The SparkFun gator:starter ProtoSnap is one of a series of gator-clippable accessories called gator:boards that have been created to directly interface with the micro:bit or to other micro controllers! The gator:starter ProtoSnap provides you with a starting point to go beyond the capabilities of the micro:bit, with three different boards that can be kept as a whole or broken apart for individual use!
Included on each gator:starter is a temperature sensor board, a light sensor board and an RGB LED board. Since this is a ProtoSnap, we’ve broken out the power so it can be clipped to on the edge of the gator:starter to power the board without breaking each individual sensor or LED. Snapping the board apart can be easily done by twisting each of the LED boards side to side until it pops out and will need to be done if you want to light any of the LEDs on their own.
There are also power tabs available on the two sensors and the LED if you choose to break the gator:starter into its basic components. If you don’t break the board apart however, you’ll still be able to interface with all of the sensor and light pins, which are broken out with a dual hole design to allow clipping from above.
Included on the ProtoSnap
If a board needs code or communicates somehow, you're going to need to know how to program or interface with it. The programming skill is all about communication and code.
Skill Level: Rookie - You will need a better fundamental understand of what code is, and how it works. You will be using beginner-level software and development tools like Arduino. You will be dealing directly with code, but numerous examples and libraries are available. Sensors or shields will communicate with serial or TTL.
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If it requires power, you need to know how much, what all the pins do, and how to hook it up. You may need to reference datasheets, schematics, and know the ins and outs of electronics.
Skill Level: Rookie - You may be required to know a bit more about the component, such as orientation, or how to hook it up, in addition to power requirements. You will need to understand polarized components.
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We welcome your comments and suggestions below. However, if you are looking for solutions to technical questions please see our Technical Assistance page.
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