Prototyping Board for micro:bit

Description

This prototyping board is ideal for getting started experimenting with micro:bit right away.
In addition to the connector for inserting the micro:bit (not included), it features an on/off switch, a small breadboard with adhesive base, three 2.54 mm pitch strip connectors that make the GPIO pins and power (3.3 and 5 V) available, a connector for external power from 6 to 24 V and one from 3.6 to 6 V.
The board can also be powered directly via the micro:bit’s USB port.

Note: the micro:bit board is not included.

Programming environments

• MICROSOFT PXT (BETA) is a programming environment created by Microsoft (still in beta) that supports both a block-based graphical environment, in Scratch style, and the JavaScript language.
• PYTHON has been and is still being developed to allow programming microcontrollers in a Python-compatible language. The opportunity to use the Python language allows continuity, in a hypothetical educational path, towards the use of more complex systems such as microcomputers capable of hosting GNU/Linux, like the Raspberry Pi series.
• MICROSOFT BLOCK EDITOR is a visual editor very similar to Scratch and represents the starting point for those who want to start programming. Like Scratch, it is very easy to use but it is not a toy. It allows you to deepen structured programming and event management. The method of composing a program consists of choosing the blocks that represent the instructions, dragging them into the editor panel, configuring them in the customizable parts and “fitting” them together correctly.
• MICROSOFT TOUCH DEVELOP was developed to create programs for the micro:bit using tablets or other devices with touch screens. Of course, it can also be used from normal PCs using keyboard and mouse.
• JAVASCRIPT is a development environment that allows those who have made progress in programming to develop programs using the textual syntax of JavaScript, with a guided editor that supports the “click and drag” method for composing lines and blocks of code.

Technical specifications of Micro:bit

• 25 red LEDs that can be turned on with different intensities to create drawings, animations, and games.
• Two buttons that can be managed via software to customize its behavior.
• A reset and restart button.
• An accelerometer capable of detecting and recognizing different types of movement such as shaking, rotations, and free fall. Useful for creating a motion sensor or animated games.
• An electronic compass capable of detecting orientation and rotation in degrees relative to North. A further use could be as a metal (magnetic) detector.
• A USB connector to connect the micro:bit to the PC to load software programs.
• A connector for external power.
• A Bluetooth Smart Technology module that allows connecting the micro:bit with other devices equipped with the same technology such as other micro:bits, PCs, smartphones, Bluetooth kits, tablets, and cameras.
• A temperature sensor capable of detecting ambient temperature.
• A connector with 24 pins, five of which have pads suitable for connecting with crocodile clips. Analog and digital I/O, communication buses, and other functionalities described in more detail later are available on the connector.