We are using Mind+ to develop Bittle programs.
Based on MIT Scratch, Mind+ is a programming tool which allows you to build a program by dragging and snapping coding blocks.
Mind+ generates Python code which communicates with the firmware on the Bittle.
These steps should have already been completed for your computer:
Download the Mind+ Desktop package for your computer:
https://mindplus.cc/download-en.html
Follow these instructions to "Import Petoi Mind+ extension library:"
https://docs.petoi.com/graphical-programming-interface/petoi-coding-blocks
Note that the instructions for Windows and MacOS are different!
Start the Mind+ application
If the user interface isn't in English, click the settings gear icon and select English.
On the upper right, click "Python"
On the lower left, click the Extensions icon, then click "User-Ext"
Click the Petoi Coding Blocks extension to add it to your current Mind+ program
Click "Back"
You should now see a "User Expansion" icon on the lower left menu.
Use Mind+ to build the program shown here.
The Python "print" block is found in the "Python" menu area.
The Petoi blocks are found in the "User Expansion" menu area.
Click the "Code Area" button on the to right
Connect the USB cable to the Petoi Serial Adapter.
Press and hold the button on the Bittle battery until the LED turns blue.
Click the "Run" button in Mind+
Your Bittle should boot up, move to the "rest" position, and blick the LED on the NyBoard 10 times.
Modify the program to do something different, such as:
Blink at a different rate
Changing the delays and adding more digitalWrite( ) commands to send some sort of message
Think about this...
You can use the LED to send any communication ever transmitted in the history of communication.
Just need a protocol that the sender and receiver agree to
Make your program blink a message in Morse code.
Example: SOS (Emergency) : short-short-short-long-long-long-short-short-short
You can use "Variables" to store the various durations needed for Morse code.
Refer to Representation, timing, and speeds
You can use "My blocks" to create functions for the "dot" (short) and "dash" (long) blinks
Your ideas?
Here's one way to do SOS, but try it yourself before opening: blink_SOS.mp
Use Project ... Save As to save your program
Mind+ projects have the extension .mp3
Each student will use the same computer throughout the week so you can access your saved programs
If you want to take your programs with you, use your favorite cloud service to copy your .mp3 files from the computer you are using.