BBC micro:bit Friend Detector

The BBC micro:bit is a pocket-sized computer that allows you to have loads of fun whilst learning digital technology and computer science. You can program it using block-based coding and build anything - from simple programs to light up LEDs, to robots, musical instruments and more.

In this tutorial, you will create a friend detector - a wrist-mounted gadget that lights up with a smiley face when your friends are nearby.

What you will need

• A BBC micro:bit - you can buy one from Amazon by following this link
• A computer connected to the internet
• A micro USB cable (if you by the micro:bit Go kit linked above it contains this already). You may need a UBC-C to USB-A adapter if your computer only has USB-C ports (for example modern Macs).
• A micro:bit battery pack and batteries (if you by the micro:bit Go kit linked above it contains this already)
• Some duct tape (I recommend this rainbow duct tape)
• Velcro

The steps

The steps to complete this workshop are:

• Getting started
• Writing your first micro:bit program
• The friend detector
• Code the on start
• Code the forever block
• Detect radio messages
• Run the code
• Build a wrist band

Work through these steps one by one. Each step includes a link to the next step at the end.

The code

If you want to use a working version of the code, you can import the project using the microbit-FriendDetector.hex file in the Code folder.

• Clone or download this repo
• From the MakeCode home page select the Import button
• Select Import File
• Locate the microbit-FriendDetector.hex file from the Code folder in this repo
• Select Go ahread! to load the project in the MakeCode editor

You can also import the code from this URL - makecode.microbit.org/_du14RM7mT4fC.

• Copy the URL
• From the MakeCode home page select the Import button
• Select Import URL
• Paste in the URL
• Select Go ahead! to load the project in the MakeCode editor.

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I hope you enjoy this workshop. If you want to get in touch, you can find me on twitter - @jimbobbennett. I'd love to hear what you are building.

Feel free to raise issues with any bugs you've found, or any suggestions for changes and improvements.