microbit Forum - Recent Threads

Help me my Tobbie-II goes zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

swithin — Thu, 08 Aug 2024 06:13:49 GMT

Guys my Tobbie-II is not working.

when it was moving forward it goes zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.

Some garbled serial comms from Micro:bit

pmulvey — Tue, 28 Nov 2023 21:33:30 GMT

My Serial writes are garbled when sent out to TeraTerm terminal program but Ok when viewed on the Serial monitor. Characters get dropped. This is quite useless as I want my class to receive the data in Python on the PC. I get this in both micro:bit Python editor and MS Makecode. I have used different micro:bits on different PCs, same result.

I tried Mu Editor and the micro:bit sends data across the serial port perfectly. I'm using V2. Is there an issue with the firmware used by MS Makecode and micro:bit Python editor?

I wrote a short Python program to read the serial port on the PC and I get the same results as with TeraTerm i.e. dropped characters, about 10% only, no major garbling.

programmer halo hd techtronique avec microPython sur micobit

didier.f — Wed, 15 Nov 2023 17:13:55 GMT

hello

je suis français

avant de poser ma question, je voudrais savoir si je peux la poser en français, ou d'abord faire une traduction en anglais.

before asking my question, I would like to know if I can ask it in French, or first do a translation into English

Rotation, Roll sensor, that is adjustable. A buzzer that will let you know when the RC truck is about to roll over.

BenchMade — Thu, 14 Sep 2023 23:04:07 GMT

I would like to know the steps on how to capture the role of an RC vehicle, before it is about to roll on its side. The micro:bit can be placed on the RC vehicle on the roll axis.

Micro:bit will be placed on the RC truck, Roll axis . Then A switch will Capture 0 value of the roll value. Then the RC truck will be tilted at 90° or whatever the role value is, before it tips over.

Here is what I have on my micro:bit, to capture the data when the air switch is pressed. And when the B button is pressed down, it captures the angle of the roll.

what I don’t know is how to include the buzzer so when it gets to the point of the data captured on the B switch, it will start buzzing.

There is a YouTube example.

www.youtube.com/watch

mp3 player

naimlion — Tue, 07 Mar 2023 13:56:50 GMT

please can i listen to my mp3 file in the speaker of my microbit v2 and not in the earphone connected to mp3 player,thx in advance

Multi player game

rhubarbdog — Tue, 20 Dec 2022 10:04:38 GMT

I have written a clone of fortnight (fortnite). The code is in repository https://github.com/rhubarbdog/microbit-two-weeks

Enjoy

need an external sensor, screen or keypad

rhubarbdog — Fri, 04 Nov 2022 12:29:02 GMT

see github.com/.../microbit-component

Genuine decimal numbers

rhubarbdog — Wed, 02 Nov 2022 14:57:28 GMT

if floating point numbers are letting you down because of the gaps and rounding errors try my decimal numbers class decimal.py at https://github.com/rhubarbdog/decimal-numbers . There is a version for microbit called microbit.py follow the instructions in the README.md.
See example code decimal_math.py and pi.py for python 3 and other boards and for microbit it's microbit_pi.py microbit_root.py

Micro:Bit/Mi:Node problems

eggbasket21 — Sun, 22 Aug 2021 21:34:20 GMT

I've been trying out the mi:node recently and despite plugging in all attachments and writing my test code as indicated, my attachments refuse to work. Has this kit become obsolete or incompatible?

Thanks!

stuck in the pairing mode! What to do?

technogarv — Tue, 18 May 2021 20:53:50 GMT

I've recently got my micro:bit and I was so curious i tried making some simple projects after that i wanted to connect it to the bluetooth after connecting it to the Bluetooth I uploded one code and it worked but after some time my micro:bit got stuck in. It's flashing codes but not running just showing the bluetooth logo and then the unique logo which it shows while pairing. I tried everything i updated the firmware also but it's still showing the bluetooth mode only.

Can someone please help me?

Attachments:

players.brightcove.net/.../index.html

Different versions

alcor48 — Wed, 05 May 2021 18:34:42 GMT

In Newark they have different model versions.

What is the latest MEFV2S

MEFV2G

and what are the difference?

Embedded Single Board Computers - SBC - Micro:bit | Newark

Hacking with the micro:bit

alainlavanchy — Thu, 12 Nov 2020 00:10:00 GMT

Hi there,

I teach some K-14 students in programming and we are using the micro:bit to do several smaller projects. Last week they asked me if I could teach them how to hack computers. This cought my interest and I did some short research. I came up with a talk at DEF CON 25 how to use the micro:bit to sniff wireless keyboards.

www.youtube.com/watch

This was even for my knowledge to complex. So I was looking for something more simple. Not really hacking, but in the wider security context I thought about doing a 2-way authentication project using the micro:bit.

