{"id":6804,"date":"2020-04-03T16:36:07","date_gmt":"2020-04-03T14:36:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.generationrobots.com\/?p=6804"},"modified":"2023-05-05T13:59:35","modified_gmt":"2023-05-05T11:59:35","slug":"our-5-favourite-microbit-extensions","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.generationrobots.com\/blog\/en\/our-5-favourite-microbit-extensions\/","title":{"rendered":"Our 5 favourite micro:bit extensions"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>The <strong>micro:bit board<\/strong> is extremely popular among enthusiasts worldwide. Developed initially by the BBC for pupils to easily learn the basics of programming and develop a creative mind, the micro:bit board has since won over a much wider audience than simply that of English schoolchildren!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-small\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"450\" height=\"331\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.generationrobots.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/carte-microbit.jpg\" alt=\"micro:bit board\" class=\"wp-image-6722\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.generationrobots.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/carte-microbit.jpg 450w, https:\/\/www.generationrobots.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/carte-microbit-300x221.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 450px) 100vw, 450px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Inexpensive (under \u20ac20), small (it can be used in connected clothing, drones and programmable mini hot air balloons) and equipped with a whole bunch of sensors, it\u2019s easy to understand why so many people are crazy about this British microcomputer!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It&rsquo;s so popular that you\u2019ll now find a host of micro:bit accessories and extensions. <\/p>\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.generationrobots.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/microbit-projet-plantes.jpg\" alt=\"micro:bit gardener\" class=\"wp-image-6723\" width=\"550\" height=\"413\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.generationrobots.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/microbit-projet-plantes.jpg 550w, https:\/\/www.generationrobots.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/microbit-projet-plantes-300x225.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 550px) 100vw, 550px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n\n<p>Here are our 5 favourite micro:bit extensions, found in our catalogue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2>5. The Cube:Bit programmable LED kit<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re an artist or designer, the <strong>Cube:Bit<\/strong> should appeal! You get a set of RGB NeoPixel LED slices that you can assemble to create programmable cubes of light. The effect is stunning, as you\u2019ll see if you watch the video below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div align=\"center\"><iframe width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/YaTYUrgdrIk\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen=\"\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2>4. IOT:bit \u2013 the IoT expansion board for micro:bit<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The <strong>IOT:bit board<\/strong> is a pretty cool extension for a micro:bit, especially if you\u2019re looking for something for IOT projects\u2026 as its name suggests! It will multiply the number and type of connectors on your micro:bit board, allowing you to connect numerous sensors and actuators.<\/p>\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"395\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.generationrobots.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/carte-iot-bit-pour-microbit-schema.png\" alt=\"Diagram of the IOT:bit board\" class=\"wp-image-6724\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.generationrobots.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/carte-iot-bit-pour-microbit-schema.png 800w, https:\/\/www.generationrobots.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/carte-iot-bit-pour-microbit-schema-300x148.png 300w, https:\/\/www.generationrobots.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/carte-iot-bit-pour-microbit-schema-768x379.png 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n<p>Another advantage of the IOT:bit is that it has an integrated WiFi module, which your micro:bit can use for home automation applications for example!<\/p>\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"450\" height=\"351\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.generationrobots.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/carte-iot-bit-pour-microbit.jpg\" alt=\"IOT:bit board for micro:bit\" class=\"wp-image-6725\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.generationrobots.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/carte-iot-bit-pour-microbit.jpg 450w, https:\/\/www.generationrobots.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/carte-iot-bit-pour-microbit-300x234.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 450px) 100vw, 450px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2>3. BitBot XL programmable robot<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The BitBot XL kit is relatively inexpensive and will transform your micro:bit board into a robust mobile robot. Ideal as a quick introduction to robotics, you can then add an ultrasonic sensor to make it 100% autonomous, or even a programmable gripper.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The BitBot XL robot can be programmed using the Microsoft MakeCode visual interface as well as the Python language, making it suitable for a wide audience (from age 11, but also a good choice for adults just starting out).<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"550\" height=\"455\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.generationrobots.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/robot-bitbot-xl-pour-microbit.jpg\" alt=\"BitBot XL Mobile Robot for micro:bit\" class=\"wp-image-6726\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.generationrobots.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/robot-bitbot-xl-pour-microbit.jpg 550w, https:\/\/www.generationrobots.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/robot-bitbot-xl-pour-microbit-300x248.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 550px) 100vw, 550px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n<h2>2. The micro:bit starter kit<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>A kit designed for beginners! With this micro:bit starter kit you can familiarise yourself with the micro:bit board and its numerous sensors, as well as the Microsoft MakeCode visual programming interface and some electronic circuit basics.<\/p>\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"550\" height=\"493\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.generationrobots.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/robot-bitbot-xl-pour-microbit-1.png\" alt=\"micro:bit Starter Kit\" class=\"wp-image-6731\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.generationrobots.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/robot-bitbot-xl-pour-microbit-1.png 550w, https:\/\/www.generationrobots.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/robot-bitbot-xl-pour-microbit-1-300x269.png 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 550px) 100vw, 550px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n<p>The micro:bit starter kit comes with enough electrical parts to build your first electronic circuits, including resistors, diodes, a potentiometer, transistors and switches. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There is also a small booklet (in French) that will guide you through <strong>13 lessons<\/strong>, to ensure that you understand the role of each component and can quickly design your own assemblies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2>1. Grove Inventor Kit for micro:bit <\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Have you heard of Grove? It\u2019s a large family of modules designed by <strong>Seeed Studio<\/strong> that we\u2019re particularly fond of:  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>A wide variety of modules and sensors<\/li><li>Libraries and packages available online<\/li><li>Very inexpensive<\/li><li>No soldering required<\/li><li>Adapters exist for use with Raspberry Pi, Arduino, micro:bit and even NVIDIA Jetson!<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>As you can see, combining micro:bit and Grove will open up a whole field of possibilities in terms of experiments and inventions of all kinds!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The <strong>Grove Inventor Kit<\/strong> for micro:bit includes 10 modules and a booklet explaining 12 introductory projects.<\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"550\" height=\"392\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.generationrobots.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/grove-inventor-kit-pour-micro-bit.jpg\" alt=\"Grove Inventor Kit for micro:bit\" class=\"wp-image-6732\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.generationrobots.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/grove-inventor-kit-pour-micro-bit.jpg 550w, https:\/\/www.generationrobots.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/grove-inventor-kit-pour-micro-bit-300x214.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 550px) 100vw, 550px\" \/><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The micro:bit board is extremely popular among enthusiasts worldwide. Developed initially by the BBC for pupils to easily learn the basics of programming and develop a creative mind, the micro:bit board has since won over a much wider audience than simply that of English schoolchildren! Inexpensive (under \u20ac20), small (it can be used in connected[&#8230;]<br \/> <a class=\"button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.generationrobots.com\/blog\/en\/our-5-favourite-microbit-extensions\/\" style=\"float:right;\">Read this article &gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":188,"featured_media":7010,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1132],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-6804","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-education-en"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.generationrobots.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6804","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.generationrobots.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.generationrobots.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.generationrobots.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/188"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.generationrobots.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=6804"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/www.generationrobots.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6804\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":14312,"href":"https:\/\/www.generationrobots.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6804\/revisions\/14312"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.generationrobots.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/7010"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.generationrobots.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=6804"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.generationrobots.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=6804"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.generationrobots.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=6804"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}