ElecFreaks micro:bit Retro Programming Arcade Controller

Develop your coding skills with the Kitronik ARCADE for BBC micro:bit and MakeCode Arcade, a fully featured programmable gamepad for use with the MakeCode Arcade block editor. The Kitronik ARCADE for BBC micro:bit and MakeCode Arcade is a handheld gaming platform designed specifically for use with the BBC micro:bit and the MakeCode Arcade editor, either write your own games and run them on Arcade or download existing games. The MakeCode Arcade editor is a great way to learn to code games. It features simple snap-together blocks that allow the user to build simple games within minutes. The editor has been designed to allow everyone, from beginners to experienced game enthusiasts, to create games to run in the browser or on handheld consoles. It consists of drag-and-drop blocks that snap together to form programs. You can also write your code in Javascript and Python!

To help you get off to a flying start, we have created a Datasheet, which also doubles as a quick start guide. It comprises; a product brief, usage information, labelled and dimensioned drawings, and an introduction to coding with the MakeCode Arcade editor. The board features 4 directional d-pad buttons, 2 interactive action buttons for coding, a menu button and a full colour 1.77” screen. At the bottom of the BBC micro:bit Arcade are 5 croc-clippable pads for connecting additional switches and devices. These consist of the 3 BBC micro:bit pins (P0, P1 and P2) also a voltage pin and a ground (the same connections as the large pads on the BBC micro:bit. This allows for custom additions to the gamer. Sound is provided via the in-built sounder on the BBC micro:bit.

The Kitronik Arcade is powered by 3xAA batteries, with the battery holders located on the rear of the PCB. The battery holders also act as an ergonomic grip that makes it comfortable to use. The board also provides power to the connected micro:bit via the edge connector slot, removing the need to power the micro:bit separately. The Arcade has a power switch, but it is also possible to turn the Arcade off by simply removing or inserting the BBC micro:bit into the edge connector. There is a green power LED that lights up when the board has power, is switched on, and has a micro:bit inserted. The emphasis for MakeCode Arcade is Learning/Education and there are a wealth of resources available on the MakeCode Arcade website to facilitate this. There are; guided tutorials that walk you through creating simple games, more complex games that you can open and learn from, games written by community members that you can learn from, game concepts tutorials, tutorials that explore graphics and Maths, lesson plans, CS courses, printable coding cards for the classroom, video tutorials, and much more!

Note:

The Kitronik ARCADE for micro:bit is NOT supplied with a BBC micro:bit

Features:

The Kitronik ARCADE for micro:bit is a feature-packed handheld gamepad for use with BBC micro:bit V2 and the Microsoft Arcade editor.

Write your own games to play or freely download games from the MakeCode Arcade website.

Use the wealth of educational material available to create a game from the ground up or tweak existing code and learn the open-source way.

It features a full-colour LCD 1.77” screen.

It also features; 6 gamer input buttons, a menu button, on/off switch.

The ARCADE breaks out the 0, 1, 2, 3V, GND pins from the micro:bit edge connector to croc-clippable pads below the screen.

The ARCADE is powered by 3xAA batteries (Not supplied).

Contents:

1 x Kitronik ARCADE for BBC micro:bit and MakeCode Arcade gamepad.

Laser-cut protective case parts and fixings (supplied already fully assembled and fitted to ARCADE).

Dimensions:

Length: 150mm.

Width: 65mm.

Height: 22mm.

Requires:

BBC micro:bit V2.

3 x AA Batteries.

Microsoft MakeCode Arcade Editor.

1 x USB Type-A to Micro-B USB Noodle Cable.

With the micro:bit Go Bundle you have a complete set to get started coding right away. This bundle includes a micro:bit board, micro USB cable, battery holder and 2x AAA batteries.

The BBC micro:bit is a pocket-sized computer that introduces you to how software and hardware work together. It has an LED light display, buttons, sensors and many input/output features that, when programmed, let it interact with you and your world. The new micro:bit V2.2 with sound adds a built-in microphone and speaker, as well as an extra touch input button and a power button.

For more information please see below

The Kitronik Inventor's Kit for the BBC micro:bit is a great way to get started with programming and hardware interaction with the BBC micro:bit. This Inventor's Kit contains everything you need to complete 10 experiments including using LEDs, motors, LDRs and capacitors.

To get you off to a flying start, we have included an easy to follow tutorial book which guides you through everything you will need to know about programming the BBC micro:bit. You don't need any experience with programming as the tutorial book will guide you every step of the way. You'll be programming and creating circuits in no time!

The Kitronik Inventor's Kit for the BBC micro:bit provides a fantastic way of learning how to construct and control electronic circuits. The BBC micro:bit has a selection of pins that are located on the bottom edge of its PCB. By using our specially designed Edge Connector Board for the BBC micro:bit in conjunction with the breadboard, it is easy to use these pins to connect additional components to the BBC micro:bit.

Note: BBC micro:bit is NOT included. This kit requires assembly.

Features:

Make 10 experiments included in the provided step-by-step tutorial book.

All parts are included to conduct the 10 experiments (listed below).

Breaks out 21 accessible pins from the BBC micro:bit using the Edge Connector Board for the BBC micro:bit (included).

Small Prototype Breadboard included for fast prototyping.

Contents:

1 x Mounting Plate.

1 x Potentiometer - Vertical Type (finger adjust) 100K.

1 x Finger Adjust Spindle.

2 x Plastic Spacer 10mm.

1 x Sticky Fixer for Battery Pack.

1 x Small Prototype Breadboard.

1 x Terminal Connector.

4 x Push Switch.

1 x Motor.

1 x Transistor.

2 x Red 5mm LED.

2 x Orange 5mm LED.

2 x Yellow 5mm LED.

2 x Green 5mm LED.

1 x RGB 5mm LED.

1 x Fan Blade.

5 x 2.2KΩ Resistor.

5 x 10KΩ Resistor.

5 x 47Ω Resistor.

1 x Edge Connector Breakout Board for BBC micro:bit.

10 x Male to Male Jumper Wires.

10 x Male to Female Jumper Wires.

1 x 470uF Electrolytic Capacitor.

1 x Piezo Element Buzzer.

4 x Pan Head M3 Machine Screw.

Depending on which booklet version your Inventors Kit shipped with, you will have one of the two following components;
-- 1 x Miniature LDR. For booklet versions pre V1.7.
-- 1 x Phototransistor. For booklet versions post V1.7.