littleBits Filter
$32.68 ex GST
The littleBits filter has the most effect on the sound’s character or “timbre”. It affects the timbre by changing the relative volume of certain frequencies in the sound. Use it to give the impression that a sound is “brighter" (more high frequencies) or “darker” (more low frequencies.) The "cutoff" knob sets the frequency to be emphasized, and the other controls 'peak,' or intensity of the filter. If the peak is turned up all the way, the filter turns into an oscillator! [This is great for shaping all of the sounds you can make with the Synth Kit, but it's especially good with a noise input.]
littleBits Fork
$22.68 ex GST
The fork Bit gives you more options for connecting your Bits: it lets you connect the output of a single Bit to as many as three others. The additional Bits will be right next to each other. Use it when you want to trigger light, sound, and motion at the same time.
littleBits Inverter
$17.23 ex GST
The littleBits inverter is a very contrary logic Bit. It sends out the opposite of whatever it receives: send it an ON signal, and the inverter changes it to an OFF signal, or vice versa. Try putting it between two lights after a button: clicking will make the LEDs blink back and forth, like the lights on top of a police car!
The lights on top of a police car flash back and forth. A pulse sends a signal to both of the lights, but they flash opposite one another due to the inverter.
littleBits IR LED
$20.86 ex GST
The littleBits IR LED (or infrared light-emitting diode) module sends out light with longer wavelengths than visible light, similar to the light in your remote control. It’s invisible to the eye, but many digital cameras can see it! Try using it to activate the light sensor or remote trigger.
littleBits Keyboard
$40.86 ex GST
The keyboard lets you play melodies- it features 13 switches that make up an entire octave of notes. It has two modes: "press" (which only produces output when you press a switch) and "hold" (which will hold the last note you played). It also features an octave control which changes the playable range. In addition to its main output, which is great for controlling our oscillators, it also has a "trigger out", which you can send to the "trigger in" of envelope or other littleBits modules.
littleBits Latch
$18.14 ex GST
Use the littleBits latch to turn any momentary input, like a button or a trigger module, into an ON/OFF switch, like a toggle! If you place a button in front of the latch, pressing the button once will turn it ON, and pressing it again will turn it OFF again. Or for even more fun, place a sound trigger in front of the latch, and a light after it...then, just snap your fingers!
littleBits LED
$18.14 ex GST
The littleBits LED (or "Light-Emitting Diode") Bit is a very small board that shines a nice green light. It's our go-to when you want to light something up.
littleBits Light Sensor
$25.41 ex GST
The littleBits light sensor measures how much light is shining on it. It has two modes: “light” and “dark”. In “light” mode, the more light shines on the sensor, the higher the signal it sends out. In “dark” mode, it's just the opposite – the signal increases the darker it gets. You can use a screwdriver to adjust the sensitivity. Use a bargraph to see how it's working!
littleBits Long LED
$20.86 ex GST
The littleBits long LED (or "Light-Emitting Diode") Bit is another lighting option. We call it the "long" LED because the light is tethered to the board by a cable. This lets you put the light in some interesting places: one of our favourite tricks is to place the LED in the middle of a foam ball to make it glow!
littleBits MaKey MaKey
$99.95 ex GST
Ready to incorporate a carrot, your sunglasses, or great-grandma into your littleBits creations? Now you can use everyday objects to trigger your Bits and control cursors on your computer’s keyboard, or even control your computer with Bits. Make a touchpad out of ANYTHING by attaching alligator clips (4 are included!) to the Makey Makey Bit. For example: you and a banana. When you touch the banana, you complete the connection, and the Makey Makey Bit sends a signal to either your computer (move cursor left or right) or to your bits (flash an LED or turn a motor).
You can make 3 awesome interactions:
Touch to Bit: Trigger your Bits with any conductive object. Touch a banana to turn on an LED, splash water to move a servo motor, or turn a watermelon into a bass drum!
