Following on from the arrival of the new Pimoroni noise:bit at Adafruit, specially designed for the BBC Micro:bit mini PC, Adafruit has now announced the arrival of the Pimoroni enviro:bit for micro:bit. This new add-on board offers a wide variety of different sensors, enabling users to graph or visualize weather readings, detect colors, and more. Adafruit explains a little more about the Pimoroni enviro:bit add-on board.
“This add-on board is jam-packed with all the sensors you want to graph or visualize your weather readings! With the TCS3472 sensor, detecting colors and measuring light are easy-peasy-lemon-squeezy. The BME280 lets you measure temperature, air pressure, and humidity, and the MEMS microphone detects sound! All you have to do is slide the enviro:bit into the micro:bit slot. If you’re using MakeCode, install the enviro:bit package, and you’re good to go! Feeling a little more advanced or wanting to dip your toes in MicroPython?”
Comprehensive Sensor Suite
The Pimoroni enviro:bit is equipped with a comprehensive suite of sensors that make it an invaluable tool for a variety of applications. The BME280 sensor is particularly noteworthy, as it combines temperature, pressure, and humidity sensing capabilities in a single package. This makes it ideal for weather monitoring projects, environmental data logging, and even for educational purposes where students can learn about atmospheric conditions.
The TCS3472 light and color sensor is another standout feature. This sensor can detect a wide range of colors and measure light intensity, making it useful for projects that require color detection or ambient light sensing. For example, you could use it to create a color-sorting robot or to adjust the brightness of a display based on ambient light conditions.
Ease of Use and Compatibility
One of the key advantages of the Pimoroni enviro:bit is its ease of use. The board arrives fully assembled and ready to use, so you can get started right away without any soldering. Simply slide the enviro:bit into the micro:bit slot, and you’re ready to go. This makes it accessible even for beginners who may not have experience with electronics assembly.
The enviro:bit is compatible with both Microsoft MakeCode and MicroPython, offering flexibility in how you program it. MakeCode is a block-based coding platform that is perfect for beginners and younger users. It allows you to create programs by simply dragging and dropping blocks, making it easy to understand and use. On the other hand, MicroPython is a more advanced, text-based coding platform that offers greater control and flexibility. This makes the enviro:bit suitable for users of all skill levels, from beginners to advanced programmers.
Practical Applications and Examples
The versatility of the Pimoroni enviro:bit opens up a wide range of practical applications. For instance, you could use it to create a home weather station that monitors temperature, humidity, and air pressure. By logging this data over time, you could analyze trends and make predictions about future weather conditions.
Another interesting application is in the field of environmental science. Students and researchers can use the enviro:bit to collect data on local environmental conditions, such as air quality and light levels. This data can then be used to study the effects of pollution, urbanization, and other factors on the local environment.
The MEMS microphone adds another layer of functionality by allowing you to detect sound. This could be used in a variety of projects, such as creating a noise level monitor for a classroom or developing a voice-activated control system.
Features of the Pimoroni enviro:bit for micro:bit include:
– Arrives fully-assembled and ready to use
– BME280 temperature, pressure, and humidity sensor
– TCS3472 light and color sensor
– MEMS microphone
– Compatible with micro:bit
– Microsoft MakeCode and MicroPython support
– No soldering required!
Source: Adafruit
Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals
Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
