micro:bit Radio

Theory:

For this practical activity, we will be using our Micro-bit’s radio feature. This short distance Radio will act as a simulation for the real long distance radio transmissions that are sent by explorers: e.g. walkie-talkies and other communication devices.

To set up the Radio, we need to agree on a Radio group for all of our microbits to be on, so they can all speak to each other. We collect the “On Start” block from Basic, and the “Radio Set Group” block from Radio.

All of our micro:bits in this “detection network” must have the same radio group set like this.

There are two roles here. Right now we have coded most of the Sending role, which will be run by one of our two (or more) micro:bits.

Now, everyone within radio range tuned into the same channel will see the message!

Now, how do we receive the message?

For a different micro:bit (our receiver), using the same set radio group number, we code:

receivedString is a variable which can be found in the Variables category.

Now, when we press A on our sender, our receiver will see the message!

Extension:

See if you can get your Microbits to be both sender AND receiver!