Innovative iBIT RACER Installation and operation manual

Programmable robot with micro:bit 1
Programmable robot
with micro:bit
Activity book
Innovative Experiment Co.,Ltd

2  Programmable robot with micro:bit
Credits
iBIT ; the robot controller board are trademarks of Innovative Experiment Co., Ltd.
iBIT robot kit, iBIT robot kit logo, INEX, and INEX logo are trademarks of Innovative
Experiment Co., Ltd.
micro:bit and micro:bit logo are trademarks of micro:bit Educational Foundation.
I2C is a registered trademark of NXP Semiconductors.
Microsoft, Windows are registered trademarks of the Microsoft Corporation.
All product and service names mentioned herein are the trademarks of their respective
owners.

Programmable robot with micro:bit 3
1 - iBIT robot kit plus introduction and part list...........................................................................5
2 - iBIT:Racer robot Assembly Insturctions.......................................................................................17
3 - About micro:bit..............................................................................................................................31
4 - Getting start coding with micro:bit......................................................................................39
5 - iBIT:Racer robot operation with iBIT Block package..........................................................51
6- iBIT:Racer robot with Line tracing activity...........................................................................71
Contents

4  Programmable robot with micro:bit

Programmable robot with micro:bit 5
Chapter 1
introduction and part list
iBIT robot kit is a micro:bit-based mobile robotic kit. It comes complete with wheels,
motors, sensors, software, documentation, etc. The iBIT controller board support the
micro:bit microcontroller. The Microsoft Programming Experience Toolkit or Microsoft PXT
Block Editor, JavaScript and Python software is recommended.
For students and teachers; this kit comes with a comprehensive set of activities
and introducing sensors and microcontrollers using the well-popular micro:bit platform.
No soldering is required so the kit is perfectly safe for the classroom. The iBIT robot kit
comes with 2 versions :
1. iBIT robot kit Lite. It includes the micro:bit and iBIT controller board. It also
includes simple sensors (touch sensors and infrared reflector sensors), DC motor
gearboxes and many mechanical parts that allow you to make an autonomous robot
suitable for learning of the Microsoft PXT Graphical programming language. This version
is most affordable for beginners in robotics.
2. iBIT robot kit Plus . It also includes all main components that are in the Lite kit
and other extra part such as the Aluminum wheels, Silicone tires, a standard mini servo
motor and extra chasis. With the Plus version, it allows users to learn more about robotics
in education as well as competition.
1.1 Part list
1. micro:bit ; the 32-bit microcontroller board with 5x5 matrix LED, compass sensor.
3-axis accellerometer sensor and Bluetooth 4.0 circuit
2. iBIT controller board for supporting the micro:bit
3. LED output board with JST cable (ZX-LED) x 2
4. RGB LED programmable board (ZX-SLED3C) x 3
5. Piezo Speaker board (ZX-SPEAKER)
6. Switch/Touch sensor with JST cable (ZX-SWITCH01) x 2
7. Infrared reflector board with JST cable (ZX-03) x 2
8. Metal micro gearbox low power with 30:1 gear ratio with IDC cable x 2
9. Mini standard servo motor (Operating voltage is 4.8 to 6Vdc)
10. Aluminum wheels 33x21 mm. diameter (x2) with Silicone tires, socket screws
and an Allen wrench

6  Programmable robot with micro:bit
11. A 3/8” plastic ball caster set
12. iBIT:Racer robot chassis
13. Metal standoffs set
14. Plastic bracket and Strip bracket set (30 and 12 pieces)
15. Nuts and Screws set
16. 4AAA battety holder with terminal plug
17. The standard microUSB cable for downloading and communication
1.2 micro:bit
micro:bit is a tiny programmable computer, designed to make learning and
teaching easy. Figure 1-1 shows the important details of micro:bit. Summary features are
as follows :
 25 individually-programmable LEDs
 2 programmable buttons
 Physical connection pins
 Light and temperature sensors
 Motion sensors (accelerometer and compass)
 Wireless Communication, via Radio and Bluetooth
 USB interface
 Main microcontroller is a 32-bit ARM Cortec M0; nRF51822 from Nordic
Semiconductor with 256KB flash memory 10,000 erase/write times and 16KB RAM. Run
with 16MHz crystal
 23 I/O with 80-pin edge connector. 1.27mm. pitch. and 5 big pads with 4mm.
pads for supporting alligator clips include P0, P1, P2, +3.3V and Ground. The figure 1-2
shows about micro:bit I/O port pin assignment. Summary are +3.3V (3 pins), GND (3 pins)
and 17 pins for I/O port.

