How to Use Adafruit Crickit for Circuit Playground Express: Examples, Pinouts, and Specs

The Adafruit Crickit for Circuit Playground Express is an innovative robotics platform designed to bring life to your projects. It acts as an add-on to the Circuit Playground Express, enabling control over motors, servos, solenoids, and other electronic components. This versatile board is perfect for hobbyists, educators, and students looking to explore the world of robotics and interactive projects.

• Educational robotics
• Interactive art installations
• Prototyping DIY projects
• Home automation systems
• Hobbyist robotics

• Operating Voltage: 3.3V to 5V
• Logic Voltage: 3.3V
• Motor Drivers: 4 full H-Bridge motor drivers
• Servo Control: 8 channels for hobby servos
• I/O Pins: Multiple digital and analog pins
• Connectivity: I2C, digital, and analog signals
• Dimensions: 94.9mm x 69.6mm x 12.7mm

1. Powering the Crickit: Connect a suitable power supply to the Crickit's power jack. Ensure the voltage is within the recommended range.
2. Connecting the Circuit Playground Express: Attach the Circuit Playground Express to the Crickit board using the built-in connector.
3. Wiring Components: Connect motors, servos, and sensors to their respective pins on the Crickit board.
4. Programming: Use the Adafruit MakeCode Editor, CircuitPython, or Arduino IDE to program the Circuit Playground Express.

• Always disconnect the power supply before making or altering connections.
• Double-check wiring to prevent shorts or incorrect connections.
• Use external power when driving multiple or high-power motors to avoid overloading the Circuit Playground Express.
• Ensure that the power supply can handle the current requirements of all connected components.

• Motors not running: Check power supply and wiring connections. Ensure that the code is correctly uploaded and running.
• Servos jittering: This can be due to an inadequate power supply. Make sure the power supply can handle the current draw of the servos.
• Unresponsive board: Ensure that the Circuit Playground Express is properly seated and that the firmware is up to date.

• Verify that all connections are secure and correct.
• Use a multimeter to check for continuity and proper voltages at various points in the circuit.
• Review and test your code with simple examples to isolate the issue.
• Consult the Adafruit forums and support channels for assistance.

#include <Adafruit_Crickit.h>

// Create the Crickit object
Adafruit_Crickit crickit;

void setup() {
  // Initialize the Crickit
  crickit.begin();
  
  // Set up a servo on channel 1
  crickit.servo1.setMinMax(500, 2500); // Set the min and max pulse length
  crickit.servo1.attach(1); // Attach servo on channel 1
}

void loop() {
  // Sweep the servo from 0 to 180 degrees
  for (int angle = 0; angle <= 180; angle++) {
    crickit.servo1.write(angle);
    delay(15);
  }
  // Sweep the servo back from 180 to 0 degrees
  for (int angle = 180; angle >= 0; angle--) {
    crickit.servo1.write(angle);
    delay(15);
  }
}

Note: The above code is an example of how to control a servo motor using the Adafruit Crickit with an Arduino UNO. Make sure to install the Adafruit Crickit library before uploading the code to your board.