MakerBit: Getting Started!

This is a series of mini-books about HyperDuino and MakerBit. The ideas can be read online. More info at www.auntgoodiebags.com 

HyperDuino-MakerBit Ideas

You will need these pieces from your kit:

The HyperDuino works with a Funduino/Arduino Uno. The MakerBit works with a BBC micro:bit.

1 Easy-connect cable with pre-attached LEDs (Red or Blue LEDs) Ribbon cable with BLACK connector

1 Touch sensor easy-connect ribbon cable with GRAY Connector

Keep a working journal of your projects. The books on <a href="https://read.bookcreator.com/library/-LYl4_HpkwM8ykuzwgzt">Auntie's Bookshelf </a>were made using the <a href="http://www.bookcreator.com">Book Creator for Chrome</a> app.

Get in the habit of plugging in the battery LAST. The MakerBit and micro:bit are like a small computer. Getting your wires and LEDs in place before connecting the battery THEN testing works best. If things are not working-- try disconnecting the battery and re-plugging it into the MakerBit.

Think about using Book Creator for sharing your ideas with your students, other teachers and for professional development!

1. Insert the BBC micro:bit into the MakerBit.

Note the little bump on the cable connectors on the multi-color ribbon cables. This is the GRAY connector. There is also a bump on the BLACK connector.

The side with the TWO tiny buttons faces UP.  The BBC micro:bit slides part way into the MakerBit.  Most of the micro:bit will be sticking out of the MakerBit. Part of the five holes on the BBC micro:bit will show.

The boxes have a slot. The bump on the cable connectors fit into the slot in the boxes.

NOTE: The WHITE box is labeled "TOUCH" and the BLACK boxes are LEDs 11-16 and LEDs 5-10.

2. Plug the cable with the GRAY block into the WHITE box on the MakerBit.

We will be using the TOUCH and LEDs 5-10 boxes right now.

3. Plug the cable with the BLACK block (the cable with pre-attached LEDs) into the BLACK LED 5-10 box on the MakerBit.

Then learn how to connect your MakerBit to your computer, add audio, sensors and more...

Start dreaming of how you can add Touchpoints and LEDs to projects you may already be making-- or thinking of making!

5. Attach the connecting clip to the 9 volt battery.

All the LEDs will flash for a few seconds.

and then... Touch your Touchpoint and one LED should light up!

Keep reading...

There are lots of ideas on Auntie's web page <a href="http://www.auntgoodiebags.com">www.auntgoodiebags.com</a> and the MakerBit web page <a href="http://www.makerbit.com">www.makerbit.com</a> and you will start to see MakerBit, HyperDuino AND Aunt Goodiebags ideas and lessons in the new <a href="https://edu.workbencheducation.com/cwists/category">Google Workbench Education</a>!

SHARE your questions, problems, projects --and works in progress -- on the HyperDuino/MakerBit group on Facebook! This group is super friendly and they know (and share) so much about excitement and information about technology!

NOTE: The individual LEDs will be a SNUG FIT. Don't push them too far into the sockets!

1. Unplug the battery. 2. Take out the cable with the BLACK block with the pre-attached LEDs. 3. Plug in one of the "other" BLACK block LED cables (the one without the pre-attached LEDs).

4. Insert an LED into the double socket. Be SURE to notice the tiny raised triangle on the socket.

... and the SHORTER leg of the LED goes into the socket with the triangle.

The tiny numbers near the boxes on the MakerBit can help you identify and fix any problems when you have a completed project and an LED is not working. Ex: T2 (Touch 2) will light P2 (Pin 2) on the LEDs 2-07 box. Use these numbers or create a label system of your own to mark the information on the back of your project.

The Touchpoints in your kit are actually pierced earring backs! The silicone backs help keep the Touchpoints secure on displays.

Most metal objects can be used for Touchpoints. Try experimenting! Auntie's Button Box shows some examples of Touchpoints. Get your students to help design some unique Touchpoints!

Be sure you have a good battery. Unplug and plug the battery in again. Be sure the cable with the BLACK connector is in the correct box. There are TWO BLACK boxes on the MakerBit. You want to be in the one marked LEDs 5-10.

Try adding 5 additional Touchpoints to the next sockets!!! Light up 6 LEDs!

Why stop there? Add more Touchpoints to the cable with the GRAY block and Add another cable with the BLACK block (with pre-attached LEDs) to the other BLACK box (LEDs 11-16) on the MakerBit.

4. There are 12 sockets on the cable with the GRAY block. Insert a Touchpoint into the first WHITE socket.

NOTE: The Touchpoint does NOT go all the way into the socket.

The space allows you to place the Touchpoint flat against the foamcore of your project boards with the wires hidden in the back.

The first WHITE socket is on a RED wire... Number T5 on the MakerBit board.

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