Bit to computer: Use regular Bits, like sensors and triggers, to control the cursors on your computer. Make a whimsical photobooth with your computer by using the sound trigger. Take pictures with a clap, sneeze-anything that makes sound.
Touch to computer: Use any object that can hold electricity, like oranges, foil, or people, to control the cursors on your computer.
The module connects to a computer through a micro USB cable and has three MaKey MaKey inputs which are mapped to left arrow, right arrow, and space bar/mouse click. Each one of these key inputs can be controlled by littleBits modules like motion triggers or light sensors.
littleBits micro:bit Adapter
$40.86 ex GST
Take learning & inventing further with the littleBits micro:bit Adapter
The littleBits micro:bit Adapter connects micro:bit and littleBits enabling new learning experiences and creative inventions in a less-intimidating way.
Enhance your learning with micro:bit by adding coding to your littleBits using platforms like the free Microsoft MakeCode or Python editor. It works by connecting the signals from the littleBits input and output bitsnaps to pins on the micro:bit edge connectors. No special coding libraries are needed.
* micro:bit is required for use & sold separately
Coding Capabilities
Microsoft MakeCode
Microsoft MakeCode is a free, open source platform for creating engaging computer science learning experiences that support a progression path into real-world programming.
Students new to coding can start with coloured blocks that they can drag and drop onto their workspace to construct their programs.
Python Editor for micro:bit
micro:bit Python editor is designed with teachers and learners in mind: you can easily enlarge the text size for sharing on a large screen or whiteboard, download projects as Python text files or .HEX files ready to flash onto a micro:bit. It also works with micro:bit classroom.
Featured Activities
micro:bit Countdown
Create your very own micro:bit countdown clock using your favourite littleBits and some help from MakeCode.
micro:bit Sunflower
Create a micro:bit powered sunflower to seek out the best and brightest spots in and around the room.
micro:bit Obstacles
Create your very own autonomous robot using a micro:bit, your favorite littleBits, and a Sphero RVR. See if you can program RVR through a maze or an obstacle course without it ever hitting a wall or object.
littleBits Microphone
$32.68 ex GST
The microphone Bits module translates sound into the electronic language of littleBits. You can use it to turn sounds into light or motion, or use it with the speaker Bits module like a small megaphone! Make sure the switch is set to “sound” when you're using it with the speaker, and “other” for all your other modules, like LEDs and motors. The microphone Bits module also has a 3.5 mm input jack so you can plug in your computer or mp3 player.
littleBits Microsequencer
$45.41 ex GST
The littleBits micro sequencer sends out voltages based on the position of each of the four “step” knobs. Connect it to an oscillator and it will step through the "sequence" consecutively to make a melody (The LEDs tell you which step is active). Turn a knob all the way counter-clockwise to make the step silent. Use it in "speed" mode to set the speed using the dial, or flip the switch to “step” mode to use an input module like a pulse or button for control. In addition to its main output, it also has a trigger output, which you can send to any of your other Bits modules.
littleBits MIDI
$72.68 ex GST
Now you can control your Synth Kit from MIDI-enabled instruments and computer software!
Module can both send and receive MIDI messages
Create your own MIDI controller with other modules like the keyboard, microsequencer, light sensor, and more!
Control Synth modules with software like Ableton Live, Logic, and Pro Tools
Includes: MIDI module, MIDI adapter cable micro USB cable
Geek Speak
The w5 MIDI module functions by acting as a MIDI-to-voltage converter (“MIDI in” mode) and a voltage-to-MIDI converter (“MIDI out” mode). The w5 MIDI module will show up in your DAW as a MIDI device. The note range of the w5 MIDI module is from C2 to C6. MIDI note C2 generates an output CV of 0.2V. Thereafter, the output CV increases by 1V/oct up to C6.
Similar to the i30 keyboard and i36 micro sequencer modules, the w5 MIDI module has two outputs: A main bitSnap™ output that sends control voltages to other modules (for instance, an i31 oscillator) depending on which key is pressed and a “trigger out” output that sends a 5V, HIGH signal out to modules (for instance, an i33 envelope) when any MIDI note message is sent.