Programmable robot with micro:bit 7
Figure 1-2 micro:bit’s input/output pin assignment
Figure 1-1 micro:bit features and components

8  Programmable robot with micro:bit
1.3 iBIT controller board
The summarized technical feature of the iBIT controller board for micro:bit is as
follows :
 80-pin edge connector for supporting micro:bit and pluggable the micro:bit
adaptor board
 Terminal block for battery connections. It supports +4.8 to +9Vdc
 A barrel jackl for external DC adaptor +5 to +9Vdc
 On-board power switch.
Figure 1-3 iBIT robotics controller board for micro:bit

Programmable robot with micro:bit 9
Figure 1-4 iBIT+ V1.9 robotics controller board schematic
3
+3.3V
MOD1
S7V8F3
INH
GND
Vin
Vout
3
IC1
KIA278R05
C2
1000
 F
6.3V
+Vs
K2
Vin 7-9Vdc
K1
Vin
7-9Vdc
4
SHDN
GND
Vin
Vout R5
1k
LED2
LOW-BATT.
IC2
BD48K30
1
3
2
GND
+V
RESET
21
1
2 4
40 1
1
2
35
46
7
8
911 13
10 12 14
3937
38 36
35
34
33
32
3129
3028
111264 5+3V 3 8 GND 2019 2 13 141516 1 9 10 7 0
K3
micro:bit I/O slot
K10
20
SDA
K9
19
SCL
K8
12
K7
8
K5
1
AN1
K4
0
AN0
+3.3V
K3B
micro:bit
I/O
40
+3.3V
K6
2
AN2
K13
ADC0
K14
ADC1
K15
ADC2
K16
ADC3
K17
ADC4
K18
ADC5
K19
ADC6
K20
ADC7
AN0 AN1 AN2 AN3 AN4 AN5
87654321
SDA
15
16 VDD
+3.3V
A0
12
A1
13
AN6 AN7
GND
COM
9
11 IC3
ADS7828
s
+
s
+
s
+
s
+
s
+
s
+
s
+
s
+
+3.3V
14
SCL
+3.3V
+Vm
K11
8-SERVO1
K12
12-SERVO2
+Vs
C1
470
 F
16V
C3
470
 F
16V
R1
1k
LED1
POWER
Q1
FDS6675
ON
S1
POWER
R4
4.7k
R3
2.2k
R6
2.2k
R2
2.2k
LED3
+3.3V
D1
1N5819
REF
10
R9
10

R10
10

C7
0.1

F
C8
0.1

F
C4
470
 F
16V
C5
470
 F
16V
C6
1000
 F
6.3V
IC5 MAX14870
R14
1k
M1
M2
VDD
PWM
DIR
5
2
11
K22A
MOTOR-2
LED4
MOTOR-2
R12
4k7
K22B
MOTOR-2
6
VDD
3 10
+Vm
C12
0.1

F
COM
1
COM
12
SENS
4
R16 75m 
9
GND
C11
0.1

F
16
15
8
EN
IC4 MAX14870
LED3
MOTOR-1
K21A
MOTOR-1
K21B
MOTOR-1
R13
1k
13
14
M1
M2
VDD
PWM
DIR
5
2
11
R11
4k7
6
VDD
3 10
+Vm
C10
0.1

F
COM
1
COM
12
SENS
4
R15 75m 
9
GND
C9
0.1

F
8
EN
13
15
16 14
+
-
+
-
+3.3V
+3.3V
SDA
SCL
GND
K11
I
2
C
R8
4.7k
R7
4.7k
+3V3
SDA
SCL
GND
+3.3V
K23, K24
I
2
C
K23 K24

