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Description:

The MonkMakes Relay for micro:bit is a solid-state (no moving parts) relay that allows an output of a micro:bit to turn things on and off.

A micro:bit can turn an LED on and off directly, but anything more powerful requires something like a relay or a transistor. Using a transistor to switch something on and off requires a shared ground connection with the micro:bit and a knowledge electronics that you or your students may not be ready for. The MonkMakes Relay for micro:bit is much easier to use, acting like a simple micro:bit controlled switch.

This relay can be used to switch low voltage devices such as light bulbs, a motor, a small heating element or even a string of 12V LED lighting. The voltage needs to be kept under 16V, but the relay will automatically protect itself against too much current.

FEATURES

• Solid-sate relay (up to 2 Amps)
• Active LED indicator
• Resettable ‘polyfuse’ to protect against over-current

Getting Started

Connecting your micro:bit

The Relay requires just two connections to the micro:bit. One to GND (ground) and one to whatever pin is to be used to control the relay’s switching action.

When attaching the alligator clips to the micro:bit, make sure that the clips are perpendicular to the board so that they are not touching any of the neighbouring connectors on the micro:Bit edge connector.

Here’s an example of how you could wire up a MonkMakes Relay for micro:bit to turn an old fashioned light bulb on and off.

HEX File

The quickest way to try out your relay is to DOWNLOAD THIS HEX FILE >and then copy it onto your micro:bit. The program will turn the relay on and off once a second.

JavaScript Blocks Editor

Set the controlling pin to 1 and the relay contacts will close, set it to 0 and the contacts will open again. Its as simple as that. So, to make your relay turn on and off once a second, open the Blocks Editor, add a forever block and then the digital write blocks from the pins category and the pauses from the basic category.

MicroPython

Paste the following code into the Python window and then Download the file and copy it onto your your micro:bit.

from microbit import *

while True:
    pin0.write_digital(True)
    sleep(500)
    pin0.write_digital(False)
    sleep(500)

Analog Outputs

The latest MonkMakes Relay for micro:bit can do more than just switch things on and off. It can also be used with micro:bit analog outputs. Look closely at your Relay for micro:bit and is it has the version number v1ev (under the word ‘Board’) then it can be used with the ‘analog write’ block in the blocks editor or the ‘write_analog’ function in MicroPython. If your board has the version number v1e then it is not suitable for use with analog outputs – sorry you were unlucky to get one of the small batch of first boards to be sold.

The output of the Relay for micro:bit is not linear at low PWM and high PWM values as the following chart illustrates.

The y-axis shows the current in mA for a test load resistor supplied from a constant voltage source. The x-axis is the analog write value (0 to 1023). As you can see, there is a dead zone up to a analog output value of about 100, followed by a relatively good linear region right up to about 1000, after which the output effectively becomes ‘on’.

The tests were carried out at the default PWM frequency of 50Hz for the micro:bit. Lower frequency PWM is expected to produce more linear results.

Description:

The MonkMakes Sensor Board for micro:bit allows you to sense sound level, temperature and light level.

Features

• 3V and GND connections can be made from either side and allow you to power a second board such as the MonkMakes Relay Board or MonkMakes Speaker.
• LED ‘power on’ indicator
• Reverse polarity protection
• All three sensors are analog and can be connected to pins P0, P1 and P2 using alligator clips.

Getting Started

Connecting to your micro:bit

You only have to wire up the sensors that you are actually using, but you could wire all the sensors up as shown below. The code examples below assume that pin 0 is used for sound, pin 1 for temperature and pin 2 for light. You can use any pin for any of the sensors, but remember to modify the code to match the pin you are using.

Sound

The Sensor for micro:bit uses a MEMs (microphone on a chip) and a pre-amplifier. The output of the sound sensor is connected to an analog input where it can be sampled. The sound signal varies about the 1.5V level. So, silence will produce an analog output of around 1.5V. When there is sound the analog readings will oscillate above and below the 1.5V level like this:

This is why 511 is subtracted from the readings in the code examples below.

