Top Accessories for the Micro:Bit

The BBC micro:bit microcontroller is a valuable platform for learning about computers and electronics. With its small size and versatile design, there are numerous projects that you can undertake based around this device. Some of these projects may call for add-on components that bring extra functionality to the computer board. These are a few of the top accessories for the micro:bit that you may want to employ while working with it.

Kitronik MI:power board

The Kitronik MI:power board acts as a power supply source for your micro:bit. With it, you can create projects that are portable or even wearable instead of having the micro:bit confined to a stationary space. You can link the power board to your micro:bit using the GND, 3V, and P0 pins on it. The MI:power board itself houses a flat, circular three-volt battery so it remains unbulky, and it includes a buzzer. When you want to activate or shut down your micro:bit device, you can use the built-in on/off switch on the MI:power board.

Kitronik Game Zip 64

An additional top accessory for the micro:bit that Kitronik produces is the Game Zip 64. As you may infer from its name, this is an all-in-one gaming accessory that includes controller inputs and a simple eight by eight or 64 ZIP LED display. The Game Zip 64 also has sections for three AA batteries and supports games such as Snake and Pong. Using MicroPython or MakeCode Blocks, you can code games yourself and learn valuable skills along the way. Alternatively, you can download example games from the resources section in the Game Zip 64 product page on the Chicago Electronic Distributors website.

Pimoroni enviro:bit

The Pimoroni enviro:bit possesses a collection of environmental sensors that can detect and measure light, sound, color, and aspects of the weather, including temperature, humidity, and air pressure. Since education lies at the heart of most micro:bit accessories, it’s no surprise that you can code the enviro:bit with the beginner-friendly MakeCode editor or the Mu code editor (for MicroPython). Then, you can incorporate it into a micro:bit project where you need sensors. Anything from a weather station to a lamp that responds to the sound of your claps may utilize the enviro:bit. Its sensors may also allow you to manipulate the LED lights that exist on the micro:mit to create fun effects that occur under certain sensory conditions.