Book Image

BBC Micro:bit in Practice

By : Ashwin Pajankar, Abhishek Sharma, Sandeep Saini
Book Image

BBC Micro:bit in Practice

By: Ashwin Pajankar, Abhishek Sharma, Sandeep Saini

Overview of this book

This book is a one-stop guide for learning BBC Micro:bit with MicroPython, exploring many hardware components and programming techniques to provide detailed insights into developing practical applications with the Micro:bit. It will also show you how hardware components can be manipulated using a combination of Micro:bit and MicroPython for developing practical projects. BBC Micro:bit in Practice will help you gain a holistic understanding of the BBC Micro:bit platform and MicroPython programming, guiding you through mini projects aimed at developing practical knowledge of circuit design and writing programs. You’ll learn how to write programs for working with built-in LEDs and buttons, interfacing external LEDs, buttons, motors, buzzers, and much more. You’ll also work with built-in radio, speakers, accelerometer, and a compass. You’ll dive into concepts related to the Micro:bit filesystem, interfacing external displays, and working with libraries in detail before exploring sewable circuits and wearable technology. After reading this Micro:bit book, you’ll understand how to apply principles in electronics and MicroPython to create interesting real-life projects from scratch.
Table of Contents (22 chapters)
1
Part 1: Getting Started with the BBC Micro:bit
6
Part 2: Programming Hardware with MicroPython
10
Part 3: Filesystems and Programming Analog I/O
13
Part 4: Advanced Hardware Interfacing and Applications

Push buttons

Push buttons are commonly used in switching operations. Electrical buttons are used in any electronics circuit when switching (on/off) functions need to be performed. Let us consider a scenario where an electrical bulb needs to be turned on or off; we usually go to a switchboard and press the button. It changes the state by moving to an open circuit. This can be done through the Micro:bit. The advantage it offers is that it can be controlled through the program.

The basic principle behind push buttons is to control the current’s flow through pushing or pressing motions. A switch is considered on when it allows the flow of the current, so the circuit will be closed. In the off state, it breaks the current’s flow, so the circuit will be open. There are various types of switches, as shown in Figure 7.1:

Figure 7.1 – Various types of switches – (A) push button, (B) slide switch, (C) DIP DPST switch, and (D) DIP SPST switch...