JavaScript Blocks Editor

Here is an example of using the Sensor Board to display a bargraph to indicate the sound level. Click on the image below to try it out. Making a noise into the microphone will make the LEDs dance.

MicroPython

from microbit import *

def bargraph(a):
display.clear()
for y in range(0, 5):
if a > y:
for x in range(0, 5):
display.set_pixel(x, 4-y, 9)

while True:
sound_level = (pin0.read_analog() - 511) / 100
bargraph(sound_level)

Temperature

The Sensor for micro:bit uses a thermistor to measure temperature. The temperature output from the board is a voltage that indicates the temperature. This is then measured using an analog input on the micro:bit.

The calculations for converting this voltage reading to an actual temperature are quite complicated and so the code examples here will only give a rough idea of temperature.

If you want your temperatures in Fahrenheit, then multiply the temperature in degrees C by 9, divide the result by 5 and then add 32.

JAVASCRIPT BLOCKS EDITOR

This is an example of using the Sensor Board to display the temperature, try putting your finger on the temperature sensor to warm it up. You can run the example below by clicking on it.

MicroPython

from microbit import *

while True:
reading = pin1.read_analog()
temp_c = int(reading / 13.33 - 14)
display.scroll(str(temp_c))
sleep(500)

Light

The light sensor uses a phototransistor to measure the light level and produces an output voltage that increases as the light level increases. Here is a guide to the kind of light level you might get from the sensor under different conditions (0 to 1023).

• Dark 0 to 3
• Dimly lit room 6 to 10
• Indoors directly under a light 10 to 50
• Outdoors (dull day) 100 to 200
• Outdoors (sunny day) 800 to 900

Even though the maximum analog read value is 1023, the maximum reading from this sensor is around 900.

JAVASCRIPT BLOCKS EDITOR

Here is an example of using the Sensor Board to display a bargraph to indicate the light level. Click on the image below to try it out. Put your finger over the light sensor to make it dark or shine a flash-light onto it to make more LEDs light up.

MicroPython

from microbit import *

def bargraph(a):
display.clear()
for y in range(0, 5):
if a > y:
for x in range(0, 5):
display.set_pixel(x, 4-y, 9)

while True:
light_level = pin2.read_analog() / 10
bargraph(light_level)

Description:

This motor driver board for the micro:bit allows two motors to be driven with forward, reverse, and stop control, and allows access to the other pins.

This board provides a simple way to add motor driving capability to a micro:bit. It allows two motors to be driven with full forward, reverse & stop control. It has terminal blocks to connect four input devices and a regulated 3V supply is fed in to the 80 way connector to power the inserted micro:bit.

In this new version, the pins from the micro:bit are now broken out to pads on the end of the motor driver board. These pads can either be soldered onto directly, or they are the correct spacing for our PCB pin headers (see image below for a close up of the new pads).

It is ideal for designs such as buggies (see below).

It includes an integrated edge connector slot for your micro:bit to easily slot into. It also features external connections to the buttons A and B inputs. This allows additional switches to be connected to the motor driver board and the state of these can then be read by the micro:bit.

Get up to speed quickly. Example Microsoft TouchDevelop code and example connections in the datasheet (below).

Features:

• Drive 2 motors with full forward, reverse, and stop control
• Terminal blocks for easy connection of motors and inputs
• 4 inputs (2 analogue inputs and 2 provide external connections to buttons A and B as inputs)
• Includes edge connector for the micro:bit to slot into
• Provide regulated power to the micro:bit
• Access the other micro:bit pins easily and conveniently

Contents:

• 1 x edge connector motor driver board for the micro:bit

Dimensions:

• Length: 67mm
• Width: 61mm
• Height: 18mm

Resources:

• Kitronik Custom Motor Driver MakeCode Editor Blocks (Use this URL to add them to the MakeCode Editor).
• Datasheet.

The MonkMakes Speaker for micro:bit is a neat little amplified speaker that connects to your micro:bit using alligator clips.

