ELECFREAKS iot:bit for micro:bit

Introduction

IOT:bit is an expansion board based on IoT for micro:bit. It uses ESP8266 as WIFI expansion board and serial port to communicate with micro:bit. It also has extended all available IO port of the micro:bit which is leaded by GVS and you can extent various 3V E-blocks as LED, photosensitive and servo by using it. At the same time, the IOT:bit with an on-board buzzer for outside sound and an on-board RTC clock for timing without power supply. Let's creating your own IoT by makecode!

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Dimensions

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Features

Intergrated ESP12F WiFi、RTC and passive buzzer module
Extended most IO ports by GVS
Silk-screen indication onboard main components
Separately lead IIC interface, directly plug in OLED, BME280 and IIC,etc
Intergrated buzzer and earphone jack
Adaptive for LEGO (4 standard spacing Lego fixed holes)

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Hardware apperance & Parameters

Items	Parameters	Remarks
Name	ELECFREAKS iot:bit for micro:bit	-
SKU	EF03426	-
DC supply	USB-5V	-
Maximum power current	800mA	-
Operation temperature	-25~80℃	-
WIFI module	ESP8266	ESP12F
Buzzer	Passive buzzer	-
RTC timing	DS1307 RTC	-
RTC timing battery	CR1220 button cell	Equipped by yourself
Lead out	Not all	-
port lead	Serial port can map the IO port	Coding
I2C port lead	19、20 pin	Only for I2C pin
SPI port lead	14、15 pin	for common IO
Size	71.00mm X 63.00mm	Without packing
Net weight	30.00g	Without packing

Size & Installation
Product size：71mm x 63mm x 23mm
PCB thickness：1.5mm
Hole diameter：2.4mm

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Parameters

Pin interface drawing

Introduction of main module

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Software support

Coding：Makecode/Micropython/JavaScript/
Makecode block
Coding developed by Microsoft and mainly publiced by micro:bit offical.
https://makecode.microbit.org

JavaScript
Click on JavaScript of the makecode for JavaScript coding.
https://makecode.microbit.org

MicroPython
Using MU for advanced coding methodMicroPython
https://codewith.mu/

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Easy start

Hardware connection
Fisrt, install CR1220 button cell for power supply to the RTC timing.

Plug the micro:bit to the Iot:bit.

Using single USB for power supply to expansion board and switch on.

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Coding

Coding Platform
makecode：https://makecode.microbit.org

Add codebase
Click on "Advanced" in the MakeCode Drawer to see more code sections.

We need to add an extension for coding to the IOT. Click on the “Extension” at bottom of coding drawer, then Search for “IOT” and click on the IOT package to add it to your project. (As below picture)

Note
If you get a warning telling you some packages will be removed because of incompatibility issues, either follow the prompts or create a new project in the Project file menu.

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How to drive the buzzer

There is on-board buzzer on the IOT:bit as below picture. Let the buzzer be connected to the PO of the micro:bit to play music by the music of the makecode.


When button A be pressed in the "input", play a bit of music.

Program link：https://makecode.microbit.org/_4j6PCeV087AW

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How to use RTC

There is on-board DS1307RTC timing on the IOT:bit as below picture. RTC timing need a CR1220 button cell for lasting power supply. We need the RTC timing keep accuracy in the event of a power outage.

Press button A to set the time to the set time. On start with RTC function and the minutes be displayed on the 5*5 allay.
Turn off the power after turning off the power for one minute, and the dot matrix display will show the number of minutes after another 1 minute.

Program link：https://makecode.microbit.org/_e9d3vW96bPe2

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How to use the internet function

The most important function of IOT:bit is WIKI. The onboard ESP-12FWIFI module can connect WIFI and send information. To use port for communication with the micro:bit and the pin RX-P8，TX-P12 is special for IoT.
Using thingspeak as cloud to coding and data uploding.

On start, initialize ESP8266 to default connection with P8 & P12.
Connect your own WiFi, input the key and the password.
Under foever loop, connect the thinkspeak and set date to send, then pause.

Program link：https://makecode.microbit.org/_JAXAmmHq4FhW

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Down load code

Let your micro:bit be connected to one side of the USB, the other side to your computer.（Inserting on the expansion board may cause the micro:bit connection to be abnormal or damaged.）

Then copy your documents to the micro:bit.
Now, here is your observing time!