# Tutorial

## 1.Getting Started with Micro:bit

Step 1: connect the Micro: Bit main board V2 with your computer

Firstly, link the Micro: Bit main board V2 with your computer via the USB cable. 

![](./images/image-20250903152629814.png)

Step 2： if the red LED on the back of the board is on, that means the board is powered. Then Micro: Bit main board V2 will appear on your computer as a driver named 'MICROBIT'. Please note that it is not an ordinary USB disk as shown below.

![](./images/image-20250903153355910.png)

Step 3: write programs

https://makecode.microbit.org/

![](./images/Microbit.gif)

Congratulations on completing your first code! You should now see the 5x5 LED dot matrix displaying various patterns.

Next, I will demonstrate downloading the written code to the computer and uploading it using a different method.

![](./images/MicrobitD.gif)

## 2. CoolTerm Installation

CoolTerm program is used to read the data on serial port.

Download CoolTerm program:

macOS:

[Intel/ARM](https://freeware.the-meiers.org/CoolTermMac.dmg)

Win:

[Intel 64Bit](https://freeware.the-meiers.org/CoolTermWin64Bit.zip)

[Intel 32Bit](https://freeware.the-meiers.org/CoolTermWin32Bit.zip)

[ARM 64Bit](https://freeware.the-meiers.org/CoolTermWinARM64Bit.zip)

Linux:

[Intel 64Bit](https://freeware.the-meiers.org/CoolTermLinux64Bit.zip)

[Intel 32Bit](https://freeware.the-meiers.org/CoolTermLinux32Bit.zip)

(1) After the download, we need to install CoolTerm program file, below is Window system taken as an example.

(2) Choose "win" to download the zip file of CoolTerm

(3) Unzip file and open it. (also suitable for Mac and Linux system)

![](./images/Animation1.gif)

The functions of each button on the Toolbar are listed below:

![](./images/1.png)

| Command    | Description                                      |
| ---------- | ------------------------------------------------ |
| New        | Opens up a new Terminal                          |
| Open       | Opens a saved Connection                         |
| Save       | Saves the current Connection to disk             |
| Connect    | Opens the Serial Connection                      |
| Disconnect | Closes the Serial Connection                     |
| Clear Data | Clears the Received Data                         |
| Options    | Opens the Connection Options Dialog              |
| HEX        | Displays the Terminal Data in Hexadecimal Format |
| View       | Displays the Help Window                         |

After installation is complete, we will use this tool in our subsequent lessons.

## Project 1: Heartbeat

![](images/2356ba4c94ae3584430f119173f91469925077124a6252fd80568bc2c68f8d83.jpg)

[Click to download the code for this lesson](./Code/Heartbeat.hex)

### (1)Project Description

(1) Project DescriptionThis project is easy to conduct with a micro:bit V2 main board, a Micro USB cable and a computer. The micro:bit LED dot matrix will display a relatively big heart-shaped pattern and then a smaller one. This alternative change of this pattern is like heart beating. This experiment serves as a starter for your entry to the programming world.

### (2)Components Needed:

Micro:bit main board V2 

Micro USB cable

### (3)Test Code:

Attach the Micro:bit main board V2 to your computer via the Micro USB cable and begin editing.

![](./images/2.gif)

Complete Program :

![](./images/Heartbeat.png)

Note: the "on start" means that the code in this block only executes once, while "forever" implies that the code runs cyclically.

### (4)Test Results:

After uploading the code, you will see a heartbeat effect appear on the Microbit board.

![](./images/Heartbeat1.gif)

## Project 2: Light A Single LED

![](images/7748e3bd6d35ef4017ffbc6997e70ef85cacc3eb5ec7195dac6a776c6fdfb033.jpg)

[Click to download the code for this lesson](./Code/Light-A-Single-LED.hex)

### (1)Project Description:

(1)Project Description:The LED dot matrix consists of 25 LEDs arranged in a 5 by 5 square. In order to locate these LEDs quickly, as the figure shown below, we can regarded this matrix as a coordinate system and create two aces by marking those in rows from 0 to 4 from top to bottom, and the ones in columns from 0 to 4 from the left to the right. Therefore, the LED sat in the second of the first line is (1,0) and the LED positioned in the fifth of the fourth column is (3,4) and others likewise.

