micro:bit Microcontrollers

Downloading/Troubleshooting

1. Connect your micro:bit to your computer using a USB-C cable that goes from the micro:bit to the computer port.

2. Select <Next>.

3. Press the [Pair button] on the bottom right of micro:bit's instructions.

4. A window will appear, select your connected micro:bit device. Now click <Pair>.

5. When it finishes pairing, the program should hook up to your micro:bit automatically.

6. If an error occurs, make sure the micro:bit is plugged into your computer via USB. 

7. If errors continue, restart your computer or follow any more specific directions micro:bit may give you.

8. You can also try to drag your program ONTO the micro:bit icon (like we used to drag STL files into the BARBERTECHNOLOGY FOLDER).

Coding:

1. Go to micro:bit. https://makecode.microbit.org/#

2. Create a new project named "Step Counter."

3. Set the Language to Python.

4. Delete all of the current lines of code.

5. First, add a new variable that will control the Steps. To do this type: Steps = 0 in line 1, then press <Enter>.

6. Next type in line 2: input.on_gesture(Gesture.SHAKE, on_gesture_shake), then press <Enter>.

7. This should automatically create a function titled on_gesture_shake. If it doesn't, you will need to type in def on_gesture_shake():

8. Delete "Pass" in line 3.

9. Make sure that the first line of the function is indented.

10. Type: "global Steps" to grab the variable, then press <Enter>.

11. Go to the next line and type: Steps += 2, then press Enter. This will make sure your Steps are added for BOTH feet every time you step with one.

12. Then type in the next line type: basic.show_number(Steps), then press <Enter>.

13. Your Final Code should look like this:

Steps = 0

def on_gesture_shake():

global Steps

Steps += 2

basic.show_number(Steps)

input.on_gesture(Gesture.SHAKE, on_gesture_shake)

14. Got to the three dots next to the <Download Button> to open the download options.

15. Click <Connect Device> listed first on the download options.

16. A list of directions will be presented on the screen giving you directions on how to pair the micro:bit to your computer. The steps below can also help you with the pairing process:

    1. Connect your micro:bit to your computer using a USB-C cable that goes from the micro:bit to the computer port.

    2. Select <Next>.

    3. Press the [Pair button] on the bottom right of micro:bit's instructions.

    4. A window will appear, select your connected micro:bit device. Now click <Pair>.

    5. When it finishes pairing, the program should hook up to your micro:bit automatically.

    6. If an error occurs, make sure the micro:bit is plugged into your computer via USB. 

    7. You can also try to drag your program ONTO the micro:bit icon (like we used to drag STL files into the BARBERTECHNOLOGY FOLDER).

    8. If errors continue, restart your computer or follow any more specific directions micro:bit may give you.

17. You should be able to test your STEP COUNTER now. See if it works! See if the reset button on the back makes it go back to zero! 

18. Try to tape it in a way that you can reset if you want to, but it doesn't reset while you are walking!