If you have an idea that could fit in this topic I'd love to hear it. Thanks in advance.

New to being a maker

nate.wits — Wed, 06 May 2020 16:07:06 GMT

Hello All!

I'm new to programming and was wondering where i should start?

What's a good hands on project that will help me get up and running? Doesn't just have to be micro:bit.

Thank you in advance!

Nate

Microturtle: I can't erase the pen trail

beelinteo — Fri, 20 Dec 2019 03:18:22 GMT

I need help.

Context: On button A pressed, I drew a square using the microturtle extension of pen-down. Then on button B pressed, I drew rectangle again using pen-down.

On button A+B pressed, I clear screen

However, I realised that even when I pressed A+B, and then I press say A, the previous pattern of rectangle appears again while the LED drew the square.

Question: how do I permanently erase the pen trail so that I see only rectangle when I press B / see only square when I press A?

Microbit - not able to start accelerometer services

archit.jain — Tue, 11 Jun 2019 17:08:26 GMT

Hello, I have 3 microbit boards, two with 64MB and one with 8MB. I am able to start services on 8MB board, but same hex file does not start services on 64MB board. Please suggest what needs to be done to start accelerometer services on 64MB board (none of services start on 64MB board)

Neopixels & micro:bit

hilalgungor — Tue, 25 Dec 2018 06:42:02 GMT

Hi all,

I want to use NeoPixel and micro:bit together. But NeoPixels is required 5V and micro:bit provides 3V. Do I damage the micro:bit if i use them together? I use a regulator to convert 5V and it works properly, but I'm wondering if is there any easy to use module/accessory for Microbit to use it with Neopixel, ultrasonic sensor?

Neopixel Ring: https://www.adafruit.com/product/1586

Sorry for my english, im not good in english,

Thanks

HowTo: Connect a phone or tablet to the BBC micro:bit

jharris1993 — Wed, 07 Nov 2018 16:29:49 GMT

Note:
This posting may become a work-in-progress with the possibility of updates as I go along.

One of the really NICE things about the micro:bit is that it is a really-and-truly "shirt-pocket" system, If you get the tiny power-board add-on with the 3v button cell, you can have the entire working thing in your pocket. Pairing the micro:bit with a tablet and/or smartphone gives you the opportunity to have a truly portable development environment without having to lug a huge system around with you.

There are two possibilities here:

Using Bluetooth.
Using the micro:bit's USB port via OTG. ("unofficial" beta)

Using Bluetooth:

Just about everything under the sun nowadays supports Bluetooth to one extent or another and the micro:bit is no exception. So much so that Samsung has developed a micro:bit app for Android. Using this, you can create software and write it to the micro:bit for testing. There is, however, one teeny-tiny fly in that ointment. It only works ONCE. After you've flashed over your first program, you cannot do it again.

Why? Because "Bluetooth" is not the default communications protocol for the micro:bit, "radio", (a proprietary packet-radio protocol), is the default and it displaces Bluetooth. The result of this is that, (usually), you can flash the micro:bit once and once only. This is why the Samsung app has so many negative reviews. Additionally, MicroPython completely removes Bluetooth capabilities - including the base-level pairing functionality - as there isn't enough room. With respect to MicroPython, part of the workaround is to use a web editor and flash something, which re-enables Bluetooth pairing.

Workaround:

Neil Kenyon wrote a really excellent article on how to re-establish Bluetooth communication with a micro:bit. His "Correct Answer" gives a list of steps to follow that will allow you to re-flash your micro:bit after flashing it the first time. I have not yet tried it but, based on what I know about it and what I've read, these steps sound spot on. They've also received a LOT of excellent feedback, so I'd go try that. In fact, as soon as I finish writing this, I'll go try it myself.

Using the micro:bit's USB port:

Since the micro:bit has a USB port and since the USB port is the primary programming interface for the micro:bit, it makes sense to plug your micro:bit into your device's USB port using an easily obtained OTG connector.

OTG? Yep. Stands for "On The Go" and is an implementation of a new USB standards extension that allows devices like phones and tablets to act as "computers" instead of "devices". The idea is that instead of plugging your phone or tablet into your computer, you can plug things into the phone or tablet as if it was the computer itself. Which is handy. A tablet with a wired, (or wireless), mouse/keyboard can be really convenient as a portable workstation.

Unfortunately, like Bluetooth, it's not as easy as it sounds. Why not? Simple. The current release firmware from Mbed/micro:bit does NOT implement OTG master-device functionality.

Workaround:

"Update" the firmware to a beta version that has a patch that enables OTG functionality. It can be found on GitHub here:
https://github.com/microbitedupl/shared/blob/master/fix/2018-microbit-daplink-android-mount_problem/firmware/kl26z_micro…

This is a 7z (7-zip) archive file that contains one binary file that can be flashed in maintenance mode. (See: How to upgrade the firmware on the micro:bit) The discussion talks about HEX files, but binary files can be flashed too.