![](./images/image-20250904102610952.png)

### (2)Components Needed:

Micro:bit main board V2 

 Micro USB cable

### (3)Test Code:

Attach the Micro:bit main board V2 to your computer via the Micro USB cable and begin editing.

![](./images/3.gif)

Complete Program :

![](./images/4.png)

### (4)Test Results

After uploading the code, you will observe the Microbit board display the following effect: (1,0) lights up for 0.5 seconds before turning off, followed by (3,4) lighting up for 0.5 seconds before turning off, repeating in a loop.

![](./images/5.gif)

## Project 3: LED Dot Matrix

![](images/a693bf0fdb1627198fb157c88f41383e9bc0b93b8763ab6af4b833ba1439abbe.jpg)

[Click to download the code 1 for this lesson](./Code/LED-Dot-Matrix.hex)

[Click to download the code 2 for this lesson](./Code/LED-Dot-Matrix2.hex)

### (1)Project Description:

Dot matrices are very commonplace in daily life. They have found wild applications in LED advertisement screens, elevator floor display, bus stop announcement and so on.

The LED dot matrix of Micro: Bit main board V2 contains 25 LEDs in a grid. Previously, we have succeeded in controlling a certain LED to light by integrating its position value into the test code. Supported by the same theory, we can turn on many LEDs at the same time to showcase patterns, digits and characters.

What's more, we can also click" show icon " to choose the pattern we like to display. Last but not the least, we can design our patterns by ourselves.

### (2)Components Needed:

Micro:bit main board V2 

Micro USB cable

### (3)Test Code 1:

Link computer with micro:bit board by micro USB cable, and program in MakeCode editor.

![](./images/6.gif)

Complete Program :

![](./images/77.png)

### (4) Test Results 1:

Upload code 1 and power the board, we will see the icon.

![7](./images/8.gif)

### (5) Test Code 2:

Link computer with micro:bit board by micro USB cable, and program in MakeCode editor.

![](./images/9.gif)

Complete Program :

![](./images/image-20250910093151810.png)

### (6)Test Results 2 :

After uploading the code to the Microbit, you can see the 5x5 dot matrix display cycling through the patterns and text specified in the code.（Note: the "on start" means that the code in this block only executes once, while "forever" implies that the code runs cyclically.）

![](./images/10.gif)

## Project 4: Programmable Buttons

![](images/689b7e239b7e07a8a4bf8e4cb4a6d2dc0724b36b69c7e45ecebbedd51e9d7e67.jpg)

[Click to download the code 1 for this lesson](./Code/Programmable-Buttons.hex)

[Click to download the code 2 for this lesson](./Code/Programmable-Buttons2.hex)

### (1)Project Description:

Buttons can be used to control circuits. In an integrated circuit with a button, the circuit is connected when pressing the button and it is open the other way around. Micro: Bit main board V2 boasts three buttons, two are programmable buttons(marked with A and B), and the one on the other side is a reset button. By pressing the two programmable buttons can input three different signals. We can press button A or B alone or press them together and the LED dot matrix shows A,B and AB respectively. Let's get started.

### (2)Components Needed:

Micro:bit main board V2 

Micro USB cable

### (3)Test Code 1 :

Link computer with micro:bit board by micro USB cable, and program in MakeCode editor,

![](./images/11.gif)

Complete Code:

![](./images/image-20250910095454263.png)

### (4)Test Results 1 :

After uploading test code 1 to micro:bit main board V2 , the 5*5 LED dot matrix shows A if button A is pressed, B if button B pressed, and AB if button A and B pressed together.

![](./images/12.gif)

### (5) Test Code 2 :

![](./images/13.gif)



Complete Program :

![](./images/image-20250910104143540.png)

### (6)Test Results 2:

After uploading test code 2 to micro:bit main board V2, when pressing the button A the LEDs turning red increase while when pressing the button B the LEDs turning red reduce.

