Gator:bit Hookup Guide

This Tutorial is Retired!

Note: This tutorial is for the SparkFun gator:bit v1. If you are using any of the newer model (v2) with the barrel jack instead of JST connector, please refer to the new tutorial.

View the updated tutorial: SparkFun gator:bit v2 Hookup Guide

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Contributors: LightningHawk
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Introduction

Gator:bit is a development board for BBC micro:bit. Almost every pin on the micro:bit is broken out to alligator clippable pads so you can get the most out of it. Gator:bit comes equipped with five addressable LEDs, a built-in buzzer (speaker) as well as a power management system that gives you access to 3.3V and 5V. Gator:bit can be powered from 2.7V - 9V giving you quite a range of powering options.

SparkFun gator:bit

DEV-14484
Retired

Without any external hardware Gator:bit is still an exploratory development board for micro:bit. Whether it is data visualization using the on board addressable LEDs, capacitive touch sensing on pins 0, 1, & 2, or creating musical works of art using the built-in speaker we've got it covered with the with the Gator:bit.

With some alligator clips and extra hardware you'll be able to explore inputs like sensors, potentiometers, and buttons and control outputs like lights, motors, and speakers.

Required Materials

Here are some products that will help you get started with the Gator:bit:

Suggested Materials

In addition to the above, here are some products to get you started with building circuits to control inputs and outputs using the Gator:bit:

SparkFun gator:color ProtoSnap

COM-14890
Retired

SparkFun gator:starter ProtoSnap

SEN-14891
Retired

SparkFun gator:control ProtoSnap

COM-14968
Retired

Suggested Reading

If you aren’t familiar with the following concepts, we recommend checking out these tutorials before continuing.

What is a Circuit?

Every electrical project starts with a circuit. Don't know what a circuit is? We're here to help.

Voltage, Current, Resistance, and Ohm's Law

Learn about Ohm's Law, one of the most fundamental equations in all electrical engineering.

What is Electricity?

We can see electricity in action on our computers, lighting our houses, as lightning strikes in thunderstorms, but what is it? This is not an easy question, but this tutorial will shed some light on it!

Light-Emitting Diodes (LEDs)

Learn the basics about LEDs as well as some more advanced topics to help you calculate requirements for projects containing many LEDs.