Gator:color ProtoSnap Hookup Guide

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Contributors: Englandsaurus
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Introduction

The gator:color is one of a series of gator-clippable boards called gator:boards that SparkFun has created to interface with the micro:bit and gator:bit v2 expansion for micro:bit. The gator:color has a smattering of a different color LEDs that can be used either in place or broken away from the main board. In this hookup guide we'll go over how to light up our LEDs, both by simply turning them on and also by dimming them using a process called Pulse Width Modulation (PWM).

SparkFun gator:color ProtoSnap

COM-14890
Retired

Required Materials

For this activity, you'll of course need a micro:bit. You'll also need some alligator clips to connect everything together, and a micro usb cable to program your micro:bit. All of these things are shown below, so grab them if you haven't already. You can go ahead and grab a gator:bit v2 as well to create some more robust projects, but you'll be able to get along fine with just a micro:bit.

Alligator Test Leads - Multicolored (10 Pack)

Alligator Test Leads - Multicolored (10 Pack)

PRT-12978
$3.50
4
SparkFun gator:bit v2.0 - micro:bit Carrier Board

SparkFun gator:bit v2.0 - micro:bit Carrier Board

DEV-15162
$21.50
2
USB Micro-B Cable - 6"

USB Micro-B Cable - 6"

CAB-13244
$2.10
3

micro:bit Board

DEV-14208
10 Retired

Suggested Reading

If this is your first time using a gator:bit, check out the SparkFun gator:bit v2 Hookup Guide.

SparkFun gator:bit v2 Hookup Guide

January 31, 2019

The gator:bit v2 is a breakout board for the BBC micro:bit. The gator:bit exposes almost every pin on the micro:bit to clippable pad with circuit protection. It also has as built-in addressable LEDs and a built-in buzzer.

Also, if you're starting out with electronics and 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.

Analog vs. Digital

This tutorial covers the concept of analog and digital signals, as they relate to electronics.

Getting Started with the micro:bit

The BBC micro:bit is a compact, powerful programming tool that requires no software installation. Read on to learn how to use it YOUR way!