Like with the i30 keyboard module, the i31 oscillators will need to be tuned to play the correct pitches. See the “Tuning” project in the Synth Kit booklet for more information. To help with tuning, standard digital instrument tuners can be used and there are many tuner Apps available for smartphones.
littleBits Mix
$36.32 ex GST
The littleBits mix module allows you to combine two inputs and send them to a single output. It also has a volume control for each of its inputs - that's where the 'mixing' comes in. Use it to play two oscillators on a single speaker!
littleBits Motion Trigger
$54.50 ex GST
The motion trigger is similar to the sensor on an automatic door: when someone is moving nearby, it sends an ON signal to the following Bits. It's very sensitive, so don't breathe unless you want to be detected! Try it with some LEDs to create a security light!
littleBits Motor Mate
$11.77 ex GST
littleBits motorMate makes it easy to attach wheels, cardboard, paper and many other materials to the DC motor. Simply slide it on the “D” shape of the shaft. A LEGO™ axle also fits in the end.
littleBits Mounting Boards
$31.77 ex GST
Mounting boards come 2 to a pack and allow you to keep your circuit intact and move it around with ease! Simply snap together your littleBits circuit and press the feet of your modules into the holes of the mounting board.
Hold your circuit upside down, vertically, and carry it from place to place without it coming apart.
Four holes in the corners allow you to permanently mount your circuit to any surface, project, or permanent installation.
Mounting boards can be used individually or tiled to accommodate circuits as large as you can make.
Hang it, thread it, wear it... the list goes on and on!
littleBits MP3 Player
$99.95 ex GST
The littleBits mp3 Player allows you to play your very own mp3 files using littleBits. Sending a signal to the mp3 player can make it work as a media player, sampler, or looper. Just load the mp3 files you want onto the provided SD card and you'll have music and sound effects in your next littleBits project in no time.
The mp3 player reads mp3 files off of the SD card that is underneath the bit. To choose the order that files are played in simply rename the mp3 file so that it has a number in front of the file name. The mp3 player will then play your mp3 tracks in numerical order.
Use the 'back' and 'forward' buttons to switch between tracks on the mp3 player. If you are in the middle of a song then double click the 'back' button to go to the previous track. Playback is started by sending a pulse or latch through the input signal line to the bit. The behaviour of playback thereafter depends on which of the four modes is selected.
ONCE MODE: Once mode behaves much like a retrigger sampler. It will play only the current selected track. Begin playback by giving an input signal pulse to the bit. After a track is finished playback will stop. Subsequent triggers will repeat the same track. If a pulse is sent during playback it will start playback of the track from the beginning.
LOOP MODE: Loop mode continuously plays the same track repeatedly. An input pulse or latch will start playback of the looped track. A subsequent pulse or latch stops playback of the track.
NEXT MODE: Next mode plays a track and then upon subsequent input pulses will automatically start playback of the next track in the queue. Once a track finishes playing playback will stop.
ALL MODE: All mode behaves most like a traditional mp3 player. Playback is started and it will play all songs loaded on the SD card in order, without interruption. Input pulses or latches will stop and resume playback.
VOLUME CHANGE: If you find the maximum volume of the mp3 player is not suitably loud enough, you can add 12dB of gain by simultaneously pressing the back and forward buttons at the same time. To remove the extra boost, press the two buttons again to switch back to normal mode.
HEADPHONE/BITSNAP OUT: You can either send the audio signal out through the headphones or through the output bitsnap. When headphones are connected to the bit audio will not be carried through the output bitsnap.
UNDER THE HOOD An Atmega168 is used to read data from the SD card. It also handles all playback options that are selectable on the card. MP3 decoding is done through the VLSI1053 IC. The VLSI handles the playback of all audio and makes requests to the Atmega168 when it needs more data to process. The VLSI then outputs the left and right channel data to the headphone jack. When headphones are not connected the two signals are mixed and amplified so that both channels are merged onto a single line so the audio can be passed to the bitsnap out.
littleBits NAND
$20.86 ex GST
The littleBits NAND module is a logic gate with two inputs. Think of it as “not and.” The NAND module will always send an on signal unless both input one and input two are receiving an on signal. It’s the exact opposite of the AND module.
