COSC1336 Group Project¶
To get started on this project, click on this link to set up a team, and a repository your team can use:
Setting Up you Team Repo¶
The first person to accept this link will need to create the team name. All others will select that team when they accept this invitation.
Once you accept this project, each team member will clone a personal copy of the repository where you will do your work.
Remember that you are not working alone. Be sure to start off any work session with a “git pull” command, and end each session with a “git push” command. If you have any problems, see me for help
MicroPython¶
This project is a chance to explore a tiny version of Python, designed to run on very small computer systems. The Python version we will explore is called MicroPython and the board we will use is called the MicroBit board.
Here is what the board looks like:
Introduction to Micro:Bit¶
This lab is designed to get you working on code that runs on these little boards. Click on this link for an introduction to the board:
When you get to this page, click on the “Let’s code” link and you will find web browser based editors you can use to write code for the micro:bit. Since I am trying to show you how to use Python for things like this, we will use the Mu editor instead.
MicroPython¶
The version of Python designed for small computers like micro:bit works exactly the same s the full version we used in our turtle graphics experiments. MicroPython comes with a set of libraries designed to hep you use the micro:bit and other board to control things, like robots! We can also control lights, buzzers, check if buttons are pushed, even figure out if we are close to something. There are all kinds of “sensors” and “actuators” you can find in stores like Microcenter that can use used to build your creation.
For this introduction, all we will to do is explore a few of the basic tutorials that are available on the MicroPython web page here:
Not all of these can be run without adding extra hardware, and we do not have much of that available today.
Work in Teams¶
Since I only have a few of these boards, you will need to work in teams of 2-3 students.
Here are the experiments you can try:
Simple Experiments¶
Hello World
Images
Buttons
Input/Output (just Ticklish Python)
Random
Try this Challenge!¶
If you really want to challenge yourself, work with another team and try the Radio Firefly example that uses radio to let two micro:bit boards talk to each other. This one can work with several teams at once!
