Overall, this kit is excellent, and I would definitely recommend this kit to newbies starting electronics in general, plus, this kit has many positive comments from me, such as:
The excellent packaging of all the individual modules and sensors.
The fact that all of the parts comes with the required accessory (wires, cables, battery box, etc..).
The parts' decent quality control, as it has been portrayed on them.
The wide variety of components in the kit itself (15 different components/sensors/modules).
The components individually, as they're very innovative and unique, differing from other brands, and, Elecfreaks are distributors of Octopus products.
If this kit was being compared to another kit, this clearly stand tall over the other as it involves a massive variety of products included, especially since it's worth its price.
The power may vary as it depends on the power coming from the Micro:bit attached.
Weight and Dimensions
Weight:
29g without Micro:bit attached; 38g with Micro:bit attached
Size (L × W × H):
6.2 cm × 6 cm × 1 cm without Micro:bit attached; 9.7 cm × 6 cm × 1 cm with Micro:bit attached
Pinout
Product Review
This specific Micro:bit accessory is currently only being sold at Elecfreaks and Tinkercademy, but this rare product has features which helps us, like:
The access to pins from the Micro:bit which is difficult to reach with alligator clips.
The additional power, interface and signal pins for other modules.
The accessibility to the i2c and SPI interfaces for devices requiring those protocols.
The serial communication and programming pins to directly program the Micro:bit externally.
A signal power switch for compatibility with devices requiring different signal voltages.
The one error is that the VCC pins (the red row of pins) states that it is +3.3 volts, but it could be interchangeable to +5 volts via the power switch.
Micro-B USB Data Cable Specifications
General
Type:
Data, Synchronisation, Power Cable
Architecture:
For Micro:bit
Interface:
Universal Serial Bus (USB)
Power
N/A
Power will depend on the load of the USB cable.
Maximum Operating Voltage:
+5 volts (+0.25 / -0.60 volts)
Maximum Operating Current:
500 mA
Weight and Dimensions
Weight:
15g
Size (L × W × H):
30 cm × 1.4 cm × 0.8 cm
Pinout
Male Micro-B USB 2.0 Pinout
Pinout from left to right
1:
VCC (+)
2:
Data -
3:
Data +
4:
NC (Not Connected)
5:
GND (-)
Male Type-A USB 2.0 Pinout
Pinout from left to right
1:
VCC (+)
2:
Data -
3:
Data +
4:
GND (-)
Product Review
This particular USB 2.0 data cable, which was built for the Micro:bit, could be used for a variety of applications because it contains two common USB ports (Micro-B 2.0 and Type A 2.0), plus, this cable includes beneficial features such as:
The shorter length compared to other cables, it prevents tangles and this cable could be stored in limited space.
The multiple functions and purposes involved within a single cable which could be used for data, power and synchronisation. It could be also used in a wide range of applications in the electronics field as it isn't only an ordinary power cable for powering electronic devices.
The thick wiring involved in the interior of the cable for the transfer of power so that it could sustain its durability of the cable material while high current or voltages passes through it.
The stable connection to various USB female ports where both ends of the cable (Micro-B 2.0 and Type A 2.0) won't plug out easily.
This OLED, in particular, is really special from the ones I've bought in the past as the differing features includes:
Pre-soldered pins which makes setting up the OLED easier for a maker, compared to soldering the pin header on the OLED yourself.
The curved design at all the edges instead of pointed edges.
The smaller size and outline of the PCB compared to other OLED displays.
The pin markings at the back of the display, to minimize unnecessary wasted space, to cater for smaller projects.
With those aspects, I think that this OLED display needs to add mounting holes for projects and full pin markings so makers won't be so confused on the connections, the pinout and translation of the markings are to the right.
basic.forever(() => {
OLED.init(32, 128)
OLED.showString("This is the IIC OLED Display.")
basic.pause(2000)
OLED.clear()
OLED.init(32, 128)
OLED.showString("This OLED was coded with the Micro:bit.")
