Kitronik Interface board for microbit and Fischertechnik

(H-)Bridge the gap between Fischertechnik STEM kits and the BBC microbit with the Interface board for microbit and Fischertchnik. This board provides an alternative method for control motors and components in the Fischertechnik range.

Designed to run from a 9V PP3 battery (as used in Fischertechnik kits) the PCB produces a regulated 3V supply to power the BBC micro:bit. The board also includes a power switch to turn on and off the supply.

There are plated holes for using the Fischertechnik plugs to connect components from the Fischertechnik kits to the PCB. The PCB has been designed to slot onto the Fischertechnik base plate to give ease of access to the additional circuitry.

There are 2 Input/Output pins and 2 switch inputs, each paired with a 0V connection, 2 pairs of motor connections that can drive a motor both clockwise and counter clockwise. The corresponding pins to the BBC micro:bit are labelled in the table and on the PCB. The board has been designed so that the BBC micro:bit can plug directly into the edge connector on the Motor Board. The BBC micro:bit can be inserted facing either direction.

The board also features status LEDs. There are LEDs for pins 0, 1, 2, 3 breakouts and also the two motor outputs. The motor indicator LEDs don't just monitor activity, they also indicate which direction each motor is running in, green in one direction and red in the other. These LEDs don't just look nice, they are great way of visually troubleshooting your code and they even allow you test your code without having to connect motors or devices to pins 0, 1, 2, 3.

We have created custom MakeCode blocks and example MicroPython code to help you get up and running straight away. To add the blocks to the MakeCode editor; click the cog icon near the Microsoft logo, select 'Extensions' and type and enter Kitronik into the search box. Select the correct extension and it will be added to your menu. You can find our MycroPython code example here.

Features:

• :CREATE BBC micro:bit interface for Fischertechnik provides an alternative method for control motors and components in the Fischertechnik range.
• Designed to run from a 9V PP3 battery (as used in Fischertechnik kits) the PCB produces a regulated 3V supply to power the BBC micro:bit.
• It also includes a power switch to turn on and off the supply.
• There are plated holes for using the Fischertechnik plugs to connect components from the Fischertechnik kits to the PCB.
• The microbit slots into the edge connector on the board and will work either way around.
• We have produced custom MakeCode blocks that can be added to the editor.
• We have produced example MicroPython code.
• The board features status LEDs to allow for visual troubleshooting.

Dimensions:

• Length: 79mm.
• Width: 66mm.
• Max Height: 17.2mm.
• PCB Thickness: 1.6mm.