Robotbit is an excellent robotic expansion board specially designed for Microbit by KittenBot team.
Product Feature
It has a powerful ability to drive DC motors, stepper motors, servos, and onboard buzzer and RGB pixels and release all valid IO from microbit, with support the most common electronics module in the market. It comes with 18650 battery holder, integrated lithium battery boost, charging and protection chip. Support for external power input. Mechnically support for KittenBot robotic chassis and LEGO technical slots. The powerful drive capability and built-in battery make DIY more convenient and free. We have received unanimous praise from the school teacher training institutions and individual enthusiasts. It is an excellent choice for your robotic projects based on Micro:bit!
Product Parameters
- Dimensions: 78mm x 57mm x 23mm
- PCB Thickness: 1.5mm
- Small mechnical hole: 3.0mm
- Big mechnical hole: 4.8mm
- Net weight (without packaging): 37.5g
Functional parameters
- 18650 battery voltage: 3.7V
- USB input voltage: 5V
- VM pin max ouput: 1A (with onboard battery)
- External Voltage Input (the green termial): 5V (only supports 5V input, do not connect over 5V, maximum current supports 3A)
Supported software
Available Coding platform: Kittenblock(based on Scratch3.0) or Makecode and python(Mu editor in microbit mode)
MakeCode from Microsoft
KittenBlock（Developed by Kittenbot Team based on Scratch 3.0）
python
If you’re used to code programming and want to get started by microbit python you have two options, directly Mu Editoror kittenblock in micropython editor mode.
The above detailed tutorial can be found from our learn website for self-learning. If you encounter problems during the learning process, you are welcome to get us at our bbs or slack channel.
Makecode Extension
In makecode add extension panel directly search Robotbit. In our offline version of makecode, you may find Robotbit in the default list and other useful extensions.
Hardware interface
- 5V external power input（with anti-reverse protection）
- Power switch
- Power Indicator
- Battery Indicator
- Micro USB charing port
- 4-channel DC motor / 2-channel stepper motor
- Jumper for buzzer selection
- 8 channel IO（corresponding to Micro:bit P0-P2、P8、P12-P15）
- 5V and GND port
- Buzzer
- 8 channel servo port
- I2C interface (expandable I2C module)
- 18650 battery case
- Bettery protection recovery push button
- Micro:bit edge connector
- 4x RGB pixel
- Servo driver (PCA9685)
- 2xDc/Stepper driver (DRV8833)
- KittenBot robot chassis mounting hole
- Standard LEGO hole
Turn on the 18650 battery switch
Open the makecode editor (http://makecode.microbit.org) and press add package.
Search robotbit
Drag some of the robotbit blocks out to workspace, remember to connect the corresponding motor servos, etc.
Before downloading, remember to connect to Microbit’s with a micro usb cable and click the download button.
After click download button, a file save box will prompt, please choose to save it to the Microbit removable disk.
the final effect of the code block in the diagram above
F&Q
The battery is plugged in, there is no response after turn on switch?
Check if the battery activation button has been pressed? Check if the battery is positive or negative? Check if the battery has power?
What is the battery activation button used for?
In the case of overcurrent, or short circuit, or switch battery cell, the battery protection chip will protect the the circuit. Click the battery activation button to resume normal working mode.
Pluged in usb cable and I can’t find Microbit
The usb on the robotbit can only be used for charging. It can’t be used to download the program. It is plugged into the usb port of the robotbit. The computer will not respond.
Will it smoke if I insert battery inverse？
No, the robotbit design is anti-reverse protect in consideration of general miss operations. Inversely plug in will just not output power.
Will Microbit damage if plug in face back?
No, it will just refuse to work.
P0 pin control does not respond? Is it broken?
You need to unplug the buzzer selection jumper to use P0 as common IO.
Where is the rest of Microbit’s IOs？
Nearly 20 programmable IO ports on the Microbit, but many have been multiplexed with the dot matrix buttons on the board. Considering the inconvenience caused by multiplexing, beginners are likely to confuse on these. We have bridge 8 IO with no conflict to matrix or buttons to Robotbit, it should be enough for most diy projects. If you need all IO from microbit please choose IOBit from kittenbot team.
Can the servo interface act as common IO?
No, the servo s1-s8 is extended with a special servo drive chip and can only be used for servo drive.
What is the use of the VM on the motor interface?
The power source for 4-phase 5-wire stepper motor like 28BYJ. Usually, the VM is not used for the DC motor, and the DC motor only needs to connect A+A- or B+B-.
Can the board be placed on a metal surface or in a humid environment?
No, it will be short-circuited, pay attention to insulation
What is the voltage input for the green external power supply? What will happens with a higher voltage input?
Can only be connected to 5V, above 5V will damage the board, the current is recommended 2~3A, which means that the maximum current supported by the board is 3A
I did follow the tutorial, not results
If the test results are not corresponding, first check your wiring and procedures, some small place in general is missing, please double check.
