Basket Bit

This tutorial will show you how to build your own Basket Bit Game using the BBC micro:bit. You will have to use a simple code using pin events, link a switch to the micro: bit using crocodile clips, and of course, 3D print the back board and the net! The board has to be printed with transparent filament so you can see the LED of the Micro: bit however there is a version included with a gap for the LED screen if you do not have transparent filament. The hoop will work best if printed in flexible filament, but regular filament works fine as well.

Things you will need:

• A 3D printer

• 1 micro:bit device and battery pack

• Filament (plastic) for your 3D printer – Flexible and Transparent if you have them!

• 1 Switch – you can get one here: http://www.maplin.co.uk/p/sub-miniature-lever-micro-switch-gw67x

• 2 x Crocodile clips

Step 1: Printing the Parts

1.       The Board: First of all you have to print the board using transparent filament (or use the mother model included that has a gap if you do not have transparent filament). The transparent filament allows you to see the LED matrix of the micro:bit through  the board.

·         To get the 3D files of the board and the net go to MyMiniFactory and push the download button!

·         Next you will have to slice the part: That means generate a code, representative of your 3D part which your printer will be able to understand. This action is called "Slicing" because your printer prints the part layer by layer, so you need to slice your object into many digital layer. You will need to use the right slicer for your 3D printer, ask your teacher if you need help with this!

·         The most important setting for the printer is the temperature of the nozzle, which will depend on the type of filament you use, the speed, the infill, the layer height, and whether you need support or not.  For the board, use a 20% infill, turn on the support, use a medium speed (~70mm/s), and 0.2mm layer height. All of these settings can be changed from within the slicing software.

Export your code to your SD card and take it over to the printer! J 

2.       The net:  Now you have to print the net using flexible filament – if you have it available. This kind of filament needs a very slow speed (20-30mm/s), and a high nozzle temperature – usually around 230°C. It’s better to use a high infill as well, try 35%. The net doesn’t need support (We call it Support Free).

Step 2: Flash the micro:bit

Flash your micro:bit with this simple code, you can find it here. 

This code count the score and display it on the screen of the micro:bit. To reset the score you have to held the switch 2 seconds, if you want to turn off the micro:bit, held it 4 seconds.  

Step 3: Taping up the Basket Bit

When all your parts are printed and your micro:bit has been flashed,  use double sided tape to keep the battery in. Put some tape on the part that will attach the board to the wall.

Step 4: Fittting the Battery and micro:bit

 Fit the micro:bit and the battery in to the backboard. There is a little plastic clip to hold the micro:bit on the top left corner, so put its upper part in first.

Step 5: Adding the Switch and Cables 

You will now need to add a switch. Put the switch inside the net in the space reserved for it, use double side tape to hold it in. Now use your crocodile clips to link the pins of the micro:bit to the switch as shown on the pictures below :

Step 6: Have fun              

Stick your creation up on a wall and start playing!