Note: This is "unreleased" experimental firmware that has been patched to enable OTG and shows as version 0246. (The latest release is 0250) You are welcome to use it, however do not update to this firmware version unless:

You have a particular and specific need for the OTG functionality.
You are interested in providing beta test feedback to the Micro:bit Foundation.

Reason #2 is probably one of the best reasons. Providing the people at the Micro:bit Foundation with feedback on how well the OTG patch works on various phones and devices is crucial information that may well speed implementation of the OTG patch into the main firmware branch.

Other possibilities: (For experienced users only!)

There are two other emerging possibilities:

WebUSB (Highly experimental)
Web Bluetooth (Still in development)

Note that these are emerging technologies and are strictly experimental in nature. Because of this, you can, and should, expect there to be issues with them. Handle with care!

WebUSB is an emerging technology that the micro:bit Foundation is encouraging people to test. Information can be found here: Beta testing - Web USB

Note: This is highly experimental and - due to recently discovered security concerns - may not even work. Google is actively addressing these concerns and they may be solved by the time you read this.

Web Bluetooth is a very new technology that has attributes similar to WebUSB - and similar security concerns. I first heard about it in an e-mail from the Micro:bit Educational Foundation, but have not found anything else about it, not even a beta program yet. I suspect that it is still in development as I have seen several Github projects involving Web Bluetooth.

Let me know what you find out.

Jim "JR"

Problem with ISP on micro:bit

balearicdynamics — Wed, 15 Aug 2018 10:06:58 GMT

I have a strange issue with the micro:bit that I have no idea by what it can depends. Maybe also a behavioural detail I have not considered and I am expecting something that it is normal does not happens.

The scenario

For more detail on how the project is designed take a look to the blog posts on Tempus fugit...

Tempus Fugit... Part 1: 1978 a.d. project intro

Tempus Fugit... Part 2: 2018 a.d. the components and the logic of the project

Tempus Fugit... Part 3: micro:bit Interfacing 5V Logic the first issue: interfacing 3.3 logic signals from micro:bit to 5V logic on IC. Tested and solved

Tempus Fugit... Part 4: micro:bit 5V SPI adopting the solution discussed in the previous blog post to my use case: 7-segments LED controller via SPI protocol.

The problem

Hardware seems working properly; with simple programs to control the pins involved by the SPI protocol (13, 14, 15 on the micro:bit) and testing with the oscilloscope bon both sides 3.3 V (output connector from the micro:bit) and 5V (input connection to the IC) these works perfectly and there are no problems. Then, I tried to implement in Python using MU the SPI protocol and on the same pins controlling with the oscilloscope nothing happens. To do this I have used the Python library to control the specific IC but none at all. I am not interested in this moment to see the display working. What I just need to understand is what can be the issue that is blocking the SPI protocol to work correctly, also when the test program runs on on the micro:bit without the controlled circuit connected to avoid interferences. The same behaviour happens on a second micro:bit board, while the digital output setting of the pins with the test program continue working; I can suppose that there is not any hardware problem.

Any suggestion and idea is more than welcome

Enrico

Is micro:bit supported by MATLAB & Simulink?

longtarin — Mon, 23 Oct 2017 11:11:08 GMT

Hi team,

Has anyone used the following support package for Simulink?

https://www.mathworks.com/matlabcentral/fileexchange/60273-simulink-coder-support-package-for-bbc-micro-bit-board

Let me know,

Antonin.

New release of MIT AppInventor supports BBC micro:bit and Arduino101

neilk — Fri, 23 Jun 2017 09:50:32 GMT

On 21st June 2017, MIT announced the release of a new version of their BLE extensions for AppInventor: iot.appinventor.mit.edu

As well as a completely revised set of general BLE functions, the release also includes a specific set of functions for the BBC micro:bit and the Arduino101 in which the Device Specific Service and Characteristic UUIDs are already built into the functions and therefore hidden from the user - so much simpler!

I spent a lot of time trying to get the original version of the BLE extension (released last year) to work with the micro:bit - it was tortuous and not everything worked! I was lucky enough to get asked to help beta test the second version and did find a couple of bugs!

Virtually everything you might want to do over BLE with the micro:bit is now fully supported (I can't comment on Arduino101 support because I don't have one) - all you need to do is load the the relevant extensions: BLE, Microbit, and Arduino101 into your AppInventor project and off you go.

I intend to publish a some tutorials on my blog, if anyone is interested.

