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How to Use Adafruit DragonTail for micro:bit: Examples, Pinouts, and Specs

Image of Adafruit DragonTail for micro:bit
Cirkit Designer LogoDesign with Adafruit DragonTail for micro:bit in Cirkit Designer

Introduction

The Adafruit DragonTail for micro:bit (Manufacturer Part ID: 3695) is a versatile add-on board designed to expand the functionality of the BBC micro:bit. It provides additional connectivity options, including headers for easy access to GPIO pins, and allows for seamless integration of various sensors, modules, and external components. This board is ideal for prototyping, educational projects, and IoT applications.

Explore Projects Built with Adafruit DragonTail for micro:bit

Use Cirkit Designer to design, explore, and prototype these projects online. Some projects support real-time simulation. Click "Open Project" to start designing instantly!
Adafruit Crickit Controlled Robotics Platform with Micro:bit
Image of Circuit Design for Recyclo-Bot: A project utilizing Adafruit DragonTail for micro:bit in a practical application
This circuit is designed to control multiple motors and servos using an Adafruit Crickit for microbit as the main controller, interfaced with a micro bit microcontroller. It includes two yellow hobby gear motors, two 9G micro servos, and two standard servos, all powered and controlled by the Crickit board. Additionally, there is a 0.96" OLED display for output and a piezo sensor, likely for input, connected to the Crickit, which is programmed via the micro bit.
Cirkit Designer LogoOpen Project in Cirkit Designer
Micro:bit Controlled Traffic Light Simulation
Image of LED : A project utilizing Adafruit DragonTail for micro:bit in a practical application
This circuit simulates a traffic light system using a micro:bit microcontroller and three LEDs (red, yellow, and green). The micro:bit is programmed to cycle through the LEDs, turning on the green LED for 5 seconds, the yellow LED for 2 seconds, and the red LED for 5 seconds, mimicking the sequence of a real traffic light. The LEDs are connected to the micro:bit's output pins with alligator clip cables, and the micro:bit controls the sequence through its programmed GPIO pins.
Cirkit Designer LogoOpen Project in Cirkit Designer
Remote-Controlled Drone with Motion Sensing Capabilities
Image of melty: A project utilizing Adafruit DragonTail for micro:bit in a practical application
This circuit is designed for motion control and telemetry in a small vehicle or drone. It includes an Adafruit ADXL345 accelerometer interfaced with a SparkFun Pro Micro microcontroller for motion sensing. The circuit also features two Electronic Speed Controllers (ESCs) to drive motors, a step-up voltage regulator to stabilize power supply from a Lipo battery, and a flysky mini receiver to receive control signals from a remote transmitter.
Cirkit Designer LogoOpen Project in Cirkit Designer
Bluetooth-Controlled Robotic Vehicle with Ultrasonic Obstacle Detection and Motion Sensing
Image of 아두이노 드론: A project utilizing Adafruit DragonTail for micro:bit in a practical application
This circuit features a SparkFun Pro Micro microcontroller interfaced with an L298N DC motor driver to control two DC motors, an HC-SR04 ultrasonic sensor for distance measurement, a Bluetooth module HM-10 for wireless communication, and an MPU-6050 for motion tracking. The Pro Micro is responsible for processing sensor data and managing motor speeds and directions via the motor driver. Power is supplied by a 5V battery connected to the Pro Micro and a separate battery case providing 12V to the motor driver.
Cirkit Designer LogoOpen Project in Cirkit Designer

Explore Projects Built with Adafruit DragonTail for micro:bit

Use Cirkit Designer to design, explore, and prototype these projects online. Some projects support real-time simulation. Click "Open Project" to start designing instantly!
Image of Circuit Design for Recyclo-Bot: A project utilizing Adafruit DragonTail for micro:bit in a practical application
Adafruit Crickit Controlled Robotics Platform with Micro:bit
This circuit is designed to control multiple motors and servos using an Adafruit Crickit for microbit as the main controller, interfaced with a micro bit microcontroller. It includes two yellow hobby gear motors, two 9G micro servos, and two standard servos, all powered and controlled by the Crickit board. Additionally, there is a 0.96" OLED display for output and a piezo sensor, likely for input, connected to the Crickit, which is programmed via the micro bit.
Cirkit Designer LogoOpen Project in Cirkit Designer
Image of LED : A project utilizing Adafruit DragonTail for micro:bit in a practical application
Micro:bit Controlled Traffic Light Simulation
This circuit simulates a traffic light system using a micro:bit microcontroller and three LEDs (red, yellow, and green). The micro:bit is programmed to cycle through the LEDs, turning on the green LED for 5 seconds, the yellow LED for 2 seconds, and the red LED for 5 seconds, mimicking the sequence of a real traffic light. The LEDs are connected to the micro:bit's output pins with alligator clip cables, and the micro:bit controls the sequence through its programmed GPIO pins.
Cirkit Designer LogoOpen Project in Cirkit Designer
Image of melty: A project utilizing Adafruit DragonTail for micro:bit in a practical application
Remote-Controlled Drone with Motion Sensing Capabilities
This circuit is designed for motion control and telemetry in a small vehicle or drone. It includes an Adafruit ADXL345 accelerometer interfaced with a SparkFun Pro Micro microcontroller for motion sensing. The circuit also features two Electronic Speed Controllers (ESCs) to drive motors, a step-up voltage regulator to stabilize power supply from a Lipo battery, and a flysky mini receiver to receive control signals from a remote transmitter.
Cirkit Designer LogoOpen Project in Cirkit Designer
Image of 아두이노 드론: A project utilizing Adafruit DragonTail for micro:bit in a practical application
Bluetooth-Controlled Robotic Vehicle with Ultrasonic Obstacle Detection and Motion Sensing
This circuit features a SparkFun Pro Micro microcontroller interfaced with an L298N DC motor driver to control two DC motors, an HC-SR04 ultrasonic sensor for distance measurement, a Bluetooth module HM-10 for wireless communication, and an MPU-6050 for motion tracking. The Pro Micro is responsible for processing sensor data and managing motor speeds and directions via the motor driver. Power is supplied by a 5V battery connected to the Pro Micro and a separate battery case providing 12V to the motor driver.
Cirkit Designer LogoOpen Project in Cirkit Designer

