The Bit:Booster

Here's an innovative LEGO adapter to use a Micro:bit with MINDSTORMS devices, called the Bit:Booster (www.lectrify.it/bitbooster). Sometimes I have simple inventions that use a motor, but don't really need the full capability of a MINDSTORMS controller. A Micro:bit would do the job and cost less ($225 for the EV3 Intelligent Brick versus $50 for the Micro:bit + Bit:Booster). But there hasn't been until now a quick, convenient, and attractive Micro:bit adapter. Power is by a built-in battery holder on the underside that takes 3 AA batteries. The Bit Booster has holes on the two edges that serve as both LEGO mounting points and electrical connections by alligator clips. There are also breakout pin headers, which I prefer over the alligator clips, for electrical connections in several places. Lectrify also sells adapter cables to go from MINDSTORMS devices to a pin connector, shown below for using EV3/NXT motors and sensors.

The Bit:Booster has several extra features for expanding MINDSTORMS inventions, such as a Grove cable connectors, built-in neopixels, servo adapter, relay adapter, and audio output. And the Micro:bit offers much interesting potential, notably a radio link that is easy to use. An example of connecting both Grove and MINDSTORMS is shown below. I used 1 X 8 bricks to mount the Bit:Booster, using a double stack to give clearance for the battery pack. Two pins on the Bit Booster provide power to an EV3 Medium Motor, which can be adjusted for speed and direction with a program on the Micro:bit. The Grove device is a PIR for motion detection, mounted in a Grove LEGO adapter (see my other blog post on "Grove LEGO Adapters"). I'll be posting a couple projects soon using the Bit:Booster.