Neil

Writing Custom Micro Python Modules for Microbit

djfraz — Mon, 27 Mar 2017 15:32:07 GMT

I am hoping to help my mother's colleague (primary School teacher) who is running a programing club at the school. Knowing that the bbc microbit was designed in mind for young and new programmers. I am wanting to write a module for easily controlling more advanced electronics concepts. I have already written most of the module so far.

Can someone tell me where to put the file so I can import it in the Mu IDE, I cannot seem to be able to import it. Keep getting error, "ImportError: no module named 'easyelectronics'". I have tried looking online but I cannot find anything regarding this.

Any help can be given would be much appreciated, worst case I will just have to put it into a PDF and show the pupils how to use it.

Where to buy a blue Micro Bit?

jesser2 — Fri, 27 Jan 2017 01:14:51 GMT

My brother, after attending a computing workshop in Sydney, came back with a micro bit which he was very happy with. It's his birthday soon, and earlier, he had suggested another micro bit, as to be able to use them in tandem, as something he would be interested in. Purely for aesthetic reasons (I think), he said he would like a blue one. But from what I can find, there's nowhere where I can find that you can specify the colour when you buy.

Does anyone know anywhere where I can buy one and specify the colour? Or would anyone have a blue one that they are willing to sell?

Regards, JesseR.

Giving away a Micro:Bit to an element14 member w/ a Micro:Bit project

modalpdx — Sun, 04 Dec 2016 04:27:51 GMT

Yikes, I hope this is the correct place to do this.

I'll get right to the point: a few months ago I was one of 10 people chosen to complete a project with an element14-provided BBC Micro:Bit, but due to a new job with extensive after-hours obligations and hours-long commutes, I am forced to put the project on an indefinite hiatus. I could keep the Micro:Bit, I guess, but I don't think that's a sporting thing to do if I can't complete my proposed project within a reasonable timeline.

So, lucky you, I'm giving away my element14-provided Micro:Bit.

I don't want to just give this away to someone that feels like playing with a Micro:Bit, though. In keeping with the spirit of the contest that resulted in me getting the device, the person should have a project in mind. Being completely greedy, I'd love for someone with a wireless-Micro:Bit-to-Raspberry-Pi project to step forward because that's part of what I wanted to do in my project and wireless between Micro:Bits and Raspberry Pis ended up being magnitudes more problematic than I anticipated. Regardless, if you have a project (doesn't have to be wireless) that requires a Micro:Bit and you'd be willing to blog about it here on element14, let me know and if you're first, you'll get the Micro:Bit. And please, if you already have 3 of these things, consider letting someone with no Micro:Bits get this one. Don't be greedy.

Here's what I'm offering:

1 slightly used Micro:Bit (yellow) re-flashed with default firmware, assuming I can still find that firmware on my MacBook
1 short micro-USB cable, unused
1 battery pack, unused
2-AAA batteries, unused
All original packaging and limited getting-started documentation

Pictures are available here.

I will try to monitor my messages to see if anyone responds, but please be patient if it takes a few days. As I mentioned, I'm giving this away because my free time is severely limited and I have lots of distractions demanding my attention. I'll do what I can to be as reactive as possible.

Oh, and I'll pay for shipping. I didn't have to pay to get it, so it's only fair you shouldn't have to pay either. Note that I'm going to send it using the least expensive method, and that may mean it'll take a while to get to you. You're not paying for it, so hopefully this won't be problem. (If it is going to be a problem, please let someone with fewer time constraints get the Micro:Bit.)

Okay, that's all. Let me know if you want it. Again, you need a Micro:Bit project of some sort and you really should blog about the project here while you're working on it. You're replacing me, after all, and that's what I was supposed to do. We can work out shipping details later.

Thanks! (And thank you again, Mr. Lucas, for being so understanding.)

Erik

BBC Microbit

oksbwn — Wed, 30 Nov 2016 10:34:06 GMT

Hi... I am trying to send data from BBC: Microbit using Bluetooth. But after several efforts still not able to do so. Please if anyone aware of this comment below. It can be of any language (javascript,micropython,mbed etc.) i don't have issue.

Bluetooth basic problem with the micro:bit

neilk — Sun, 13 Nov 2016 18:43:40 GMT

I've recently received my micro:bit and worked through most of the projects in jlucas 's blog - great start.

I'm keen to code on my Android tablet and smartphone and then use bluetooth to flash the .hex file to the micro:bit, but I'm not having any success.

I've downloaded the SAMSUNG app to both my phone and my tablet and after a lot of fiddling around, I can pair both devices to the micro:bit. I'm sure youngsters will get very very frustrated with this process!! I failed so many times to even start the pairing process that I found and downloaded a ble checker to both my phone and tablet - yes they both support ble - but not all phones/tablets do & that could be a problem for some users.

However, before I can flash the .hex file across, I have to connect to the micro:bit. Both the phone and the tablet repeatedly refuse to connect to the micro:bit, so I am stymied.