Micro:bit Robot Arm

In this post, I am discussing using a recently bought  CBIS BBC micro:bit RobotArm, but play with it using Python (or rather micropython).

Set Up
Not a lot to set up really. The base and the arm are separate and are attached with four screws (so you will need a screwdriver). 

The most difficult bit is the wiring the arm to the circuit/breakout board on the base, but instructions are available through CBiS Resource portal http://portal.cbis.education/teacher/hardware. You will need a log-in for this. Also on that site, there is an example Microsoft Blocks code which includes some instructions on inserting the microbit as well - the micro:bit goes in buttons side facing upwards.


Code
Taking the values from the instruction sheet for setting it - the micro:bit key bit - the following pins were selected.
Base                     Pins 0 and 1
Shoulder               Pins 8 and 12
Elbow                   Pins 2 and 13
Wrist                    Pins 14 and 15
Gripper                 Pins 16 and 11 - this is the only one I haven't got working yet.

So to test it out, a simple bit of code to drive each motor in both directions was produced and is shown below.



This is good fun to play with. The use of the micro:bit is a good idea because it's ease of use to plug-in and play with.

All opinions in this blog are the Author's and should not in any way be seen as reflecting the views of any organisation the Author has any association with. Twitter @scottturneruon