The BBC micro:bit V2 Go Bundle is an all-in-one introductory starter kit built around the upgraded BBC micro:bit V2 pocket-sized computer. Designed for students, educators, and makers, it makes learning coding, hardware interaction, and electronics intuitive and accessible. Powered by a 64 MHz Arm Cortex-M4 processor with an integrated floating-point unit (FPU), the micro:bit V2 features an onboard speaker, a MEMS microphone with an LED activity indicator, a capacitive touch sensor, a 5x5 LED display, motion tracking sensors, and Bluetooth 5.0 wireless connectivity.
Specifications
- Processor: 64 MHz Arm Cortex-M4 with FPU (Nordic nRF52833)
- Flash Memory: 512KB
- RAM: 128KB
- Display: 5x5 Red LED Matrix (25 individually addressable LEDs)
- Audio: Onboard speaker and MEMS microphone with sound level LED indicator
- Inputs & Controls: Two tactile user buttons (A/B), capacitive touch logo, reset/power sleep button
- Sensors: 3-axis accelerometer (motion/gesture), magnetometer (compass), ambient light sensing, and die temperature sensor
- Wireless Connectivity: 2.4 GHz micro:bit Radio and Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE 5.0)
- Expansion Interface: 25-pin notched edge connector with 5 large alligator-clip rings (3V, GND, 0, 1, 2)
- Expansion Buses: Dedicated I2C bus for peripherals, SPI, PWM, and GPIO channels
- Accessory Power Output: Up to 200mA available for external accessories
- Power Connectors: Micro-USB port (5V DC) and a 2-pin JST-PH battery connector (3V DC)
- Supported Programming Environments: Microsoft MakeCode (Block-based), Python, Scratch, C++
Hardware and Interface Guide
- 5x5 LED Matrix: Displays scrolling text, custom icons, numbers, and basic pixel art animations.
- Touch-Sensitive Logo: Capacitive sensor located on the gold micro:bit logo, acting as an extra programmable input.
- Large Alligator-Clip Rings:
- 0, 1, 2: Primary digital/analog input/output rings for quick connection using alligator clips or 4mm banana plugs.
- 3V: 3V power output ring for powering external sensors and LEDs.
- GND: Common ground reference ring.
- Micro-USB Port: Used for flashing program code, serial communication, and 5V power supply input.
- JST-PH Port: 2-pin polarized 3V DC battery input connector (matches standard 2x AAA battery packs).
Key Features
- Built-in Sound and Sensing: Create sound-reactive projects and produce musical tones directly on the board without needing external buzzer breakouts or breadboards.
- Full Motion & Direction Sensing: Integrated 3-axis accelerometer and magnetometer detect tilting, shaking, free-fall, orientation, and compass headings.
- Beginner-Friendly Coding Platforms: Supports browser-based visual programming via Microsoft MakeCode, as well as text-based programming using MicroPython, allowing users to transition naturally from novice to advanced levels.
- Wireless Device Communication: Uses custom 2.4 GHz radio messaging to communicate directly between micro:bit boards, or BLE 5.0 to interface with smartphones, tablets, and computers.
Common Applications
- STEM & Coding Education: Teaching fundamental algorithms, variables, and logic in classrooms and coding clubs.
- Interactive Wearables: Creating pedometers, digital compass badges, and gesture-controlled wearables.
- Robotics & Smart Vehicles: Serving as the primary brain for educational robotic chassis, obstacle avoiders, and line followers.
- IoT & Remote Sensing: Building wireless environmental monitoring nodes and interactive games.
Usage Tips
- JST Connector Type: The onboard battery socket uses a JST-PH 2.0mm pitch connector, not a JST-XH 2.54mm connector. Do not force an oversized connector into the socket.
- Accessory Current Limits: The board supplies up to 200mA to external modules via the edge connector. If driving servo motors or high-draw components, provide an external power supply to avoid triggering brownout resets.
- Safe Unplugging: Grip the plastic connector shell rather than pulling on the wires directly when disconnecting cables from the JST battery port to prevent broken leads.
Package Contents Note: The current micro:bit V2 Go Bundle includes the micro:bit V2 board, a short USB cable, and a Quick Start Guide. Please note that the external AAA battery case is not included in this bundle version.