How to Use Adafruit PyBadge: Examples, Pinouts, and Specs

The Adafruit PyBadge is an all-in-one compact electronic badge designed for creating portable gaming projects, wearable electronics, and educational programming. It is based on the powerful ATSAMD51 microcontroller and comes equipped with a 1.8" color TFT display, making it ideal for displaying game graphics, text, and images. The PyBadge is also outfitted with a speaker for audio output, an accelerometer for motion sensing, and multiple buttons for user interaction. Pre-loaded with CircuitPython firmware, the PyBadge is easily programmable via the Arduino IDE or CircuitPython, offering a versatile platform for users ranging from beginners to advanced electronics enthusiasts.

Common applications of the Adafruit PyBadge include:

• DIY gaming consoles
• Interactive name badges for events
• Educational tools for teaching programming and electronics
• Wearable electronic projects
• Prototyping user interfaces

• Microcontroller: ATSAMD51J19
• Operating Voltage: 3.3V
• Input Voltage (recommended): 5V via USB or battery
• Display: 1.8" 160x128 Color TFT
• Sound: Mono audio output with a Class-D amplifier
• Sensors: LIS3DH triple-axis accelerometer
• User Inputs: 8 x game/control buttons, 1 x reset button
• Connectivity: USB, JST-PH battery connector
• Programming: Pre-loaded with CircuitPython, compatible with Arduino IDE

To use the Adafruit PyBadge in a circuit:

1. Powering the PyBadge: Connect the PyBadge to a power source via the USB port or attach a LiPo battery to the JST-PH connector.
2. Programming: Connect the PyBadge to a computer using a USB cable. The device should be recognized as a USB drive if using CircuitPython or as a port in the Arduino IDE.
3. Display and Audio: Utilize the built-in display and speaker for visual and audio output in your projects.
4. Sensors and Inputs: Take advantage of the accelerometer and buttons for interactive projects.

• Always disconnect the PyBadge from the power source before making or altering connections.
• When using a LiPo battery, ensure it is properly charged and connected with the correct polarity.
• Use anti-static measures when handling the PyBadge to prevent electrostatic discharge damage.

• PyBadge not recognized by computer: Ensure the USB cable is properly connected and functioning. Try a different USB port or cable if necessary.
• Display not working: Check that the PyBadge is adequately powered and that the firmware is correctly loaded.
• Buttons not responding: Verify that the code is correctly implemented for button inputs and that there are no obstructions or dirt under the buttons.

• Resetting the PyBadge: If the device is unresponsive, use the reset button to reboot the PyBadge.
• Updating Firmware: To ensure compatibility and stability, keep the PyBadge firmware up to date with the latest version from Adafruit.

Q: Can I program the PyBadge with Arduino IDE? A: Yes, the PyBadge is compatible with the Arduino IDE. Make sure to install the necessary board definitions and libraries.

Q: What is CircuitPython? A: CircuitPython is a version of Python designed to run on microcontrollers, making it easy to write simple and readable code for hardware projects.

Q: How do I load new games or programs onto the PyBadge? A: With CircuitPython, you can simply drag and drop your .py files onto the PyBadge USB drive. For Arduino, upload your sketch via the Arduino IDE.

Below is a simple example of how to initialize the display and draw some text using the Arduino IDE:

#include <Adafruit_GFX.h>    // Core graphics library
#include <Adafruit_ST7735.h> // Hardware-specific library for ST7735
#include <SPI.h>

// Pin definitions for the PyBadge
#define TFT_CS        10
#define TFT_RST       12
#define TFT_DC        9

// Create the display object
Adafruit_ST7735 tft = Adafruit_ST7735(TFT_CS, TFT_DC, TFT_RST);

void setup() {
  tft.initR(INITR_144GREENTAB); // Initialize the display
  tft.fillScreen(ST7735_BLACK);  // Clear the screen to black
  tft.setCursor(0, 0);           // Set the cursor to the top-left corner
  tft.setTextColor(ST7735_WHITE); // Set the text color to white
  tft.setTextWrap(true);          // Allow text to wrap to the next line
  tft.print("Hello, PyBadge!");   // Print a message to the display
}

void loop() {
  // No need to repeat the text display
}

Remember to install the Adafruit GFX and ST7735 libraries before compiling this code. This example initializes the display and prints "Hello, PyBadge!" on the screen.