![](./images/14.gif)

## Project 5: Temperature Detection

![](images/c279cdbc53aa0f036fdcda2c4f2b0811feb324dfc18b4079f5c2afefe29d5eaf.jpg)

[Click to download the code 1 for this lesson](./Code/Temperature-Detection.hex)

[Click to download the code 2 for this lesson](./Code/Temperature-Detection2.hex)

### (1)Project Description:

The Micro:bit main board V2 is not equipped with a temperature sensor, but uses the temperature sensor built into NFR52833 chip for temperature detection. Therefore, the detected temperature is more closer to the temperature of the chip, and there maybe deviation from the ambient temperature.

### (2)Components Needed:

Micro:bit main board V2

Micro USB cable

### (3)Test Code 1 :

![](./images/15.gif)

### (4)Test Results 1:

After uploading test code 1 to micro:bit main board V2, powering the main board via the USB cable, and clicking "Show console Device", the data of temperature shows in the serial monitor page as shown below.

![](./images/16.gif)

If you're running Windows 7 or 8 instead of Windows 10, via

Google Chrome won't be able to match devices. You'll need to use the CoolTerm serial monitor software to read data.You could open CoolTerm software, click Options, select SerialPort, set COM port and put baud rate to 115200 (after testing, the baud rate of USB SerialPort communication on Micro: Bit main board V2 is 115200), click OK, and Connect. The CoolTerm serial monitor shows the change of temperature in the current environment, as shown in the figures below :

![](./images/Animation2.gif)

### (5)Test Code 2 :

Link computer with micro:bit board by micro USB cable, and program in MakeCode editor,

![](./images/17.gif)

Complete Program :

![](./images/image-20250910112243497.png)

### (6)Test Results 2:

After uploading the code 2, when the ambient temperature is  less than 35℃, the 5*5 LED dot matrix shows ![](./images/image-20250905140357642.png). When the temperature is equivalent to or greater than 35℃, the pattern ![](./images/image-20250905140444458.png)appears.

## Project 6: Geomagnetic Sensor

[Click to download the code 1 for this lesson](./Code/Geomagnetic-Sensor.hex)

[Click to download the code 2 for this lesson](./Code/Geomagnetic-Sensor2.hex)

### (1)Project Description:

(1) Project Description:This project aims to explain the use of the Micro: bit geomagnetic sensor, which can not only detect the strength of the geomagnetic field, but also be used as a compass to find bearings. It is also an important part of the Attitude and Heading Reference System (AHRS). Micro: Bit main board V2 uses LSM303AGR geomagnetic sensor, and the dynamic range of magnetic field is ± 50 gauss. In the board, the magnetometer module is used in both magnetic detection and compass. In this experiment, the compass will be introduced first, and then the original data of the magnetometer will be checked. The main component of a common compass is a magnetic needle, which can be rotated by the geomagnetic field and point toward the geomagnetic North Pole (which is near the geographic South Pole) to determine direction.

### (2)Components Needed:

Micro:bit main board V2

 Micro USB cable

### (3)Test Code 1 :

Link computer with micro:bit board by micro USB cable, and program in MakeCode editor.

![](./images/18.gif)

Complete Program :

![](./images/image-20250910113624112.png)

### (4)Test Results 1 :

After uploading test code to micro:bit main board V2 and powering the board via the USB cable, and pressing the button A, the board asks us to calibrate compass and the LED dot matrix shows "TILT TO FILL SCREEN". Then enter the calibration page. Rotate the board until all 25 LEDs are on red as shown below.

![](images/1a8cbfb52c88d287fc1bbd567ea0c7d1a49038af1b6d94d96bb75a411cfac576.jpg)

calibrate compass:

![](./images/19.gif)

After that, a smile pattern ![](./images/image-20250905140551074.png)appears, which implies the calibration is done. When the calibration process is completed, pressing the button A will make the magnetometer reading display directly on the screen. And the direction north, east, south and west correspond to 0°, 90°, 180° and 270° respectively.

