Kitronik :MOVE Motor for the BBC micro:bit

Develop your coding skills with the Kitronik :MOVE Motor for micro:bit, a fun introduction to buggies and robotics.

The Kitronik :MOVE Motor for the BBC micro:bit provides a fun introduction to buggy robotics. More than just a programmable buggy, learning to use all of the included features will give the budding roboteer a solid grounding in robotics as a whole.

Learn about movement, how to utilise light and sound, obstacle detection and avoidance, and how to code :MOVE micro:bit Motor to follow a line. When used in conjunction with the micro:bit’s radio features, the possibilities are endless.

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Attached to the chassis are two bi-directional DC motors with variable speed control. The wheels have rubber tyres and are a simple push-fit onto the motor shafts. Slot a BBC micro:bit into the edge connector and you are ready to code. There is no other assembly required and no tools required.

There are built-in battery holders for 4x AA batteries. This provides a regulated voltage supply to power the BBC micro:bit which is fed into the edge connector. There is also a power switch to conserve batteries when the buggy is not in use.

The micro:bit slots into the onboard edge connector. Code the micro:bit, plug it into the buggy, switch the power on, and then play.

CODE IT !

:MOVE micro:bit Motor can be coded using the Microsoft MakeCode editor. Kitronik has produced a set of custom MakeCode blocks to simplify coding the completed buggy. The booklet that comes with the buggy contains more detailed instructions on using the blocks and writing code. If you are feeling more adventurous or relish a challenge, :MOVE Motor can also be coded with Python.

Also within the booklet (that comes inside the box), are some quick tutorials to get you started. There are also additional online tutorials and step by step guides for extra projects.

Note:

  • This kit does not include a micro:bit, a micro:bit can be obtained from here.
  • No soldering is required!
  • Minimal assembly required.

Specifications :

Length110mm.
Width90mm.
VoltageNominal 4.8 – 6V (4xAA batteries).
MotorsPins 19 and 20 (via I2C).
Audio BuzzerPin 0 (Standard Music Pin).
Visual (4x ZIP LEDs)Pin 8.
Line Follow (IR)Pins 1 (Right) and 2 (Left).
UltrasonicPins 13 (Trigger) and 14 (Echo).
Servo Connections2 on Pins 15 & 16.

Features :

  • The Kitronik :MOVE Motor for the BBC micro:bit provides a fun introduction to buggy robotics and coding.
  • It is backed up by a range of fun tutorials to introduce you to all of the great features.
  • All of the tutorials and resources are free.
  • There is no soldering required and assembly is quick and super simple.
  • The buggy features two bi-direction DC motors.
  • There are ultrasonic distance and line following sensors onboard.
  • It also features a Piezo sounder and pen mount.
  • There are 4 full-colour programable ZIP LEDs.
  • Two pin outputs that are ideal for servo connections (can be used for other inputs and outputs).
  • The battery holder is built onto the chassis.
  • The buggy is also fitted with a power switch to conserve the batteries.
  • There is also an onboard edge connector for the micro:bit, code, plug and play.
  • Kitronik has produced custom MakeCode blocks to simplify coding with the MakeCode editor.

Getting Started with MOVE micro:bit

:MOVE Motor ships with an instruction booklet that has been designed to get you up and running quickly. The booklet covers all of :MOVE Motors features and also serves as an introduction to writing code for it. 

Kitronik has also created custom MakeCode blocks, specifically for :MOVE Motor. This not only makes the job of coding as simple as possible, but it also opens up activities to younger children. The booklet contains all the information the novice will need to get going straight away.

Instructions on how to add the custom blocks are contained in the booklet that :MOVE Motor ships with, they are also included in all six of the additional tutorials below.

The features of :MOVE Motor are such that, as you grow it can grow with you. With that in mind, Kitronik has produced a series of online resources designed to continue your forward momentum once you outgrow the booklet.

:MOVE Motor for microbit additional resources makcode

We have also fully embraced new features of the Microsoft MakeCode that allow us to create online tutorials directly inside the MakeCode environment. These features will mean that you won’t need a second monitor or a PDF on the desk to learn. 

Note: At the time of writing, these new features are still in beta testing. So, as well as providing links to the beta testing MakeCode environment we have also included PDF downloads for each. 

Additional Online Resources For :MOVE Motor: 

Drawing Robot Tutorial For :MOVE Motor

additional resources for :MOVE Motor drawing tutorial

The :MOVE Motor has a pen mount hole right in the middle of the wheels. This makes it ideal for drawing shapes. We have found that Sharpies are ideal as they fit the hole perfectly. This tutorial will walk you through coding the micro:bit/buggy to then draw a variety of shapes.

Lights & Sound Tutorial For :MOVE Motor:

:move motor for microbit additional resources light and sound

:MOVE Motor has been fitted with 4 full-colour ZIP LEDs and also a Piezo Sounder. The ZIP LEDs are individually addressable and can either be coded to perform independent tasks or work together as one. This tutorial will show you how to make headlights, indicators and then to combine the ZIP LEDs with the sounder to create a Police car.

Line Following Tutorial For :MOVE Motor

:MOVE Motor for microbit additional resources line following

Is it even a Robot buggy if it can’t also follow a line? We don’t think so! For that reason, we’ve also included line following sensors on the underside of the board. This tutorial will walk you through how to write code to then fully take advantage of these sensors.

Advanced Motor Adjustment Tutorial For :MOVE Motor

:MOVE Motor for microbit additional resources for motor control

The main problem you encounter when utilising pairs of motors in your robots is that it is almost impossible to get pairs of motors that spin at exactly the same speed. In this tutorial,  you will learn how to adjust the motor outputs to ensure that your buggy drives in a straight line unless you really want it not to!

Ultrasonic Sensor Tutorial For :MOVE Motor

:MOVE Motor additional resources for ultra sonic distance sensors

The buggy comes pre-fitted with an Ultrasonic Distance Sensor. This allows you to write code that ensures your buggy can detect a collision before it happens and then take evasive action. This tutorial walks you through how to write code for this. If you want to code an autonomous robot that can get itself out of a jam, then this tutorial is essential viewing.

Radio Control Tutorial For :MOVE Motor

:MOVE Motor for microbit additional resources for radio remote control

The micro:bit has a built-in radio module. This module is crazy useful when it comes to buggies and robots. Autonomy is great and everything, but sometimes you can’t beat a bit of hands-on control. This tutorial walks you through how to set this up for :MOVE Motor. 

Although all of the other resources are available in two formats, this tutorial is only available as an online tutorial.

  • Follow the online tutorial.