Think of a car with two doors. When the doors are closed, they activate inputs. Inside the car, a light shines if the either or both of the doors are open. The light goes off when both doors are closed.
Fun Fact The first lunar landing module computer was made up entirely of thousands of NAND gates!
littleBits NOR
$20.86 ex GST
The littleBits NOR module is a logic gate with two inputs. As its name suggests, it sends an ON signal only when neither input is receiving an ON signal. In other words, it’s the exact opposite of the OR module. The NOR module is good for projects in which you want the output to be on unless one or both of its inputs are triggered.
A washing machine has two sensors. One to check if the washing machine lid is open and the other to sense whether the water in the washing tub is filled to minimum level. If either or both of these inputs are activated, the washing machine will stop.
littleBits Number Plus
$49.95 ex GST
The number module displays information about the signal it’s receiving from your other modules. It features a two-digit, seven-segment LED display. In the “read” mode, the module displays information about the signal it’s receiving. In the “count” mode, the module counts up or down with each trigger. The counter can be reset by receiving a trigger at the reset bitSnap.
Geek Speak
This updated number module has 2 main modes and 2 settings under each mode. Use the 4-position switch to choose between the modes.
READ MODE: Read mode has two settings: values and volts. The number module reads the voltage on the input bitsnap, then calculates and displays either a value between 00-99 or a voltage between 0.0 - 5.0. The voltage on the output bitsnap is a filtered PWM value that equals the voltage on the input bitsnap.
COUNT MODE: Count mode has two settings: up (from 00-99) and down (from 99-00). A step to the next number happens on input low-to-high transitions. The voltage on the output bitsnap is a filtered PWM value that is proportional to the number on display. For example, if the displayed number is 50 then the output voltage is 50% of 5V, or 2.5V. The RESET bitsnap can be used in this mode to reset the number on display. In the "up" setting, the display resets to "00". In the "down" setting, the display resets to "99". The RESET bitsnap resets the number on low-to-high transitions.
Under the Hood
An Atmega168 is used to constantly read the signal from the switch and determine which mode the module is in. It also reads the buffered signal from the input bitsnap, and sends a PWM signal through a Sallen key filter to the output bitsnap. In "read" mode, the signal from the input bitsnap is passed from the ADC pin to the PWM output. In "count" mode, a step to a new number is triggered on a low-to-high pin-change interrupt on the ADC pin. A PWM lookup table is used to output the corresponding PWM value. The reset is also triggered on a low-to-high transition. The Atmega168 also controls the seven-segment LED display to display the correct value.
littleBits Oscillator
$31.77 ex GST
The oscillator is the main sound source in the Synth Kit and is capable of creating audio tones that will be used in almost every sound experiment you create. It features a "pitch" knob to adjust its output tone and a "tune" dial for adjusting the tuning when using with the keyboard. It also features a mode switch that selects between "square" and "saw" waveforms. The "square" waveform has a rich, powerful character, and the "saw" waveform has a more mellow, rounder character. [You'll often use it after the Keyboard or Micro Sequencer Bits modules, but you can have lots of fun by just twisting the pitch knob and "sweeping" through all the frequencies from high to low pitches.]
littleBits P3 USB Power
$22.68 ex GST
The USB power may be the smallest in the series, but it's big enough to send juice to all your creations. Connect a USB cable (included) to your computer or phone charger to start the power flowing. Try it with an LED to make the simplest littleBits circuit. If you're looking for a permanent installation, the USB power adapter enables you to plug your USB power directly into the wall. Using a USB connection to a computer, you have access to 500mA of power for your circuit. When using the USB Wall Adapter, you should have up to 1A of power available. The red LED shows you when the module is powered.
Note: The USB power Bit does not provide a data connection.