![](./images/20.gif)

### (5) Test Code 2:

This module can keep reading data to determine direction, so does point to the current magnetic North Pole by arrow.

Link computer with micro:bit board by micro USB cable, and program in MakeCode editor,

![](./images/21.gif)

Complete Program :

![](./images/image-20250911133851330.png)

### (6) Test Results 2

Upload code 2. After calibration, tilt micro:bit board, and the LED dot matrix displays the direction signs.

![](./images/22.gif)

## Project 7: Accelerometer

![](images/1cb21f5abd6e06cd7081d135128579f0ef6870d66a6b9fdf92496a2263d51a24.jpg)

[Click to download the code 1 for this lesson](./Code/Accelerometer.hex)

[Click to download the code 2 for this lesson](./Code/Accelerometer2.hex)

### (1)Project Description:

The Micro: Bit main board V2 has a built- in LSM303AGR gravity acceleration sensor, also known as accelerometer, with a resolution of 8/10/12 bits. The code section sets the range to 1g, 2g, 4g, and 8g.

We often use accelerometer to detect the status of machines. In this project, we will introduce how to measure the position of the board with the accelerometer. And then have a look at the original three- axis data output by the accelerometer.

### (2)Components Needed:

Micro:bit main board V2 

Micro USB cable

### (3)Test Code 1 :

Link computer with micro:bit board by micro USB cable, and program in MakeCode editor,

![](./images/23.gif)

Complete Program :

![](./images/image-20250911135905779.png)

### (4)Test Results 1:

After uploading Test Code 1 to the micro:bit V2 board, changing the board's orientation will cause the 5x5 dot matrix to display different numbers.

![](./images/24.gif)

if we shake the Micro: Bit main board V2. no matter at any direction, the LED dot matrix displays the digit "1".

When it is kept upright ( make its logo above the LED dot matrix), the number 2 shows.

![](images/7b4f4d9814baf3cae97287c65207a0a0fa990ded2fdf55bdb80f5b0f820c60cc.jpg)

When it is kept upside down( make its logo below the LED dot matrix), it shows as below.

![](images/bf71e66addeccd7ca2259b9b528700bfa4a96dbf253aaed4421c7b2138a7473d.jpg)

When it is placed still on the desk, showing its front side, the number 4 appears.

![](images/c97cbe743d2d2cdc403b5010bf3b16faa3b76086642399f7da00cf8c6bac3584.jpg)

When it is placed still on the desk, showing its back side, the number 5 exhibits.

When the board is tilted to the left, the LED dot matrix shows the number 6 as shown below.

![](images/30099649e3d210eeb8bcb37957598674e74f569818ed17e8b30230d7de3ca42b.jpg)

When the board is tilted to the right, the LED dot matrix displays the number 7 as shown below

![](images/b066419352c3c59679a76544378b7307337665b40e30d14126eb685bf9672c1f.jpg)

When the board is knocked to the floor, this process can be considered as a free fall and the LED dot matrix shows the number 8. (please note that this test is not recommended for it may damage the main board.)

Attention: if you'd like to try this function, you can also set the acceleration to 3g, 6g or 8g. But still, we do not recommend.

### (5)Test Code 2 :

![](./images/25.gif)

Complete Program :

![](./images/image-20250911143619630.png)

### (6) Test Results 2

Upload test code to micro:bit main board V2, power the main board via the USB cable, and click "Show console Device".

The following interface shows the decomposition value of acceleration in X axis, Y axis and Z axis respectively, as well as acceleration synthesis (acceleration synthesis of gravity and other external forces).

