STOP:bit – Traffic Light for BBC microbit

The STOP:bit for the BBC micro:bit is the ultimate upgrade for traffic light/pedestrian crossing projects. Not only does it make coding the project a breeze, but the circuit board also comes pre-assembled, so you don’t even have to get out the soldering iron. Whether you like it or not, variations of the pedestrian crossing project have existed for decades. The Kitronik STOP:bit is a custom-made accessory that can only lead to a more fun project with a better-looking final result.

The STOP:bit is a plug-in/clip-on circuit board for the BBC micro:bit that mimics a traffic light. The board is designed to have the same physical characteristics as a traffic light, with the addition of a BBC micro:bit as the control box for pedestrian crossing. The STOP:bit has three $10\text{mm}$ diameter LEDs. Each of these LEDs is controlled from one of the BBC micro:bit’s IO pins. The power for the LEDs comes from the BBC micro:bit connections. STOP:bit comes with 4 counter-sunk screws, so you can screw the micro:bit directly onto the STOP:bit. Alternatively, crocodile clips can be used between the pads on the STOP:bit and the corresponding pads on the micro:bit.

If your workspace is larger than a single traffic light, you can use the micro:bit’s radio module to communicate with other lights if they also have a micro:bit attached. This is excellent for studying traffic control in a city.

Kitronik has also added some custom blocks to the MakeCode Editor to make the job of coding this project much easier. This allows you to do this project with younger students in the classroom as well. This is further enhanced by the fact that STOP:bit comes pre-assembled, so you don’t have to worry about soldering or complicated mechanical attachments, other than those for securing the micro:bit. However, you are not limited to using our custom blocks; you can also use the ‘digital write pin’ block.

To add Kitronik’s custom blocks to the editor: Click the gear icon in the top right of the editor and choose ‘Add Package’ from the menu. This opens a dialog box with a search field. Type Kitronik into the search box, and all of Kitronik’s custom blocks will appear as tiles. Scroll down and choose the tile titled ‘kitronik-stopbit’, and it will be added to the blocks menu.

Features

• Upgrade your micro:bit traffic light/pedestrian crossing projects

• Code it with the Microsoft MakeCode Editor

• Kitronik has added some custom blocks to the MakeCode Editor to make coding easier, making the project more accessible for younger children

• Attach the BBC micro:bit directly to STOP:bit for a tidy, wireless project

• It comes pre-assembled and looks great

• When using multiple STOP:bits, you can use radio to coordinate traffic

Dimensions

• Length: $120\text{mm}$

• Base Width: $38\text{mm}$

• Height: $15.6\text{mm}$

• PCB Thickness: $1.6\text{mm}$