SparkFun gator:UV - micro:bit Accessory Board

The SparkFun gator:UV micro:bit Accessory Board is an ultraviolet sensing solution created to interface with the micro:bit as easily as possible. As part of SparkFun's gator:bit series of alligator-clippable accessories, it can be easily interfaced with the micro:bit or other microcontrollers via the SparkFun gator:bit! This sensor board a great solution for monitoring the UV light exposure in your next experiment! The gator:UV is designed around the VEML6070, an advanced UV light sensor that communicates over an I2C bus, incorporating a photodiode, amplifiers, and analog/digital circuits all into a single chip.

The UV Light Sensor Breakout has measures UVA (365 ±10nm) radiation and converts the ultraviolet light intensity into digital data for you to read.


The micro:bit is a pocket-sized computer that lets you get creative with digital technology. Between the micro:bit and our shield-like bit boards you can do almost anything while coding, customizing and controlling your micro:bit from almost anywhere! You can use your micro:bit for all sorts of unique creations, from robots to musical instruments and more. At half the size of a credit card, this versatile board has vast potential!


  • gator:bit Compatible
  • Operating Voltage: 1.7V-3.6V
  • Supply Current: 480 µA
  • UVA Resolution: 0.93 counts/µW/cm2
  • UVA Resolution: 2.1 counts/µW/cm2

SparkFun gator:UV - micro:bit Accessory Board Product Help and Resources

Getting Started with the micro:bit

September 2, 2021

The BBC micro:bit is a compact, powerful programming tool that requires no software installation. Read on to learn how to use it YOUR way!

SparkFun gator:bit v2 Hookup Guide

January 31, 2019

The gator:bit v2 is a breakout board for the BBC micro:bit. The gator:bit exposes almost every pin on the micro:bit to clippable pad with circuit protection. It also has as built-in addressable LEDs and a built-in buzzer.

SparkFun gator:UV Hookup Guide

September 5, 2019

The gator:UV is an I2C based UV sensor. This tutorial will get you started using the gator:UV with the micro:bit platform.

Core Skill: Programming

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.

2 Programming

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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Core Skill: Electrical Prototyping

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.

2 Electrical Prototyping

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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Comments

Looking for answers to technical questions?

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  • penjuin / about 5 years ago / 1

    The description for this product is incorrect; the VEML6070 cannot measure UVB, it is sensitive to UVA only and cannot switch between wavelengths. Rather, the older VEML6075 is sensitive to both UVA and UVB, but that part is discontinued/obsolete.

    • santaimpersonator / about 5 years ago / 1

      That is correct... it looks like someone just copied down the wrong information. (*We were originally going to release the board with the VEML6075, but then the sensor was discontinued.) It is fixed now. Thanks for the heads up!

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