![](./images/26.gif)

After referring to the MMA8653FC data manual and the hardware schematic diagram of the Micro: Bit main board V2, the accelerometer coordinate of the Micro: Bit V2 motherboard are shown in the figure below:

![](images/07c7f1e7969e58a1f484c41c787b94c1268cd8a256f4e8ef6f97cb7ef4f6bd3f.jpg)

If you're running Windows 7 or 8 instead of Windows 10, via Google Chrome won't be able to match devices. You'll need to use the CoolTerm serial monitor software to read data.You could open CoolTerm software, click Options, select SerialPort, set COM port and put baud rate to 115200 (after testing, the baud rate of USB SerialPort communication on Micro: Bit main board V2 is 115200), click OK, and Connect. The CoolTerm serial monitor shows the data of X axis, Y axis and Z axis, as shown in the figures below:

![](./images/Animation6.gif)

## Project 8: Light Detection

![](images/13d9c260f69d61349c16e8fac95b7130075c08136a8606d2ea5d088bf7ad0a13.jpg)

[Click to download the code for this lesson](./Code/Light-Detection.hex)

### (1) Project Description:

In this project, we focus on the light detection function of the Micro: Bit main board V2. It is achieved by the LED dot matrix since the main board is not equipped with a photoresistor.

### (2)Components Needed:

Micro:bit main board V2

Micro USB cable

### (3)Test Code:

Link computer with micro:bit board by micro USB cable, and program in MakeCode editor,

![](./images/27.gif)

Complete Program :

![](./images/image-20250911152049091.png)

### (4)Test Results:

Upload the test code to micro:bit main board V2, power the board via the USB cable and click "Show console Device".

When the LED dot matrix is covered by hand, the light intensity showed is approximately 0; when the LED dot matrix is exposed to light, the light intensity displayed gets stronger with the light as shown below.

![](./images/28.gif)

If you're running Windows 7 or 8 instead of Windows 10, via Google Chrome won't be able to match devices. You'll need to use the CoolTerm serial monitor software to read data.

You could open CoolTerm software, click Options, select SerialPort, set COM port and put baud rate to 115200 (after testing, the baud rate of USB SerialPort communication on Micro: Bit main board V2 is 115200), click OK, and Connect. The CoolTerm serial monitor shows the value of light intensity, as shown in the figures below :

![](./images/Animation5.gif)

## Project 9: Speaker

![](images/e08dd451289c9ff2a732e808f80595ca4a3ccbc339d27818157912ae9229e0f9.jpg)

[Click to download the code for this lesson](./Code/Speaker.hex)

### (1)Project Description:

The Micro: Bit main board V2 has an built- in speaker, which makes adding sound to the programs easier. We can program the speaker to air all kinds of tones, like playing the son *Ode to Joy.*

### (2)Components Needed:

Micro:bit main board V2 

Micro USB cable

### (3)Test Code :

Link computer with micro:bit board by micro USB cable, and program in MakeCode editor, 

![](./images/29.gif)

Complete Program :

![](./images/image-20250911175254769.png)

### (4)Test Results:

After uploading the test code to micro:bit main board V2 and powering the board via the USB cable, the speaker utters sound and the LED dot matrix shows the logo of music.

![](./images/30.gif)

## Project 10: Touch-sensitive Logo

![](images/df7f211e9ad34bde973f72646fd16f0685ec25421a11aa4b7c0a5f306698d544.jpg)

[Click to download the code for this lesson](./Code/Touch-sensitive-Logo.hex)

### (1)Project Description:

The Micro: Bit main board V2 is equipped with a golden touch- sensitive logo, which can act as an input component and function like an extra button.

It contains a capacitive touch sensor that senses small changes in the electric field when pressed (or touched), just like your phone or tablet screen do.When you press it , you can activate the program.

### (2)Components Needed:

Micro:bit main board V2 

Micro USB cable

### (3)Test Code :

Link computer with micro:bit board by micro USB cable, and program in MakeCode editor,

![](./images/31.gif)

Complete Program :

![](./images/image-20250912094108039.png)

### (4)Test Results:

After uploading the code, touching the logo with your hand will display a heart shape on the dot matrix. Releasing your touch will reveal a number, with longer contact times displaying larger numbers.

