RoadTest: Binary Bots: DIMM + micro:bit
Author: fyaocn
Creation date:
Evaluation Type: Independent Products
Did you receive all parts the manufacturer stated would be included in the package?: True
What other parts do you consider comparable to this product?: arduino or raspberry Pi
What were the biggest problems encountered?: The clip wires are good, but for BBC Micro:Bit , there are 5 pads available to attach. That means in most case, one sensor only can be used.
Detailed Review:
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1. Brief
Binary Bots: DIMM™ + micro:bit is the amazing new smart toy robot everyone wants. This kit comes jam packed with Dimm the robot, some fun sensors AND a brand new BBC micro:bit computer. Best fit for Christmas gift.
2. Unboxing
21. Here is the received pack and contents
3. Build and Coding
3.1 There is one manual for all the procedure to build the DIMM robot and how to code as follows,
Step 1 Check the every thing inside and try to understand them.
Step 2 Build the body. That is also the most challenge part for kid, and interesting , even for adult.
Step 3 and Step 4
That part need some skill and led to where it for , coding
Then Step 5, coding,Take the time to teach from beginning, the online IDE is illustrative.
Completed.
3.2 Visit Binarybots and BBC Micro:Bit for more information. Now start first Blink test,
Browse https://makecode.microbit.org/#editor and Press newProject
The UI appears with on start or forever loop,
Refer to https://makecode.microbit.org/reference for more detail on what the meaning of each widget , In this demo, Select 'show LED' in Basic
Drag the show LED in to the loop you want to,
That is too easy for LED UI edit, tap your mouse for digit '8' or anything else you like,
Refresh the page , the virtual Micro:it reveals
Then you can download the "microbit-Blink_Test.hex", drag the hex file to the plugged Micro:BIT. Done.
4. Project, Building one remote controller Pad based on wifi feature and Motion Sensor with attaching Croc Clip Wires. But unfortunately, the Light senors and temp. sensors can not be used together with limited Clip wire pad.
That is good and enough for tutorials one by one. More complex project needs different type of connectors.
5. Then, come to python part. MicroPython runs well on micro:Bit. Although many IDE is available, this web IDE is definitely first choice. https://python.microbit.org/v/1.1 ,
Refer to https://microbit-micropython.readthedocs.io/en/latest/ for manuals and instructions. There is more function available on MicroPython , like movement sensors. But, the Bluetooth is missing, since "While the BBC micro:bit has hardware capable of allowing the device to work as a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) device, it only has 16k of RAM. The BLE stack alone takes up 12k RAM which means there’s not enough memory for MicroPython to support Bluetooth."
More simplified RF plugin RADIO is installed in microPython , while only suitable for remote communication between Micro:Bits. But that is what Micro:BIT designed for.
5.1 Browse https://python.microbit.org/v/1.1
from microbit import * while True: display.scroll('Happy New Year!') display.show(Image.HEART) sleep(2000)
Press Download ,button, the microbit.hex file is downloaded automatically. Drag the hex file to Micro:BIT appeared as one DISK. The text shall scroll with Hear follows.
5.2 Now, use movement sensor. in this case accelerometer.get() shall be applied.
from microbit import * while True: reading = accelerometer.get_x() if reading > 20: display.show("R") elif reading < -20: display.show("L") else: display.show("-")
drag the movement.hex,
The design of remote control can be very easy. Get the accelerometer value in x-y-z direction, set threshold value and send via Bluetooth or Radio. It need at least two MICROBIT to make the design work.
While it is good start in learning PYTHON with fun.
So , enjoy!
Top Comments
To be honest, I should admit I have difficult to think you have roadtested something more than just taking photos to what is inside the package... Can we have the pleasure to see some of the projects available…
Would have been nice to see the actual constructed result. I'm not too sure about not being able to use a few sensors at the same time, as long as you have enough inputs - you could try clipping one wire…
Or maybe using another extra clip? Or using cooking aluminum hand-made wires, just like shown in tons of example projects on microbit.org???