Features

• Amplified output
• LED ‘power on’ indicator
• Reverse polarity protection

Getting Started

Connecting to your micro:bit

Connect the Speaker to the micro:bit as shown below. When attaching the alligator clips to the micro:bit, make sure that the clips are perpendicular to the board so that they are not touching any of the neighbouring connectors on the micro:Bit edge connector.

HEX File

The quickest way to try out your speaker is to DOWNLOAD THIS HEX FILE and then copy it onto your micro:bit. Press Button A to hear a tune being played.

JavaScript Blocks Editor

Visit the Blocks Editor in your browser and then from the input section add an on button A pressed block then from the music section add a start melody block and select the tune you want to play (in this case, entertainer).

Click Download and then copy the file onto your micro:bit.

You can also make a simple musical instrument, using this tutorial: https://makecode.microbit.org/projects/hack-your-headphones/code

MicroPython

Paste the following code into the Python window and then Download the file and copy it onto your your micro:bit

from microbit import *
import music

while True:
    if button_a.was_pressed():
        music.play(music.ENTERTAINER)

When you press button A you will hear the tune “The Entertainer” play through the speaker.

Watch the video: https://youtu.be/mu4klw-N8sw

Description:

The SanDisk Industrial SD™ and microSD™ cards deliver superior endurance and reliability for demanding industrial applications across a wide range of operational requirements. Typical applications include commercial surveillance cameras, drones, Industrial IoT gateways, factory automation, and network equipment. These hard-working, connected devices can now take advantage of a powerful suite of features available in our industrial-grade flash storage solutions

Specifications:

• Fast Read/Write performance enables high bit-rate video streams for commercial imaging applications such as surveillance and Industrial IoT
• “Smart” features including Health Status Monitor for proactive device status monitoring, and Automatic Read Refresh to prevent flash storage from being corrupt
• Class 10
• 16GB
• SDA 3.0 High Speed
• -25°C to 85°C

This pre-built Edge Connector Breakout Board for the micro:bit gives access to all the important pins on the bottom edge of the micro:bit.

Looking to do more with your micro:bit? Unlock its potential with this pre-built version of our Edge Connector Breakout Board! This breakout board has been designed to offer an easy way to connect additional circuits and hardware to the pins on the edge of the micro:bit. It provides access to all of the micro:bit processor pins allowing a lot of extra functionality to be added. The datasheet (below) includes a helpful diagram explaining the function of every pin on the micro:bit.

This Edge Connector Breakout Board for the micro:bit gives access to all of the important pins on the bottom edge of the micro:bit. 21 pins are broken out in total; providing additional I/O lines, direct access to buttons A and B, the LED matrix outputs and the I2C bus. Please refer to the datasheet below for more details.

The micro:bit pins are broken out to a row of pin headers. These provide an easy way of connecting circuits using jumper wires. The SCL and SDA pins are separated at the edge of the board (solder pads) providing easy identification. The PCB includes a prototyping area with 3V, 0V and unconnected rows that can be soldered to. This allows the easy connection of switches, sensors and any pull-up or pull-down resistors etc. as required.

To use the breakout board the micro:bit should be inserted firmly into the connector as shown below:

Note:

• This product is supplied with straight double row PCB pin headers already soldered to the breakout board

Features:

• Features a dedicated pin strip for quick and easy prototyping
• Breaks out 21 pins from the edge of the micro:bit
• Dedicated prototyping area with 3V and 0V rows
• Labelled pins and clear, straightforward documentation

Contents:

• 1 x Edge Connector Breakout Board for the micro:bit, pre-built

Dimensions:

• Length: 60mm
• Width: 40mm
• Height: 11.8mm

Requires:

• 1 x micro:bit

Resources:

• Click here to download the datasheet.

•  Frequency Range: 30Hz~15000Hz
• Impedance: 2.2K Ohm
• Sensitivity: -52dB±5dB
• Plug: 3.5mm
• Length of cable: Approx 2m
• Net weight: 11g
• Color: Black

pin:bit breaks out all of the useful pins from your micro:bit into breadboard format while providing handy-dandy labels to make your builds go smoothly.

