Kitronik Environmental Control Board for BBC micro:bit

The Kitronik environmental control board provides a variety of sensor inputs and connection points for the BBC micro:bit (V1 & V2) and provides the ability to control outputs for devices such as a water pump, fan, servo or heater pad. This makes it ideal for feedback control systems. This board is also supplied as part of the Kitronik Smart Greenhouse Kit.

The BBC microbit slots directly into the board via an integrated edge connector. The micro:bit can then read input from the onboard BME 280 environmental temperature, barometric pressure and humidity sensor and also the Real-Time Clock. There is an onboard piezo buzzer, 2 x 1A outputs (ideal for a water pump, heater pads or fan), 3 status ZIP LEDs, a ZIP LED expansion connector and servo output. In addition to these, 3 BBC micro:bit pins are broken out to croc-clip connections as further inputs and outputs, along with pads for 3V and GND.

Power is provided via the onboard 3xAA battery holder or the 2.1mm DC Jack. The board also features a solar cell input and will charge rechargeable batteries if inserted into the onboard battery holder. Renewable energy is becoming increasingly important and this board can be used to help illustrate greener ways of delivering desired outcomes.

Features

• Build automated systems that react to environmental changes, such as plant watering and greenhouse systems.
• It is compatible with both micro:bit V1 and microbit V2.
• The board features a number of sensor inputs that can be coded to control the board's outputs.
• There is an onboard BME 280 environmental temperature, barometric pressure and humidity sensor and a separate Real-Time Clock (RTC).
• The board also features an onboard piezo buzzer, 2 x 1A outputs (ideal for a water pump, heater pads or fan), 3 status ZIP LEDs, a ZIP LED expansion connector and servo output. In addition to these, 3 BBC micro:bit pins are broken out to croc-clip connections as further inputs and outputs, along with pads for 3V and GND.
• It can be powered via the onboard 3xAA battery holder or the 2.1mm DC Jack, and the power controlled via the on/off switch with an adjacent LED indicator.
• There is also a solar-cell input that can be used in conjunction with rechargeable batteries.
• The board produces a regulated 3V supply for powering the micro:bit via its edge connector i/o connections.
• Code it with MakeCode. Kitronik has produced custom blocks to make the job of coding the board as simple as possible, opening up activities for younger students.
• These custom blocks are optional, the board can be coded without them in the Blocks, JavaScript and Python editors. Opening up activities for those that require more of a challenge.

Contents

• 1 x Environmental board for greenhouse kit.

Dimensions

• Length: 74.5mm.
• Width: 66mm.
• Height: 29mm.

Video

Requires

• A BBC micro:bit V1 or microbit V2.
• 3 x AA Batteries or plug-in power supply with USB to DC Jack.
• Optional Extras;
  • Water Pump.
  • Silicone tubing for the water pump.
  • Mini Prong (adapted for use with the greenhouse kit).
  • Crocodile clips.
  • ZIP Stick.
  • Solar Cell.
  • Rechargeable Batteries.
  • Servo.

Resources

• Datasheet.
• Seven online MakeCode tutorials for the Kitronik Smart Greenhouse Kit;
  • A - Visual Thermometer.
  • B - ZIP LED hue.
  • C - Auto-watering.
  • D - Growlight.
  • E - Timed watering.
  • F - Water level sensing.
  • G - Datalogging.
• Adding a Solar Panel to the Environmental Control Board.