Common Applications and Use Cases

  • Prototyping with sensors and actuators
  • Educational projects for learning electronics and programming
  • IoT applications requiring additional connectivity
  • Robotics and automation projects
  • Expanding the micro:bit's GPIO capabilities for advanced projects

Technical Specifications

The Adafruit DragonTail for micro:bit is designed to enhance the micro:bit's functionality by providing easy access to its GPIO pins and additional features. Below are the key technical details:

Key Specifications

Specification Value
Manufacturer Adafruit
Part ID 3695
Compatibility BBC micro:bit (v1 and v2)
GPIO Pin Access 21-pin edge connector and breakout headers
Power Input 3.3V (from micro:bit)
Dimensions 65mm x 50mm x 10mm
Weight 10g

Pin Configuration and Descriptions

The DragonTail provides access to the micro:bit's GPIO pins via labeled headers. Below is the pinout description:

Pin Label micro:bit Pin Description
3V 3.3V Power output for external components
GND GND Ground connection
P0 P0 General-purpose I/O pin
P1 P1 General-purpose I/O pin
P2 P2 General-purpose I/O pin
P3 P3 General-purpose I/O pin
P4 P4 General-purpose I/O pin
P5 P5 General-purpose I/O pin (shared with button A)
P6-P20 P6-P20 Additional GPIO pins

Usage Instructions

The Adafruit DragonTail for micro:bit is straightforward to use and provides a convenient way to connect external components to the micro:bit. Follow the steps below to get started:

Connecting the DragonTail to the micro:bit

  1. Align the micro:bit's edge connector with the DragonTail's slot.
  2. Gently slide the micro:bit into the DragonTail until it is securely seated.
  3. Ensure the micro:bit's LED matrix is facing outward for proper orientation.

Connecting External Components

  1. Use the labeled headers on the DragonTail to connect sensors, actuators, or other modules.
  2. Ensure that the voltage and current requirements of the connected components are compatible with the micro:bit's 3.3V power supply.
  3. Use jumper wires or compatible connectors to make secure connections.

Example: Using a Temperature Sensor with the DragonTail

Below is an example of connecting a TMP36 temperature sensor to the DragonTail and reading its data using the micro:bit.

Wiring

  • Connect the TMP36's VCC pin to the 3V pin on the DragonTail.
  • Connect the TMP36's GND pin to the GND pin on the DragonTail.
  • Connect the TMP36's OUT pin to the P0 pin on the DragonTail.

Code Example

Import the micro:bit module

from microbit import *

Function to convert analog reading to temperature in Celsius

def read_temperature(pin): # Read the analog value from the TMP36 sensor analog_value = pin.read_analog() # Convert the analog value to voltage (3.3V reference) voltage = analog_value * (3.3 / 1023) # Convert voltage to temperature in Celsius temperature = (voltage - 0.5) * 100 return temperature

while True: # Read temperature from TMP36 connected to pin P0 temp_celsius = read_temperature(pin0) # Display the temperature on the micro:bit's LED matrix display.scroll("Temp: {:.1f}C".format(temp_celsius)) # Wait for 1 second before the next reading sleep(1000)

Important Considerations and Best Practices

  • Ensure that the micro:bit is powered off before connecting or disconnecting the DragonTail.
  • Avoid exceeding the micro:bit's current limits when connecting multiple components.
  • Use proper pull-up or pull-down resistors for components that require them.
  • Double-check all connections to prevent short circuits or damage to the micro:bit.

Troubleshooting and FAQs

Common Issues and Solutions

  1. The micro:bit does not power on when connected to the DragonTail.

    • Ensure the micro:bit is properly seated in the DragonTail's edge connector.
    • Check the power source connected to the micro:bit.

  2. External components are not functioning as expected.

    • Verify that the components are connected to the correct pins on the DragonTail.
    • Check the voltage and current requirements of the components.
    • Ensure the micro:bit's code is correctly configured to control the connected components.

  3. The micro:bit's LED matrix is not displaying anything.

    • Confirm that the micro:bit is powered on and running the correct program.
    • Check for any loose connections between the micro:bit and the DragonTail.

FAQs

Q: Can I use the DragonTail with micro:bit v2?
A: Yes, the DragonTail is compatible with both micro:bit v1 and v2.

Q: What is the maximum current I can draw from the 3.3V pin?
A: The maximum current available depends on the micro:bit's power source. Typically, it is around 90mA when powered via USB.

Q: Can I use the DragonTail with other microcontrollers?
A: No, the DragonTail is specifically designed for the BBC micro:bit and its edge connector.

Q: Do I need additional drivers or libraries to use the DragonTail?
A: No, the DragonTail is a hardware breakout board and does not require additional drivers. However, you may need libraries for specific sensors or modules connected to it.

By following this documentation, you can effectively utilize the Adafruit DragonTail for micro:bit in your projects and expand the capabilities of your micro:bit with ease!