![](./images/32.gif)

## Project 11: Microphone

![](images/3c397f3ca2a8045d397ebba2d5252d6814516443ae43fc9d039a9b75d8357866.jpg)

[Click to download the code 1 for this lesson](./Code/Microphone.hex)

[Click to download the code 2 for this lesson](./Code/Microphone2.hex)

### (1)Project Description:

The Micro: Bit main board V2 is built with a microphone which can test the volume of ambient environment. When you clap, the microphone LED indicator turns on. Since it can measure the intensity of sound, you can make a noise scale or disco lighting changing with music. The microphone is placed on the opposite side of the microphone LED indicator and in proximity with holes that lets sound pass. When the board detects sound, the LED indicator lights up.

### (2) Components Needed:

Micro:bit main board V2 

Micro USB cable 

### (3) Test Code 1:

Link computer with micro:bit board by micro USB cable, and program in MakeCode editor,

![](./images/33.gif)

Complete Program :

![](./images/image-20250912095411405.png)

### (4)Test Results 1:

After uploading the code, display a large heart icon when ambient sound is detected, and a small heart icon when the surroundings are quiet (Note: Sounds too faint to detect will not trigger the response).

![](./images/35.gif)

### (5)Test Code 2:

Link computer with micro:bit board by micro USB cable, and program in MakeCode editor,

![](./images/36.gif)

Complete Program :

![](./images/image-20250912105611120.png)

### (6)Test Results 2:

![](./images/37.gif)

After uploading the code, the dot matrix pulses in sync with sound changes. Pressing the “A” key displays the numerical value of the current sound.

## Project 12: Bluetooth Wireless Communication

![](images/a3c30945c6505259c61d60561c2d386c585af52178719c4c3a6bc38fd776aa9c.jpg)

### (1)Project Description:

Note: This lesson focuses on explaining how to upload code via Bluetooth using an app, so no code is provided. Please follow the steps in the animated gif.

The Micro: Bit main board V2 comes with a nRF52833 processor (with a built- in BLE(Bluetooth Low Energy) device Bluetooth 5.1 ) and a 2.4GHz antenna for Bluetooth wireless communication and 2.4GHz wireless communication. With the help of them, the board is able to communicate with a variety of Bluetooth devices, including smart phones and tablets.

In this project, we mainly concentrate on the Bluetooth wireless communication function of this main board. Linked with Bluetooth, it can transmit code or signals. To this end, we should connect an Apple device (a phone or an iPad) to the board.

Since setting up Android phones to achieve wireless

transmission is similar to that of Apple devices, no need to illustrate again.

### (2) Preparation

Attachment of Micro:bit main board V2 to your computer via the Micro USB cable.

An Apple device (a phone or an iPad) or an Android device;

### (3) Install Micro:bit:

For Android

![](./images/android.gif)

For ios

![](./images/ios.gif)

(4)Test Code :

Next, we'll use our phones to write code and connect via Bluetooth (Note: The process is identical for both Android and iOS devices; this demonstration uses an Android phone).

1、Open the software and connect to Bluetooth.

![](./images/38.gif)

2、Press Microbit's button A, button B, and the reset button on the back in sequence. The main board will then display an icon.

![](./images/39.gif)

3、Enter the pattern displayed in step two into the phone interface.

![](./images/40.gif)

Write code and upload

1、Enter the code programming interface and write a code.

![](./images/41.gif)

2、Press button A, button B, and the reset button in sequence. (Note: This procedure must be repeated each time code is uploaded via the app.)

 ![](./images/42.gif)

3、After confirming that the Microbit icon matches the one displayed on your phone, simply click “Next.”

![](./images/43.gif)

Finally, you can see the Microbit board displaying the pattern from the code.

Here, we have completed the process of uploading code to the phone. It is important to note:

1. To connect the phone to the Microbit board, press the A, B, and Reset buttons in sequence. The dot matrix display will then show a pattern, which should be entered into the phone.
2. The Microbit board can be powered via a USB cable or by supplying 3V to the board's power input through a battery pack. Note: The voltage must not exceed 3V, as exceeding this limit will damage the board.