10  Programmable robot with micro:bit
 +3.3Vdc switching regulator power supply circuit. Its regulates the supply
voltage for micro:bit and all components
 +6Vdc power supply circuit for servo motor output
 8-ch analog inputs with 12-bit ADC integrated circuit. Voltage input range 0
to +3.3Vdc. It supports expandable to 32 channels via I2C bus
 5 free I/O ports and assign to 3-pin JST connectors for interfacing with sensors
and peripherals :
- 3 Universal port support Analog input functions and Digital input/output
function; P0, P1 and P2 with gold-plated contacts.
- 2 Digital input/output function; 8 and 12 share with servo motor outputs
 I2C bus port; SCL and SDA for extension
 2 of DC motor outputs with indicators. Supports motor voltage of 4.5 to 9Vdc
1A output current.
 2 of servo motor outputs; connect with the digital port 8 (SV1) and 12 (SV2).
 LED power and Low battery indicator
The complete schiematic of iBIT controller board is shown in the Figure 1-4.
iBIT controller board also comes with the micro:bit adaptor board. Normally user
can plug the micro:bit board directly to iBIT board with vertical direction. Additional
user possible plug the micro:bit in horizontal direction by using the adaptor board
following the Figure 1-5.
Figure 1-5 Example of pluging the micro:bit board with iBIT+ extension board
[Left] Vertical direction directly
[Right] Horizontal direction by using the micro:bit adaptor board
(bundled in the kit ready)

Programmable robot with micro:bit 11
1.4 Output devices features
1.4.1 Micro metal gearbox motors
This robot kit provides 30:1 ratio micro metal gearbox motors low power model
MG1-30LP with IDC connector cables and mounting part sets. Features include :
 Operating voltage is 3 to 12Vdc
 Current consumption 40mA @6Vdc and no load
 Average speed 440 round per minute (RPM) @6V and no load
 Weight is 9.5 grams
 Stall torque is 0.29 kg.cm. @6Vdc
 Attached with the mounting bracket with screw and nut set
 10 x 12 x 26 mm. (WxLxH) dimension with shaft length 10mm.
1.4.2 ZX-LED : the simple output board
This module use 8mm. diameter LED. It requires logic “1” or “high” for driving LED.
The schematic diagram is shown in the figure below.
Q1
KRC102
(DTC114)
R1
(Default = 510)
LED1
+
S

12  Programmable robot with micro:bit
1.4.3 Standard mini servo motor
The mini standard servo is ideal for robotics and basic movement projects. These
servos will allow a movement range of 0 to 180 degrees. The servo output gear shaft is
a standard Futaba configuration. Technical specifications are :
STANDARD
SERVO MOTOR
Body
shaft
connector
cable
GND (-)
Signal
+Vm
 Operating voltage is 4.8 to 6Vdc max.
 Speed 0 deg to 180 degree in 0.3 seconds on average.
 Weight 13.4 grams
 Torque 1.6kg-cm/21oz-inch
 Size in mm. (L x W x H) 32 x 22 x 28
1.5 Sensor module features
1.5.1 Switch module/Touch sensor (ZX-SWITCH01)
DATA
R3
220
R2
10k
R1
510
LED1
S1
Switch
Indicator
Signal output
GND
+V
The switch input is used to detect collision at logic “0”. Two sets along with the
connecting cable are provided.

Programmable robot with micro:bit 13
1.5.2 ZX-03 : Infrared reflector sensor
The heart of this sensor is TCRT5000 reflective object sensor. It is designed for close
proximity infrared (IR) detection. There’s an infrared diode behind its transparent blue
window and an infrared transistor behind its black window. When the infrared emitted by
the diode reflects off a surface and returns to the black window, it strikes the infrared
transistor’s base, causing it to conduct current. The more infrared incident on the transistor’s
base, the more current it conducts. When used as an analog sensor, the ZX-03 can detect
shades of gray on paper and distances over a short range if the light in the room remains
constant.
The suitable distance from sensor to line or floor is during 3 to 8 mm. The output
voltage is during 0.1 to 3V from +3.3V suuply and digital value from12-bit A/D converter
is 800 to 4,000. Thus, ZX-03 will suitable to apply to line tracking sensor.
10k
TCRT5000
510
+V
GND
OUT
Infrared Reflector
Signal connector

14  Programmable robot with micro:bit
1.5 iBIT robot kit cable information
The iBIT robot kit includes some signal cables for the interfacing between the
controller board, sensor module and the computer. They includes the JST3AA-8 cables
for interconnection to the sensor module and the standard USB-microB cable for
interfacing with the computer.
1.5.1 JST3AA-8 cable
This is an INEX standard cable, 3-wires combined with 2mm. The JST connector is
at each end. 8 inches (20cm.) in length. Used for connecting between microcontroller
board and all the sensor modules in the iBIT robot kit. The wire assignment is shown in the
diagram below.
2mm. pitch
GND
S
+5V
2mm. pitch
GND
S/Data
+5V
1.5.2 Standard USB-microB cable
This is used to connect between the computer’s USB port and the micro:bit. Its
length is 1.5 metres approximation.

