Adonit
Bilby 3D
BirdBrain Technologies
Bluelounge
Bonelk
Catalyst
Classroom21
ClassVR
Cleverbooks
Dexter Industries
DJI
Edison
Education Technology Specialists
ElecFreaks
Espresso
Eyepower
Eyepower Games
FlashForge
Focus Educational
Hear and Learn
Honestech
HoverCam
Hue
Kai's Clan
LapCabby
Lightspeed
littleBits
LUXROBO
MakeKit
MaKey MaKey
Merge
micro:bit
Mobile Pixels
Nanoleaf
Netatmo
NVS
Ozobot
Paperlike
PC Locs
PC merge
Primo Toys
Robolink
Sammat Education
Satechi
Shintaro
Software MacKiev
Sphero
Sumdog
Swivl
Thronmax
TTS
Twelve South
UGEE
Adhesive Copper Tape 5mm x 10m
$6.95 ex GST
Copper Tape with Adhesive Backing
Solderable
Repair printed circuit boards
Create antennas and shielding
Alligator Clips Pack
$7.95 ex GST
Pack of 10 Alligator Clips for use with MaKey MaKey. 40cm Alligator clip leads in 5 assorted Colours.
Getting Started with littleBits
$36.32 ex GST
This book is your comprehensive guide to littleBits. With dozens of curated inventions to supplement the Bit explanations, it’s perfect for beginners, educators, and anyone who wants to dive deeper into the littleBits platform and learn how to use each individual Bit.
Invent To Learn: Making, Tinkering, and Engineering in the Classroom
$40.86 ex GST
Invent To Learn: Making, Tinkering, and Engineering in the Classroom - Join the maker movement!
There’s a technological and creative revolution underway. Amazing new tools, materials and skills turn us all into makers. Using technology to make, repair or customise the things we need brings engineering, design and computer science to the masses. Fortunately for educators, this maker movement overlaps with the natural inclinations of children and the power of learning by doing. The active learner is at the centre of the learning process, amplifying the best traditions of progressive education. This book helps educators bring the exciting opportunities of the maker movement to every classroom.
Children are natural tinkerers
Their seminal learning experiences come through direct experience with materials. Digital fabrication, such as 3D printing and physical computing, including Arduino, MaKey MaKey and Raspberry Pi, expands a child’s toy and toolboxes with new ways to make things and new things to make. For the first time ever, childhood inventions may be printed, programmed or imbued with interactivity. Recycled materials can be brought back to life. While school traditionally separates art and science, theory and practice, such divisions are artificial. The real world just doesn’t work that way! Architects are artists. Craftsmen deal in aesthetics, tradition and mathematical precision. Video game developers rely on computer science. Engineering and industrial design are inseparable. The finest scientists are often accomplished musicians.
The maker community brings children, hobbyists and professionals together in a glorious celebration of personal expression with a modern flare. When 3-D printing, precision cutting, microcomputer control, robotics and computer programming become integral to the art studio, auto shop or physics lab, every student needs access to tools, knowledge and problem solving skills. The maker movement not only blurs the artificial boundaries between subject areas, it erases distinctions between art and science while most importantly obliterating the crippling practice of tracking students in academic pursuits or vocational training. There are now multiple pathways to learning what we have always taught and things to do that were unimaginable just a few years ago.
Making for every classroom budget
Even if you don’t have access to expensive (but increasingly affordable) hardware, every classroom can become a makerspace where kids and teachers learn together through direct experience with an assortment of high and low-tech materials. The potential range, breadth, power, complexity and beauty of projects has never been greater thanks to the amazing new tools, materials, ingenuity and playfulness you will encounter in this book. In this practical guide, Sylvia Martinez and Gary Stager provide K-12 educators with the how, why, and cool stuff that supports classroom making.
Jumper Wires
$5.54 ex GST
Jumper Wires - 40 Pack - 10 Piece assorted colours. Spare Jumper wires are useful in MaKey MaKey, Arduino and other electronics projects.
littleBits Accelerometer
$17.23 ex GST
Use this Bit to control your circuits with movement. The accelerometer senses how quickly you speed it up or slow it down. Snap it to a bargraph on a mounting board. Then give it a wave to visualise your movements.
littleBits At-Home Learning Starter Kit
$113.59 ex GST
The littleBits At-Home Learning Starter Kit provides an easy-to-follow, flexible, and powerful solution for reinforcing STEAM learning at home. This kit is ideal for educators to send home for individualised learning and can be easily facilitated and guided by parents.
Endless opportunities for invention
Use this circuit kit to confidently engage kids at home with five independent or parent-guided STEAM-based inventions.
Open-and-go introductory circuit kit to learn electronics
Screenless learning experience; no device or coding experience required
Access additional activities, curriculum guides, resources, and more in littleBits Classroom
Engage individual learners with their own starter kit and turn their ideas into a reality with 5 bits and 12 accessories
Recommended for ages 8+
What’s in the At-home Learning Starter Kit circuit kit for kids?
