This project has been created to be used as an exemplar for Year 7 Technology students to demonstrate some of the features and potential of making with a micro:bit. This device is a teacher tool or game accompaniment device that randomly selects numbers, colours, suits or statements.
WHAT YOU'LL NEED
-
Cardboard
-
Masking tape
- Matchsticks
CODE
When the user touches the copper tape connected to P1 it closes the circuit and triggers the servo to run for a randomly generated time between three and nine seconds. The micro:bit displays a simple animation to indicate when the power is on.
CONSTRUCTION
Step 1
Cut out paper dial and a slot to mount servo to housing. Depending on the servo, the ‘wings’ will stop it from falling through.
Step 2
Colour in the dial and glue to housing (hint: laminate additional dials to use it in different applications).
Step 3
Connect the servo to a micro:bit (this can be most easily done with some Alligator Clips to Male Jumper Cables)
Step 4
Connect the copper tape and hide wiring is inside the housing. In this project the copper tape is connected to P0 and GND. The strips of copper tape mustn’t touch but should be close enough so that the user’s finger can easily cover both strips to close the circuit and trigger the servo (hint: aluminium foil is a good substitute if you don’t have copper tape).
Step 5
Secure everything with tape and add instructions and you are good to go!
Special Thanks to Stephen Reid, the Head of Technology at Meridan State College in Queensland, Australia for submitting this project. Check him out on Twitter @Steef_Reid