This is a blog post in support of a RoadTest Review for ACCESS:bit for micro:bit . I established a format of a documenting my RoadTest process through a series of blog post. The RoadTest Review itself, is a summary of findings that refers back to the blog posts.That same format will be used for this RoadTest.
This RoadTest is a collaboration effort between a 16 year old high school student, who is a member of an after hours high school Computer Club, and the coach that supports the club. The RoadTest work is being done by the student (i.e RoadTester). Mentorship to the student and posting to E14Community are being done by the coach (i.e. colporteur ).
The predictable RoadTest starts with the unboxing. The package arrived with components to the left of the red line, a Microbit and the parts to assemble an ACCCES:bit. The components to the right of the red line were not part of the package but added to facilitate testing. MicroUSB cables are needed to talk to communicate with the Microbit. The ACCESS:bit does assemble with its own battery. The addition 2500milliamp hr battery was not needed for this RoadTest, it was to provide some additional resource for the student to work with the Microbit.
One of the key deliverable for the RoadTester (i.e. Computer club student) for this RoadTest review, was to ensure that all work was documented. The following has been provided by the RoadTester to the coach in order to prepare an Introduction blog post.
After unboxing I made an inventory of what was included.
Inventory:
Microbit:
1 x Micro:bit
1 x Project idea pamphlet/ Getting started
1 x Safety Guide pamphlet/ Requirements for the Microbit
ACCESSbit:
1 x Access:bit (integrated 2x AAA cage)
1 x 180 degree servo motor
1 x access barrier
5 x M3 Countersunk screws and M3 nuts
Everything that is listed is what is promised with both products:
Reference Sources:
Micro:bit:
https://www.inksmith.ca/collections/robotics/products/micro-bit-single-board
ACCESS:bit:
https://elmwoodelectronics.ca/products/access-bit-for-bbc-micro-bit
After the application was accepted, the RoadTester was asked to do some research in preparation for doing the review. The following has been provided.
Software and Hardware requirements:
A laptop or PC running Windows 7 or later.
Or a Mac running OS X 10.6 or later, or a smart phone or tablet.
An 'A Male' to 'Micro B' USB cable to connect your computer
to your BBC Micro:bit. This is the same cable that is commonly used to
connect a smart phone to a computer.
Access to the internet.
Operating frequency: 2.402.0-2480.0MHz
Output power: 2.9mW
Good reference sources for the product:
This link below is great, it helps you get started using the Microbit.
https://microbit.org/get-started/first-steps/set-up/
This link is to one of the various ways you can program your Microbit,
https://makecode.microbit.org/
Next tasks:
- Develop skills to assemble unit
- Develop skills to connect device and load the operating system
- Develop skills to program device
This concludes the Introduction blog post for ACCESS:bit for micro:bit . Additional blog posts in support of the RoadTest Review will follow.