Transferring your program to the BBC micro:bit
Summary
TLDRThis guide walks users through how to transfer their program to a BBC micro:bit in two simple steps. First, download your program from the MakeCode or Python editor as a .hex file. Then, connect your micro:bit to your computer via a micro USB cable. The micro:bit will appear as a USB drive on your computer. Once the file is transferred and the flashing light on the micro:bit stops, your program will be ready to test. It's a straightforward process to bring your micro:bit creations to life.
Takeaways
- πΎ Download your program from the MakeCode or Python editor as a '.hex' file.
- π Connect the micro:bit to your computer using a micro USB cable.
- π‘ The micro:bit will appear on your computer as a USB drive labeled 'MICROBIT'.
- π Copy the downloaded '.hex' file to the MICROBIT drive to transfer the program.
- β¨ This process is called 'flashing' because the program is stored in the micro:bit's flash memory.
- π¦ The LED light on the micro:bit will flash while the program is being copied.
- β Once the flashing stops, the program is successfully transferred and ready to use.
- π You can now test your program on the micro:bit.
- π Re-flash the micro:bit with different programs by repeating the download and copy steps.
- π₯οΈ Make sure to use a compatible editor like MakeCode or Python for creating the program.
Q & A
What is the first step to try out a program on the micro:bit?
-The first step is to download the program from the editor on your computer as a '.hex' file.
What is a '.hex' file, and why is it important?
-A '.hex' file is a format used to store the program so it can be transferred to the micro:bit. The micro:bit reads and executes this file.
What does the term 'flashing' mean in the context of the micro:bit?
-Flashing refers to transferring the program to the micro:bit's flash memory, where it is stored and executed.
What type of cable is needed to connect the micro:bit to a computer?
-You need a micro USB cable to connect the micro:bit to the USB port of your computer.
How does the micro:bit appear on the computer after being connected?
-The micro:bit appears as a USB drive on the computer, and it is labeled as 'MICROBIT'.
What visual indicator shows that the program is being transferred to the micro:bit?
-The light on the micro:bit flashes during the transfer process, indicating the program is being copied.
What happens when the flashing light on the micro:bit stops?
-Once the flashing light stops, it means the program has been successfully transferred, and you can test your micro:bit creation.
Where is the program stored on the micro:bit?
-The program is stored in the micro:bit's flash memory.
Can the program be downloaded from both MakeCode and Python editors?
-Yes, the program can be downloaded as a '.hex' file from both MakeCode and Python editors.
What are the essential tools needed to transfer a program to the micro:bit?
-You need a computer with an editor (like MakeCode or Python), a micro USB cable, and the micro:bit itself.
Outlines
π₯οΈ Getting Started with Your Program on BBC micro:bit
This paragraph introduces the process of running a program on the BBC micro:bit. It explains that the first step is to download the program from the editor, which could be either the MakeCode or Python editor. The program should be saved as a '.hex' file.
π Transferring the Program to Your micro:bit
The second step involves transferring the downloaded program to the micro:bit. The process is referred to as 'flashing' since the program is stored in the micro:bit's flash memory. To do this, the micro USB cable is connected between the micro:bit and the computer, which recognizes the device as a USB drive named 'MICROBIT'. The light on the micro:bit flashes during the transfer, and once it stops, the program is ready to be tested.
Mindmap
Keywords
π‘BBC micro:bit
π‘Program
π‘.hex file
π‘MakeCode and Python editors
π‘Flashing
π‘Flash memory
π‘Micro USB cable
π‘USB drive
π‘Light flash
π‘Test
Highlights
Downloading the program from the editor to your computer is the first step.
The program needs to be downloaded as a '.hex' file.
Both the MakeCode and Python editors require the program to be saved as a '.hex' file.
Transfer the '.hex' file from your computer to the micro:bit.
Flashing refers to the process of storing your program in the micro:bit's flash memory.
Use a micro USB cable to connect the micro:bit to your computer.
The micro:bit will appear on your computer like a USB drive labeled 'MICROBIT'.
While copying the program, the light on the micro:bit will flash.
Once the flashing stops, the program has been successfully transferred.
Test your micro:bit creation once the transfer is complete.
The process requires just two steps: downloading and flashing the program.
The micro:bit stores programs in its flash memory for execution.
The flashing light indicates the program is being transferred.
Ensure the micro USB cable is properly connected for a successful transfer.
Both editorsβMakeCode and Pythonβsupport this workflow for the micro:bit.
Transcripts
Once you're happy with your program it's time to try it out on your BBC micro:bit.
It's a simple two-step process. Step 1 is to download your program from the
editor on your computer. In both the MakeCode and Python editors your program
needs to be downloaded as a '.hex' file. Step 2 is to transfer the program from
your computer to your micro:bit where it is stored in its memory. We call this
flashing because the micro:bit stores your program in its flash memory.
To do this plug your micro USB cable into the USB port at the top of your micro:bit
then plug the other end of the cable into the USB socket on your computer.
You will see your micro:bit appear on your computer like a USB drive. Look for MICROBIT.
As the program is copying across you'll see the light flash on your micro:bit
then once it stops flashing you can test out your micro:bit creation.
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