Make a Micro:Bit TapeBlock Connector

Make a Micro:Bit TapeBlock Connector and program the Micro:Bit so that when the Button A is pressed it turns the TapeBlock on and when the Button B is pressed it turns the TapeBlock off

VIDEOTapeBlockMicroBitAB

Decorative: LEDs laid out in the shape of an M

Material

  • Foam Block
  • Conductive Tape
  • Banana Plug Cable
  • Scissors
  • Wire Stripper
  • Micro:Bit
  • USB Micro Cable
  • Computer for Programming the Micro:Bit

Decorative: LEDs laid out in the shape of a long I

Instruction

  • Gather your materials: Micro:bit, banana plugs, foam block, scissors, and magic tape
  • Set up your Micro:Bit TapeBlock connector with two lines of parallel tape, leaving one side longer. You can use multiple pieces of tape if needed.
  • Prepare the banana plugs by cutting them in half and stripping the ends.
  • Attach the banana plugs to the tape. Ensure the ends are making contact with the conductive tape.
  • Insert the banana plugs into the Micro:bit. The plugs should fit into the Micro:bit.
  • Program the Micro:bit using MakeCode. Start a new project called "Micro:bit TapeBlock."
  • Set up button A to turn on pin 0 by setting it to 1 and button B to turn off pin 0 by setting it to 0.
  • Test the program using the emulator. Press button A to turn on pin 0 and button B to turn it off.
  • Download the program and upload it to the Micro:bit.
  • Test your setup by pressing button A to turn on an LED and button B to turn it off.
Decorative: LEDs laid out in the shape of a P

Problem Solving

  • Check that all of the connections are secure
  • Check that the wire is not touching parts that it should not
  • Check that the Micro:Bit Code works on the emulator
  • Check that the Hex file is uploaded the the Micro:Bit
  • Check that there is a good connection on the TapeBlocks
  • Check that the TapeBlock are the correct directions