BBC micro:bit FAQs

jlucas — Wed, 06 Oct 2021 20:50:49 GMT

Current Revision posted to Documents by jlucas on 10/6/2021 8:50:49 PM

When will the BBC micro:bit be available to purchase?

The BBC micro:bit is available for UK purchase now from either Farnell element14 or CPC. Please note there is a minimum order quantity of 90 units.

When will the BBC micro:bit be available to purchase in countries other than the UK?

As of January 2017, the BBC micro:bit is available for purchase in Finland, France, Germany, Italy, The Netherlands, Sweden in addition to the United Kingdom, with more international rollouts anticipated in the near future.

Where can I buy the BBC micro:bit in singles or small quantities?

You can pre-order smaller quantities (singles) of the BBC micro:bit in the UK from any of our approved resellers.

When can I expect to receive my BBC micro:bit order?

For customers who have placed a pre-order for the BBC micro:bit, deliveries are expected to take place during July 2016. You will receive an email confirming when your order has been shipped.

Are there any accessories I can buy for the BBC micro:bit?

Yes, a range of accessories are available to complement the BBC micro:bit at launch, please check out the accessories available through either Farnell element14 UK or CPC. A full ecosystem of further accessories will follow in the coming months as people are inspired to invent more solutions – keep following the element14 community for more exiting accessories to come.

What is required to operate the BBC micro:bit?

An ‘A Male’ to micro USB cable is required to connect your BBC micro:bit to your computer. This is the same cable that is commonly used to connect a smart phone to a computer.

The easiest way to get started with the BBC micro:bit is to opt for the ‘BBC micro:bit go’ package, which contains the fundamentals (micro USB cable, battery holder and 2x AAA batteries) for getting started.

You will also need a laptop or PC running Windows 7 or later, or a MAC running OS X 10.6 or later, or smart phone or tablet with access to the Internet.

How do I power my BBC micro:bit?

When your BBC micro:bit is not connected to your computer with a USB cable, you will need 2x AAA batteries and a battery holder to power it. Both these means of powering your BBC micro:bit are included in the ‘BBC micro:bit go’ pack.

How do I connect my BBC micro:bit?

You can connect your BBC micro:bit to your computer with a micro USB cable. Connect the small end of the USB cable to the micro USB port on your BBC micro:bit. Connect the other end of the USB cable to a USB port on your computer.

Your computer should recognise your BBC micro:bit as a new drive. On computers running Windows, MICROBIT appears as a drive under Devices and Drives. On a Mac it appears as a new drive under Devices.

How do I use a smart phone or tablet with my BBC micro:bit?

Please go to the getting started section on the www.micro:bit.co.uk website to find out how to use the BBC micro:bit App to connect your phone or tablet.

How do I code my BBC micro:bit?

Go to Create Code on www.microbit.co.uk and choose the editor you would like to code with. When you have finished your script, press run to see it play on the screen simulator

How do I compile script?

Click compile in the script editor. Your script is converted into a .hex file that you can transfer and run on your BBC micro:bit. To compile a different script click on My Scripts select the script, then click edit and compile.

How do I transfer the file to my BBC micro:bit?

When your script file has downloaded, open Finder or Windows Explorer and open the MICROBIT drive. Drag and drop the .hex file onto your MICROBIT drive. The LED on the back of your BBC micro:bit flashes during the transfer which only takes a few seconds.

Once transferred, the code will run automatically on your BBC micro:bit. To rerun your program, press the reset button on the back of your BBC micro:bit. The reset button automatically runs the newest file on the BBC micro:bit.

Once you transfer a file to the BBC micro:bit, you can disconnect the BBC micro:bit from your computer.

Where should I go for ideas on how to use my BBC micro:bit?

The device is supported by a website which features a range of resources and tutorials to help teachers, parents and students take advantage of the BBC micro:bit’s vast potential. The BBC micro:bit can also be coded direct from your Smartphone with apps available for Android and iOS designed by Samsung and ScienceScope respectively.

For more information, please visit the official BBC micro:bit website.

Tags: micro_bit, bbc micro:bit, bbc_microbit, bbc microbit, bbc_micro:bit