This miniature protective case provides comprehensive protection for your micro:bit, akin to dressing it in protective gear. The case shields the micro:bit from accidental drops and scratches, ensuring its optimal functionality in various environments.

More Miscellaneous Accessories: Refer to the Table Below

Conclusion

In this article, we have intricately unveiled the realm of micro:bit peripherals, encompassing expansion boards, robotics, artificial intelligence, internet of things and scientific inquiry, display and interaction, power supply, as well as other accessories catering to specific requirements. These peripherals serve to optimize the functionality of your micro:bit, endowing your innovative projects with an abundance of possibilities. Whether you are a neophyte or a seasoned creator, the micro:bit and its peripheral companions are poised to infuse your journey of programming and electronic craftsmanship with boundless delight and inspiration. Now, seize your micro:bit and embark upon an exploration of this technologically bountiful world brimming with infinite possibilities!