Bits
1 p4 power
1 wire
1 button
1 slide dimmer
1 servo (cross axle)
Accessories
1 servo mount bucket
1 mechanical arm
1 mounting board
1 battery clip
4 adhesive bitShoes
1 glue dot sheet
1 ball caster
1 9v battery
1 battery cable
littleBits Bargraph
$23.59 ex GST
The bargraph is one of littleBits favourite Bits: The bargraph shows you how much signal the Bit is receiving with a display of 5 light-emitting diodes (LEDs) in different colours. Try it with a pressure sensor to make your own strength-o-meter.
littleBits Battery + Cable
$11.77 ex GST
This package contains a 9v alkaline battery and a cable to connect it to the power Bit. Connect it up and then flip the switch to power all of your creations!
Note: This product is designed for use with the power Bit, and won't work with the USB or coin battery Bits!
littleBits bitSnaps
$31.77 ex GST
bitSnaps are the colour-coded, magnetic connectors found on either end of all littleBits modules. Use these to make your own modules by attaching bitSnaps to either end of your printed circuit board. They allow you to snap modules together with ease and prevent you from connecting modules the wrong way. Included in this package are 12 grey bitSnaps (6 female and 6 male connectors) and corresponding blue, pink, orange and green stickers to identify whether your new module is a power, input, wire, or output.
littleBits Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE)
$49.95 ex GST
The littleBits Bluetooth Low Energy Bit (marked "BLE" on your Bit) is the easiest way to control your inventions wirelessly, from any smart device (like a phone or tablet). All you need is the littleBits Invent app and this Bit to move motors on wireless vehicles, or trigger buzzers for pranks. You can also use your circuit to control functions on your device, like triggering the camera to take a picture.
littleBits Branch
$24.50 ex GST
The Branch Bit gives you more options for connecting your littleBits: it lets you connect the output of a single Bit to as many as three others, oriented in different directions. Use it when you want to trigger light, sound and motion at the same time.
littleBits Brick Adapter
$19.95 ex GST
The littleBits Brick Adapter enables you to easily snap littleBits modules to LEGO® bricks. Each pack comes with brick adapter studs and sockets. With brick adapter studs, your littleBits’ modules will defy gravity! Simply snap adapter underneath your bricks and press the feet of your littleBits’ modules into place. With brick adapter sockets, you can mount your littleBits’ modules on top of LEGO® bricks. Simply snap the adapter on your bricks, and press the feet of your littleBits’ modules into place.
includes 8 adapters [4 studs and 4 sockets] to fit up to 24 modules
littleBits modules can be adhered on top or below adapter
instantly add light, sound and motion to any creation
build your own LEGO® robotics or motor driven vehicle and much more
LEGO is a trademark of the LEGO Group of Companies, which does not sponsor, authorise or endorse this product.
littleBits Bright LED
$20.86 ex GST
The littleBits bright LED (or "Light-Emitting Diode") is a small module that puts out a big light. Just like our other LED modules, it's a great way to shed some light on your creations. Choose the bright LED when you want a LOT of bright white light.
The bright LED features a half watt super bright LED that responds to incoming voltages linearly. The more voltage it receives, the brighter it gets.
littleBits Button
$17.23 ex GST
The button Bit is a classic: big, round and springy for comfortable pressing! Push to turn your creation on, and release to turn it off. Snap a buzzer in place after your button to sound out signals in morse code!
The button module will make or break the signal path between two modules. When the button is pressed, the output of the module is directly connected to the signal line input. When not pressed the output of the module is weakly pulled low through a 1meg resistor.
littleBits Buzzer
$24.50 ex GST
The buzzer Bit is just what it sounds like: it makes a noise that you just can't ignore. It buzzes whenever it gets an ON signal. Try using it to make your own doorbell or alarm!
littleBits Code Kit
$617.27 ex GST
Learn how to code using the Sphero littleBits Code Kit. With this coding and electronics kit, students create games and make inventions while exploring programming and engineering concepts in the classroom. Snap together the easy-to-use building blocks and start inventing.
Includes 16 bits, 24 accessories, and helpful teacher resources mapped to Curriculum.
Complete 100+ engaging activities and 10 lessons using the free Fuse app and littleBits Classroom.
Students can work independently or in small groups of two or three per kit.
New durable storage container for easy organisation and clean up.
Get hands on with littleBits Code Kit today! Recommended for Grades 3+.
What’s in Sphero littleBits Code Kit for Kids?
1 USB power
2 buttons
1 dimmer
1 slide dimmer
1 pressure sensor
1 sound trigger
3 wires
1 branch
1 code bit
1 bargraph
1 servo (cross axle)
1 speaker
1 round LED matrix
1 Durable Storage Case
NOTE: The previous square LED matrix has been replaced by a round matrix. Some images on this page may still contain the square matrix.
littleBits Code Kit Class Pack
$5,813.64 ex GST
Engage students in computational thinking by teaching them to code their own games and physical inventions in Google Blockly with a Javascript text view!