It's ideal for building small circuits on a breadboard, and for exploring what different types of components like LEDs, buttons, and analog sensors do and how they work.

Just slot in your micro:bit and then hook up to its pins with a breadboard or by connecting jumpers directly. We've broken out every spare pin on the micro:bit that isn't shared with the LED matrix, so your projects won't interfere with the built-in functionality.

Features

• Comes fully-assembled and ready to use
• Pins exposed:
• 3V and GND
• Analog channels 0, 1, and 2 (these are the large pads on your micro:bit)
• I2C bus interface
• SPI bus interface
• GPIO pins 0, 1, 2, 5, 8, 11, 13, 14, 15, 16, 19, and 20
• Plugs straight into your breadboard (not included)
• Compatible with micro:bit (not included)
• No soldering required!

USB Output function
1. 0pen-circuit voltage of USB output : 4.9-5.3V; and the 4th slot is fixed for the USB discharge power source
2. Output current: 1000mAh
3. Open circuit current: <1mAh
4. The corresponding voltage is 4.75-5.25V under 1000mAh current
5. Cut-off voltage for discharge protection: 3.0±0.1V

You will need a power supply for this charger

This Micro SD Card Bundle for the Raspberry Pi consists of a SanDisk Class 10 UHS-I Micro SD card preloaded with Raspberry Pi OS

Latest image available from the Raspberry Pi Foundation Downloads

Please Note. This Micro SD Card does NOT come with a SD Card Adapter, it is the Micro SD Card ONLY

The SanDisk 32GB Preloaded Micro SD Card Features:

• Superior Random-Access Performance - Perfect for the Raspberry Pi
• Safe from X-rays and magnetic fields
• Reliable shock-proof technology
• Water and dust proof, thanks to EMC coating 
• Tested and proven to last up to 24 hours in sea water
• Capacity : 16GB
• Weight : Approx 0.2g
• Operating Voltage : 2.7 ~ 3.6V 
• Data Transfer Speed: Up to 48MB/s read
• Speed Class Class 10
• preloaded with Raspberry Pi OS

This AlphaBot2 robot kit is designed to use with the BBC micro:bit (not included). It features rich common robot functions including line tracking, obstacle avoiding, ultrasonic ranging, Bluetooth/2.4G remote control, etc.

Thanks to the highly integrated modular design, it is fairly easy to assemble by a snap, no soldering, no wiring. After a few minutes spent on hardware assembling, you're almost there, our open source demo codes is ready to help you get started fast.

AlphaBot2 employs a 2-layer structure to provide excellent stability and compatibility.

AlphaBot2-Base, the lower base chassis:

• 5-ch infrared sensor, analog output, combined with PID algorithm, stable line tracking
• Onboard modules like line tracking, obstacle avoiding, needs no messy wiring
• TB6612FNG dual H-bridge motor driver, compared with L298P, it's more efficient, more compact, and less heating
• N20 micro gear motor, with metal gears, low noise, high accuracy
• Onboard RGB LEDs, true color lighting, pretty cool

AlphaBot2 for micro:bit, the upper adapter board for controller:

• micro:bit dedicated connector, for easily connecting with the micro:bit
• MP1584 voltage regulator, provides stable 5V output
• RT9193-33 voltage regulator, provides stable 3.3V voltage to the micro:bit
• TLC1543 AD acquisition chip, allows the micro:bit to use analog sensors
• PCA9685 PWM control chip, I/O expander
• Onboard buzzer to play music

What's on the AlphaBot2-Base

1. AlphaBot2 control interface: for connecting sorts of controller adapter board
2. Ultrasonic module interface
3. Obstacle avoiding indicators
4. Omni-direction wheel
5. ST188: reflective infrared photoelectric sensor, for obstacle avoiding
6. ITR20001/T: reflective infrared photoelectric sensor, for line tracking
7. Potentiometer for adjusting obstacle avoiding range
8. TB6612FNG dual H-bridge motor driver
9. LM393 voltage comparator
10. N20 micro gear motor reduction rate 1:30, 6V/600RPM
11. Rubber wheels diameter 42mm, width 19mm
12. Power switch
13. Battery holder: supports 14500 batteries
14. WS2812B: true color RGB LEDs
15. Power indicator

