Alarm Clock Kit with ZIP Halo HD for micro:bit Kitronik

DESCRIPTION

The Kitronik Alarm Clock Kit with ZIP Halo HD for microbit provides a fun introduction to the features of Halo HD. This kit features a modified version of Halo HD, all of the parts required to build the clock, and also power accessories. To get you started there is an easy to follow tutorial book included which will guide you through building your clock & checking all the LEDs are working correctly with some test code. Once this is done, you can then move online for some further tutorials within MakeCode.

The Kitronik Alarm Clock Kit with ZIP Halo HD for micro:bit features a modified version of Halo HD. This modified version is only available via this kit. The changes are as follows; power is now provided via a 2.1mm barrel jack connection and there is also a coin cell holder fitted to the rear of the board. When a 1220 coin cell battery is inserted, it will then provide power to the RTC chip when no power is being supplied to Halo HD. This ensures that you only have to set up the time for your project once. The maths would suggest that the coin cell can last for up to 2 years in this application, though real-world experiences may vary.

ZIP HALO HD for Micro:Bit

The Kitronik Halo HD board for the BBC micro:bit incorporates 60 individually addressable full-colour ZIP LEDs. It also breaks out P1 and P2 to a standard 0.1” footprint, it features a MEMS microphone for detection of sound, and a piezo buzzer to play sound. If that weren’t enough, it also features an onboard real-time clock (RTC) controlled by I2C lines from the microbit. The board also has M3 mounting holes for a more sturdy project.

The ZIP Halo HD supplied with this kit is powered via a 2.1mm Barrel jack connection. The kit is supplied with a 3xAA Battery holder with aDC Jack and also a USB-B to 2.1mm jack cable. The adapter cable is for use with a separate power supply (not included). A regulated supply is produced on the board which is then fed into the 3V and GND connections to power the connected BBC micro:bit, removing the need to power the BBC micro:bit separately. Halo HD has also been fitted with an ON/OFF switch to maximise battery life. Switch it off when not in use and the onboard coin cell will keep the memory of the RTC chip alive.

FEATURES

• The Kitronik Alarm Clock Kit with ZIP Halo HD for microbit provides a great introduction to the features of Halo HD.
• Learn how to create and then code exciting projects that explore time, light and sound.
• The kit is backed up by a range of fun tutorials that introduce you to the exciting features of the Alarm Clock Kit.
• All of the tutorials and subsequent resources are free and with no signups needed.
• There is no soldering required and the mechanical assembly is quick and also super simple.
• The board features CR1220 3V coin cell battery holder that acts as a clock battery backup for the RTC chip when a battery is inserted.
• The maths suggests that the backup battery can last for up to 2 years. Experiences may vary from battery to battery and also from situation to situation.

ZIP Halo HD Features

• The board features 60 individually addressable full-colour ZIP LEDs.
• P1 and P2 are broken out to a standard 0.1” footprint.
• It’s wired for sound with a MEMS microphone and a piezo buzzer.
• It has an onboard Real-time clock (RTC) controlled by I2C lines.
• The onboard microbit edge connector provides a plug-and-play environment!
• The On/off switch helps you maximise battery life, CR1220 3V coin cell will then protect the RTCs memory.
• Code it with MakeCode using Kitronik custom blocks inside the MakeCode editor.
• It can also be coded with MicroPython. A link to an example can be found in the list of resources.
• M3 Mounting holes, for more secure projects.

RESOURCES

• MakeCode Editor
• MicroPython Example Code
• Basic Clock Tutorial
• Adjustable Clock Tutorial
• Alarm Clock Tutorial
• Wake Up Alarm Clock Tutorial