Robots and Physical Computing

The original Micro:bit V1 (left) remains a powerful tool for teaching data logging and IoT fundamentals, even alongside the feature-rich V2 (right) produced using ChatGPT Introduction   Before you drop those original Micro:bit V1 boards into the recycling bin, ask yourself this: what if the board without all the bells and whistles is actually the better teaching tool? As we move further into 2026, many educators find their storage bins filled with V1 boards — the ones without the notched gold edge connectors. With the V2 boasting a built-in microphone, speaker, touch-sensitive logo, and a faster processor, it's tempting to assume the V1 is obsolete. But is it really? The answer, perhaps surprisingly, depends entirely on what you are trying to teach — and the V1 makes a far stronger case for itself than most people expect. The Technical Trade-off   To be fair to both boards, the V2 is the clear winner for AI, audio, and machine learning projects — and if your budget allows, ...

DIY Data Science: A Complete Guide to Data Logging with the Micro:bit V1 Whether you are a STEM teacher looking for a classroom lab solution, a parent seeking a weekend project, or a maker building an environmental monitor, the Micro:bit V1 is a hidden gem for data logging. While the newer V2 has built-in logging memory, the V1 is incredibly capable when paired with a computer. By using the Serial (USB) Connection and Radio Communication , you can turn these pocket-sized boards into useful sensors. The Equipment List To get started, you will need: For Local Logging: 1x Micro:bit V1. 1x Micro-USB cable (high quality, data-capable). A computer with a Chrome-based browser (to use the WebUSB feature in MakeCode). For Remote Logging: 2x Micro:bit V1s. 1x Battery pack (2xAAA) for the "Remote" Micro:bit. 1x Micro-USB cable for the "Receiver" Micro:bit. Optional (For Experiments): A strong magnet (to test the Compass/Magnetometer (see later in this post). A flashlight (to ...

Producing a data logger using the microbit to detect and log changes in the magnetic field. Traces The micro:bit includes a built-in compass that can also be used as a magnetic field detector . With a small amount of code, we can use this sensor to measure changes in the magnetic field and log the data to a computer . If you are new to this idea, a useful introduction is the video from Mr Morrison below, which explains the basic concept. The video demonstrates how the micro:bit can detect magnetic fields and display the readings on the device itself. Let’s extend that idea by turning the micro:bit into a data logger that continuously records magnetic field changes . Coding and Sending data to a Computer Instead of displaying the magnetic readings directly on the micro:bit’s LEDs, we can send the data through the USB cable to a computer . The MakeCode editor already provides blocks that allow data to be sent using the serial connection . By placing the magnetic measurement inside a c...

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...