BBC Microbit
BBC micro:bit
Bit:Commander
Introduction
The Bit:Commander is a breakout board for the micro:bit made by 4tronix, who also make the Bit:Bot and Bit:2:Pi. Breakout board with micro:bit edge connector based on a game controller. The board is powered by 3xAA batteries mounted on the underside. This also powers the micro:bit. There is a main power on/off switch. The board components are,
- 4 push buttons with coloured square caps (Red, Blue, Green, Yellow)
- Potentiometer
- 2 Axis Joystick and switch
- Piezo Buzzer
- 6 Neopixels
The components connect to different micro:bit GPIO pins. All parts work without the need for connections or soldering. The design clearly favours end use as a controller for a game, robot or some other circuit. The variety of inputs lend themselves well to a range of applications. The buzzer and lights, as well as the LED matrix on the micro:bit can be used as indicators or to provide feedback/alerts. The portability makes it useful in projects where the memory or circuit means that you are using 2 micro:bits. It's nice not to have to poke your fingers through a nest of jumper wires to activate a circuit.
Since the board uses analog and digital inputs and outputs, it's a good platform on which to learn the basic principles of programming for components. The board also nicely extends the micro:bit's functionality making a portable unit that can be disconnected from the USB.
Pinout
| Component | Pin |
|---|---|
| Buzzer | 0 |
| Potentiometer | 0 |
| Joystick X | 1 |
| Joystick Y | 2 |
| Joystick Button | 8 |
| Red Pushbutton | 12 |
| Blue Pushbutton | 15 |
| Green Pushbutton | 14 |
| Yellow Pushbutton | 16 |
| Neopixels | 13 |
The buzzer and potentiometer share pin 0. You can use the components separately. When reading the potentiometer after the buzzer has been used, you may need to digital_write a 0 to pin 0 to reset the pin after it has been used for playing tones or when you use some of the libraries.