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Lesson 12 Accelerometer

Introduction

micro:bit has integrated multiple sensors including accelerometer. Today, we are going to use accelerometer to make a level device and display the inclination on RainbowLED ring in bar chart format.

Component List

Hardware:

  • 1 x micro:bit Board
  • 1 x USB Cable
  • 1 x micro:bit Breadboard Adapter
  • 1 x Transparent Breadboard - 83 * 55 mm
  • 1 x 8 RGB RainbowLED Ring
  • n x Breadborad Jumper Wire 65pcs Pack

Tips: If you want all components above, you may need Elecfreaks Micro:bit Starter Kit .

Major Component Introduction

Accelerometer

There is an accelerometer on your micro:bit which detects the speed change of micro:bit. It converts analog information into digital form that can be used in micro:bit programs. Output is in milli-g. The device will also detect a small number of standard actions, e.g. shake, tilt and free-fall.

The corresponding X, Y, Z axle direction of accelerometer are showed below:

Experimental Procedure

Hardware Connection

Connect your components according to the picture below:

  • Connect the signal wire of the LED ring to the P0 port of the breadboard adapter.

After connection, we can see:

Software Programming

Click to open Microsoft Makecode, write the following code in the editor.(https://makecode.microbit.org/)

Add Package

Click "Advanced"in the choice of the MakeCode to find more choices.

Click "Extensions", search "neopixel"in the dialog box and then download the "neopixel".

Program as the picture shows:

Details for the code:

  • Set P0 port as the pin for LED beads and set it in RGB mode, then light on all the LED.

  • Set the color of the light is changed with the accelerated speed.

Reference

Links:https://makecode.microbit.org/_0Y07f36Y77sa

You can also download the links directly:

Result

The RGB LED ring lights on in different color with the movement of the micro:bit.

Exploration

If we want to set 4 of the LEDs to light on in turns, how can we design the circuit and program?

FAQ