SparkFun gator:bit v2 Hookup Guide

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Contributors: LightningHawk, Englandsaurus
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Introduction

The SparkFun gator:bit v2 is a development board for the BBC micro:bit. Almost every pad of the micro:bit is broken out to alligator clippable pads, on the gator:bit, so you can get the most out of it. The 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. The gator:bit can be powered from 2.7V - 9V giving you quite a range of powering options.

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

DEV-15162
2 Retired

Without any external hardware, the gator:bit (v2) is still an exploratory development board for micro:bit. Whether it is data visualization using the on board addressable LEDs 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:log - micro:bit Accessory Board

SparkFun gator:log - micro:bit Accessory Board

DEV-15270
$13.95 $7.25

SparkFun gator:soil - micro:bit Accessory Board

SEN-15272
Banana to Banana Cable - Right Angle

Banana to Banana Cable - Right Angle

CAB-15368
$4.95 $4.46
1

Suggested Reading

If you aren't familiar with the micro:bit, we recommend reading here for an overview.

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.