basic.pause(2000)
OLED.clear()
})
MicroPython IIC OLED Display Sample Code
# Please visit the following links below to see more on using the OLED Display with the Micro:bit on MicroPython
# as there're no finalized libraries made yet:
# https://github.com/fizban99/microbit_ssd1306
# https://gist.github.com/yuliantoeric/2eff0ed8fd2457f7862a8ea9979073ca
# https://github.com/Tinkertanker/pxt-ssd1306-microbit
# https://github.com/micropython/micropython/blob/479392a56e6edd8449e594c0e5c1e8f5176411ab/drivers/display/ssd1306.py
# https://github.com/khenderick/micropython-drivers
Tower Pro SG-90 Mini Servo Motor (1.6kg) Specifications
General
Type:
Servo Motor
Architecture:
For Micro:bit
Gear Material:
Nylon and Plastic
Ferrite Type:
3-pole
Bearing:
Top ball bearing
Rotation:
Busing
Operating Speed (with no load):
0.12 seconds/60 degrees @ +4.8 volts
Stall Torque:
1.6kg/cm @ +4.8 volts
Operating voltage:
+4.8 - +6 volts
Dead band width:
10 µs
Pulse Width:
500 - 2400 µs
Operating Temperature:
0°C - 55°C
Modulation:
Analog
Power
Operating Voltage:
+4.8 ~ +6 volts
Operating Current (no load):
500 - 1000 mA
Weight and Dimensions
Weight (with no accessories):
10g
Wire Length:
24.5 cm
Size (L × W × H) (with no accessories):
3.2 cm × 1.2 cm × 3 cm
Pinout
Orange Wire:
Signal
Red Wire:
VCC (+)
Brown Wire:
GND (-)
Product Review
This product is very common in the servo motor range, but this model is the one I mainly use due to features which includes:
The long life time of the servo with a project.
The lighter weight to suit smaller projects.
The durable material fitted in the interior of the motor and the case, protecting the motor well.
The powerful torque, giving access to a heavier load for larger projects, especially.
The precision rotations on this motor; especially when programmed for specific angle degrees.
The operations on this servo motor, as they're very smooth, especially with lengthy cycles and long-term uses.
Note: The SG-90 Servo Motor requirehttps://www.elecfreaks.com/estore/octopus-passive-buzzer-brick-obpb01.htmls +4.8 ~ +6 volts power supply, it is recommended to use an external power supply while still using the Micro:bit for the signal pin to program the servo motor. For this, the Micro:bit breakout board is fine as it can give out +5 volts.
Sample Code
Blocks Tower Pro SG-90 Mini Servo Motor (1.6kg) Sample CodeJavaScript Sample Code
This Octopus sensor brick can come in handy for many security or safety projects. With its massive variety of applications, some of its inviting features may include:
Its small breadth, so this sensor may be involved in portable or secretive projects regarding its uses, plus, it's minimal physical structure makes this sensor very compact to mount on any surface or project case.
The fairly simple hardware setup to the Micro:bit from this sensor, it's very direct to any user, as the connections comprise of three pins only with clear indications.
The software aspect for this sensor, it is covered in most of the programming software for the Micro:bit (Blocks, JavaScript and MicroPython) with libraries and additional packages for this kind of PIR motion sensor, making it easier to code.
Its advanced digital PIR Motion sensing driver chip, so it could have a better range and visibility towards its surroundings.
Sample Code
Blocks Octopus PIR Sensor Brick Sample CodeJavaScript Octopus PIR Sensor Brick Sample Code
from microbit import *
while True:
value = pin0.read_analog()
display.scroll(str(value))
sleep(3000)
Octopus ADKeypad Specifications
General
Type:
Keypad
Architecture:
For Micro:bit
Output Signal:
Analog
Power
Operating Voltage:
+3.3/+5 volts
Operating Current:
~0.1 mA
Weight and Dimensions
Weight:
14g
Wire Length:
25 cm
Size (L × W × H):
5.44 cm × 2.85 cm × 1.6 cm
Pinout
G (Black Wire):
GND (-)
V (Red Wire):
VCC (+)
S (Yellow Wire):
Signal
Product Review
This distinct keypad contains some exclusive properties which diverges it from other common keypads, such as:
The two, different colour button caps included on the keypad already.
The simple software available with this keypad, as each button runs on a specific analog value.
The minimum hardware connections, as one signal line interconnects all of the buttons together for programming, as an input source.
The overall neatness of this product as all of its buttons are aligned properly and it uses slightly bigger buttons, rather than ordinary-sized buttons.
