Robots and Physical Computing

Remote Data Logging with Two Micro:bits In a previous post , we used a single micro:bit to log sensor data. That worked well, but it came with a significant limitation: the micro:bit had to stay plugged into the computer the whole time. In many real situations, you want to place a sensor somewhere away from your computer — across a room, outside a window, or just somewhere more useful. The solution is to split the job between two devices: one micro:bit collects and transmits sensor data wirelessly, while the other receives it and passes it to your computer for logging. This is actually very close to how remote monitoring systems work in the real world. The Plan We'll build on the previous data-logging project  and turn it into a simple wireless monitoring system.  Tip: To avoid confusion, program each micro:bit separately. Only plug one in at a time, and use a separate MakeCode window for each. Micro:bit 1 — The Transmitter This micro:bit handles the sensing. It reads the l...

Often we need applications that allow collection of data over time, for example temperature or light levels through the day. Allowing us potentially analyse the data for trends. The microbit is a fantastic tool, with some of these sensors already in place (e.g. light and temperature) or can be added to with extra sensors from add-on boards (such as Kitronik Air Quality and Environmental Board for micro:bit https://shop.pimoroni.com/products/kitronik-air-quality-and-environmental-board-for-micro-bit?variant=39475687227475 )   Datalogging with a V2 microbit is relatively easy all the details are available here: https://microbit.org/get-started/user-guide/data-logging/ to get started.   But what about the older V1 can it do it?   The answer is yes but it is a little more work and is generally a little more limited but still very worth while. In this post we are going to look at doing this.   In Figure 1 starting the process off in MakeCode ( https://ma...