Programmable robot with micro:bit 15
1.6 Mechnical part features
1.6.1 Aluminum wheels and Silicone Tire set
This is good traction wheel and tires. The wheel’s inside aluminum rim is processed
at CNC lathes. Better for 2 wheeled robots. Also suitable for fast line follower robots.
These are features of the wheels :
 Weight is 22 grams.
 Wheel rim accepts 12mm, 15mm and 16mm diameter micro metal gearbox
motors. Center hole is drilled to 3mm (Which is very common shaft for miniature
gearmotors)
 It has an M4 set screw inside, so It holds motor's shaft mechanically and firmly.
The kit includes 2 pairs of the wheel and silicone tire (any color), socket screws
and an Allen wrench.
1.6.2 Plastic ball caster set
This ball caster kit includes a black ABS housing, a 3/8 inch diameter plastic ball,
two of 3mm. thick spacers and two 2x20mm. screw sets. The total height of the ball
caster, 0.4 inch, can be increased to about 0.6 inch using the included spacers. The two
included 2x20mm. screws can be used to mount the ball caster to the robot chassis.

16  Programmable robot with micro:bit
1.6.3 Racer chassis
This chassis is made from high quality PVC plastic. It was designed suitable for
fixing the micro metal gearbox motor and the ball caster wheel. This chassis has many
3mm. holes for fixing the controller board, sensors and more mechanical parts.
1.6.4 Plastic bracket
There are 30 pieces of mixed-color bracket. They are made from PVC plastic.
They can be connected together or by using screws and 3 mm nuts in installation. There
are 3 types; Right angle, Obtuse and Straight bracket.
1.6.5 Strip bracket
They are made from plastic. Each bracket includes 3mm. hole with 5mm. pitch.
Each strip bracket can connect for lenght expansion. The set includes 4 pieces of 3
sizes; 3, 5 and 12 holes type. Total 12 pieces.

Programmable robot with micro:bit 17
1.6.6 Right-angle metal bracket
It is 7.5mm. width right-angle metal bracket. Each bracket has 3mm. hole for
inserting the screw to fix with another structures. The set includes 4 pieces of 1x2, 2x2
and 2x5 holes metal bracket.
1.6.7 Screw and Nut set
Includes 2 of 2mm. self-tapping screws, 16 of 3x8mm. M3 truss head screws, 30 of
3x10mm. M3 truss head screws, 4 of 3x15 mm. M3 truss head screws, 4 of 3x25mm. M3
screws, 30 of 3mm. M3 nuts and 4 of 3mm. washer.
1.6.8 Metal standoffs and Thumb screws
They are metal parts for supporting and fixing the chassis and any circuit board.
They are made from nikle plating metal. Includes 4 of 15mm. standoffs and 3 of 20mm.
thumb screws. Each standoffs has 3mm. thread through-hole.
1.6.9 Plastic standoffs
They are some mechanical parts for supporting the plate and sensor board. This kit
includes 4 pieces set of plastic standoff (3mm., 10mm., 15mm. and 25mm.) 4 sets

18  Programmable robot with micro:bit

Programmable robot with micro:bit 19
Chapter 2
Assembly Instructions
2.1 Overview
All parts for assembly the iBIT:Racer robot are shown in the figure 2-1.
Figure 2-1 : iBIT:Racer robot parts

20  Programmable robot with micro:bit
2.2 Assembly Instructions
(1) Prepare the wheel and tire set. It includes a pairs of 33x20mm. aluminum wheel,
silicone tires, M4 socket screws and an Allen Wrench
(2) Open the silicone tire to find the fixing hole.
(3) Tighten the socket screw into the hole by using the wrench. Then insert the
wheel to the motor shaft.