The placement of the five buttons, as it allows for button access when the keypad is held.
basic.forever(() => {
if (tinkercademy.ADKeyboard(ADKeys.A, AnalogPin.P0)) {
basic.showString("A")
}
if (tinkercademy.ADKeyboard(ADKeys.B, AnalogPin.P0)) {
basic.showString("B")
}
if (tinkercademy.ADKeyboard(ADKeys.C, AnalogPin.P0)) {
basic.showString("C")
}
if (tinkercademy.ADKeyboard(ADKeys.D, AnalogPin.P0)) {
basic.showString("D")
}
if (tinkercademy.ADKeyboard(ADKeys.E, AnalogPin.P0)) {
basic.showString("E")
}
})
MicroPython Octopus ADKeypad Sample Code
from microbit import *
while True:
if pin0.read_analog() < 10:
display.show('A')
if pin0.read_analog() > 40 and pin0.read_analog() < 60:
display.show('B')
if pin0.read_analog() > 80 and pin0.read_analog() < 110:
display.show('C')
if pin0.read_analog() > 130 and pin0.read_analog() < 150:
display.show('D')
if pin0.read_analog() > 530 and pin0.read_analog() < 560:
display.show('E')
Since there're not many crash sensor bricks like this certain brick, it encompasses some special highlights which includes the likes of:
The sensitivity of the sensor/switch, which could react to any crash or touch. The sensor easily senses a change in the digital state (1 or 0), whether the sensor is activated or not.
The whole layout and hardware of the board, which makes the board easy to place on a structure, plus, the three wires (VCC, GND and Signal) of this sensor is easy to hook up for programs to run.
The software interface, as it runs on a digital pin, where the sensor runs on an ON/OFF state only, so it makes it easy to operate another device connected to this sensor, as an output source.
import music
while True:
for count in range(2):
music.pitch(330, 500)
music.pitch(349, 500)
for count2 in range(2):
music.pitch(392, 500)
music.pitch(349, 500)
music.pitch(330, 500)
music.pitch(294, 500)
for count3 in range(2):
music.pitch(262, 500)
music.pitch(294, 500)
music.pitch(330, 500)
music.pitch(330, 1000)
music.pitch(294, 250)
music.pitch(294, 1000)
This LED (Light Emitting Diode) Brick is fairly distinctive from ordinary LEDs as it has a capability to use digital interfaces. I like this module very much as it portrays specific traits inclusive of:
Its digital software input (LOW & HIGH/ 1 & 0) to program the LED Brick easily over software.
The module's control over brightness, which can be controlled via PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) for dimming or brightening up an area with the LED.
The simple physical connection from the LED Brick, as it consists of VCC, GND and Signal only.
The substantial layout of the LED and the PCB, as it is closely-packed to convert the original analog LED interface to a digital interface. The board can be fitted into boxes or onto surfaces directly.
Sample Code
Blocks Octopus 5mm LED Brick OBLED – Red Sample CodeJavaScript Octopus 5mm LED Brick OBLED – Red Sample Code
The series of LED Bricks available in different variations can assist a maker in so many projects, especially visual displays with multiple colours. Just like others, this LED Brick comes with:
A digital software interface (LOW & HIGH/ 1 & 0) to program this brick with ease.
Access to PWM control, so this enables the brightness of the LED to change.
A simple physical attachment to connect the LED brick with something else, mainly because of the three-wire connection (VCC, GND and Signal).
The comprehensive PCB design and layout of this LED, keeping in mind that the original LED analog interface has been converted through this brick to feed into a microcontroller easily.
Sample Code
Blocks Octopus 5mm LED Brick – Green Sample CodeJavaScript Blocks Octopus 5mm LED Brick – Green Sample Code
Just like the rest of the LED bricks in the variety of colours available, this Blue LED brick is no different from the rest. Therefore, it includes features which may include the likes of:
A digital software interface (LOW & HIGH / 1 & 0) to easily control the LED for turning it on or off. Furthermore, this brick enables PWM (brightness control), enabling to dim or brighten the LED.
A straightforward wiring setup from the LED to another device as an output, or as power. This brick consists of three main connections which simplifies the user's experience with using this product.
A fundamental PCB concept for this product, especially with its extensive features to convert an analog LED interface to a digital interface.
Sample Code
Blocks Octopus 5mm LED Brick OBLED – Blue Sample CodeJavaScript Blocks Octopus 5mm LED Brick OBLED – Blue Sample Code
This analog rotation brick, or potentiometer, is unique, because it's a brick, and everything is all integrated on the board. It includes traits like:
A 300-degree rotation scale with a wide detecting scope, resulting in a high sensitivity and a high response time towards all analog values.
Its simple software interface, as reading from this rotation brick requires a few lines of code, to find the analog value (0 to 1023) of the rotation, however, the max./min. turns only gives a value from 1 to 1020.
The potentiometer being turned into a brick, so that it requires three connections (VCC, GND and Signal).
Sample Code
Octopus Analog Rotation Brick OBARot Sample CodeJavaScript Octopus Analog Rotation Brick OBARot Sample Code