What's on the AlphaBot2 for micro:bit (Adapter Board)

1. micro:bit connector
2. AlphaBot2-Base header: for connecting with the base board
3. RT9193-33: 3.3V voltage regulator, stable power supply for the micro:bit
4. PCA9685: PWM control chip, I/O expander, I2C interface
5. TLC1543: 10-bit AD acquisition chip, allows the micro:bit to use analog line tracking sensor
6. Buzzer
7. MP1584 5V voltage regulator

Dimensions

Wiki : www.waveshare.com/wiki/AlphaBot2_for_micro:bit

Note: this product requires two 14500 batteries to work, which are NOT included and should be purchased separately.

Note: the controller micro:bit is NOT included.

1. AlphaBot2 for micro:bit (adapter board) x1
2. AlphaBot2-Base (base chassis) x1
3. Ultrasonic sensor x1
4. FC-20P cable 8cm x1
5. USB type A plug to micro B plug cable x1
6. AlphaBot2 for micro:bit screws x1
7. Screwdriver x1
   

The MonkMakes Servo for micro:bit board provides a really easy way to attach up to three servomotors to a BBC micro:bit. The board requires a power supply or battery pack to provide 5 or 6V to the servomotors. It includes a voltage regulator that will supply 3V back to the micro:bit, so that you don’t have to power it separately.

• Header pins for three servo motors
• Up to 2A total can be supplied to the servo motors
• Regulated 3V output to power your micro:bit
• Polarity protection for the servomotors
• Electrolytic reservoir capacitor for the servomotors
• 1kΩ series resistors to the control signals to prevent accidental sort-circuits of the micro:bit’s output pins.
• Orange LED to indicate that the Servo for micro:bit board has power.

The picture below shows a typical setup using the Servo for micro:bit board.

The following connections have been made:

• 3 x servomotors plugged into header pins. These need to be the right way around, with the control signal (yellow or orange wire) to the left (pins marked c).
• Alligator clip lead from GND on the micro:bit to GND on the Servo for micro:bit board.
• Optional alligator clip lead from 3V on the micro:bit to 3V on the Servo for micro:bit board. You only need this if you want to power the micro:bit from the same battery pack as the servomotors. If you want to power the micro:bit over USB or the JST battery connector then you do not need this connection.
• Alligator clip leads between P0, P1, P2 on the micro:bit to the Servo for micro:bit board. These need to match up with the servomotors you are using, so if you only need the board for one servomotor, then just connect P0 on the micro:bit to P0 on the Servo for micro:bit and make sure that there is a servomotor attached to the header pins marked 0.
• Power to the screw terminal on the Servo for micro:bit. Typically this will be a 4xAA battery pack or other power supply. Make sure that the positive lead goes to the screw terminal marked with a

To check that everything is working, this Blocks code project will get you started. Flash it onto your Servo for micro:bit and the servo arms should all start waggling in a random manner. You can see a video of this in action here.

The servo write pin block allows you to set the angle of the servomotor’s arm between 0 and 180 degrees. Note that servomotors, will not usually travel a full 180 degrees so you may find the actual range is more like 10 to 170 degrees.

Ever wanted to use two different operating systems with the same Pi at the flick of a switch? Well now you can!

This 2 in 1 micro SD card switcher is specially designed for the Raspberry Pi, and you can now enjoy the convenience of using two micro SD cards at the same time on the same Pi!

To transfer between your operating systems, insert two micro SD cards into the adaptor (one on top, and one at the bottom, Then ensuring the Pi is switched off and power removed, switch the switch on the adaptor! Next time you boot, it will boot the secondary micro SD card!

2 in 1 Dual Micro SD Switcher for Raspberry Pi Features:

• Designed for Raspberry Pi B /2/3/Zero
• Dual micro SD card slot with switch
• Enables the use of two operating systems on the same Pi without needing to remove/swap the micro SD cards.
• Dimension: 36mm(length) x 24mm(width)