Micro:Bit mini-computer goes global

A mini-computer project, formerly led by the BBC who donated a million units to British school children, is to be sold around the world, with enthusiasts offered instructions on how to build their own versions

PROGRAMMING SIDE

Reset button: Upload code to Micro:Bit and press “reset” to run it

Micro USB: Links to computer for coding*

Bluetooth antenna

Processor: ARM Cortex M-O

Compass

Accelerometer: Senses motion

Battery connector: 2 x AA batteries power device

Face button

AA battery to scale

Croc-clip/edge connector: For connecting to similar boards such as Arduino and Raspberry Pi

5 x 5 LED grid: Can display characters and scrolling animations

“KID’S” SIDE:

Face button: Two buttons can be programmed to perform different tasks

FUNCTION Aimed at 11-year-old children, Micro:Bit is intended as introduction to computer programming and springboard to more advanced devices

*Web-based programming tool compatible with PC/Mac, and iOS/Android tablets and smartphones

Sources: BBC, Technology Will Save Us, Wired