Kitronik ZIP Halo HD For BBC micro:bit

Kitronik ZIP Halo HD for BBC micro:bit

The BBC micro:bit Kitronik Halo HD board features 60 independently controllable colour ZIP LEDs. It also separates P1 and P2 in a conventional 0.1" footprint, has a MEMS microphone for sound detection and a piezo buzzer for sound playback. As if that wasn't enough, it also has a built-in real-time clock (RTC) that is controlled by I2C lines from the microbit. The board also has two M3 mounting holes.

• No tools are required, not even a screwdriver; simply insert the separately sold micro:bit into the on-board peripheral connection and go!
• The board has a 3xAA battery holder on the back and a power switch on the front. On the board, regulated power is generated and supplied to the 3V and GND ports to power the linked BBC micro:bit, eliminating the need to power the BBC micro:bit separately. For more details, please see the data sheet.
• To help you get started, below you will find a variety of code examples that cover all of the on-board capabilities and will also serve as inspiration for your own projects. Links to these examples can be found in the resources section.

Kitronik ZIP Halo HD and MakerCode

Kitronik has designed special blocks for the Halo HD that can be used with MakeCode. To add these blocks :

• First create a new project on MakeCode.microbit.org
• Click on "Extensions" under the "Advanced" section
• In the next window, search for "Halo HD".
• Then, to import the tile into MakeCode, click on it
• The blocks are divided into three categories: ZIP LEDs, Microphone, and Clock
• More information about the MakeCode editor, and how to develop code for it in MicroPython, can be found in the data sheet

Halo ZIP HD card: content and features

Features :

• The card has 60 coloured ZIP LEDs that can be individually addressed.
• It separates P1 and P2 in a conventional 0.1" footprint.
• It has a MEMS microphone and a piezo buzzer for sound.
• It includes a built-in real-time clock (RTC) that is controlled by I2C lines.
• No tools are needed to connect to the on-board peripheral connection!
• On the back of the PCB is a 3xAA battery holder.
• The on/off switch allows for optimal battery life.
• It can be written in MakeCode blocks using our own blocks or in MicroPython.
• For secure applications there are two M3 mounting holes.

Contents :

• 1 x :VIEW ZIP Halo HD card for micro:bit
• Please note: the micro:bit card is not included

Prerequisites :

• 1 x microbit.
• 1 x USB Type-A to Micro-B noodle cable.

Resources for the card :VIEW ZIP Halo HD for micro:bit

• Tech Talks - live stream playback.
• The ZIP Halo HD can also be controlled with MicroPython. Sample code for each of the card's features is available at GitHub here.
• Below are some sample codes to get you started. Collectively, they serve as an introduction to all the features of the table.
  • Code Clock.
  • Clap Game Code.
  • Wake Up Light Code.
  • Timer Code.
  • Stop Watch Code.
  • Sound Meter Code.