Complete 100+ engaging activities and 10 lessons using the free Fuse app and littleBits Classroom.
Engage 20-30 Students per Bundle
10 New durable storage containers for easy organisation and clean up.
Get hands on with littleBits Code Kit today! Recommended for Grades 3+.
What’s in littleBits Code Kit Class Pack?
USB power x10
Buttons x10
Dimmer x10
Slide Dimmer x10
Pressure Sensor x10
Sound Trigger x10
3 Wires x10
branch x10
code bit x10
bargraph x10
servo (cross axle) x10
speaker x10
round LED matrix x10
Durable Storage x10
servo mount x10
bitShoes, hook & loop x120
mechanical arm, cross axle x10
XL mounting board, x10
USB Plug x10
microUSB Cable x10
powerSnap x30
twist ties x10
NOTE: The previous square LED matrix has been replaced by a round matrix. Some images on this page may still contain the square matrix.
littleBits Codebit
$84.50 ex GST
The codeBit levels up your littleBits circuits by allowing you to program how your Bits work. Using the littleBits Code Kit app you can command this Bit to create unique sounds, movements, and animations. The codeBit dongle allows you to wirelessly upload code from your computer to your codeBit. The USB cable brings power to your USB power Bit and rechargeable battery. It will also send information between certain Bits and your computer.
littleBits CodeBit Dongle
$31.77 ex GST
The codeBit dongle allows you to wirelessly upload code from your computer to your codeBit. The USB cable brings power to your USB power Bit and rechargeable battery. It will also send information between certain Bits and your computer.
littleBits Control Voltage (CV)
$68.14 ex GST
Integrate your Synth Kit with other analog synthesizers like modular synths or analog keyboards!
Control littleBits module behaviours like the pitch of oscillators, the cutoff frequency of filters and more from your analog synth gear.
Control analog synthesizers with littleBits modules, like a bend sensor, light sensor or any other input from the littleBits library to create new control interfaces for your synth.
Sync your littleBits to other gear like Korg’s Volca series.
CV stands for “control voltage” and is a widely used term in the realm of analog synthesizers. A control voltage is a variable voltage signal that is used to control module behaviors ranging from the pitch of oscillators to the cutoff setting of filters and more. The CV module can be used for both CV and Gate/Trigger type signals used in analog synthesizers. The module is suitable for interfacing with modular analog synths, analog keyboards, as well as groove boxes like the Korg Volca series. The “Sync” ports employed in the Volca series of synths can be used to make your littleBits modules play in sync with your Volcas or vice versa. The 3.5mm connection jacks should be used with mono 3.5mm plug phono cables.
CV In The CV module can scale incoming voltages as high as 12V down to the 5V system the littleBits system employs. To use the CV module to control your other littleBits modules, connect the control device to the “CV In” jack. CV signals that come in through the "CV In" jack are routed to the output bitSnap™. The "CV In" jack is a switching jack so that any CVs coming in through the input bitSnap™ are not routed to the bitSnap output. When using the CV module as an input, you can control the pitch of oscillator modules, the cutoff of filter modules, trigger the envelope module, or control the speed of the micro sequencer module (put the micro sequencer into “Step” mode for this).
CV Out To use the CV module to control your other CV enabled synthesizer equipment, connect the control device to the “CV Out” jack. CV signals received from littleBits modules at the input bitSnap™ are routed to the "CV Out" jack and the output bitSnap™.
littleBits DC Motor Tethered
$45.41 ex GST
The DC (or "direct current") motor rotates a small shaft you can attach anything to. Try attaching a wheel! Use it to spin, turn, twist, and roll.
littleBits Delay
$31.77 ex GST
The littleBits delay module takes incoming audio and repeats it, like an echo. It has two knobs: "time", which sets the delay length between a sound and its repetition, and "feedback", which controls how many times the sound repeats. Delays can be long and spacey, like shouting into the Grand Canyon, or loud and crazy. This Bits module will play forever if you turn up the Feedback knob all the way. [You can also shift the pitch of a sound by turning the "time" control while a sound is repeating.]
littleBits Dimmer
$17.23 ex GST
Our dimmer Bit lets you control your creations with a simple knob. Turn it clockwise to send more signal to the following Bits. Try using it to control how much your vibration motor is buzzing and bouncing around.
littleBits Double AND
$20.86 ex GST
The Double AND Bit is a logic gate with two inputs. Just like its name implies, it sends an ON signal from its output only when input one AND input two are both receiving an ON signal.
The AND function can be demonstrated by thinking about a door with two locks. The only way to get through this door is to unlock lock 1 AND to unlock lock 2. Otherwise you will be stuck outside.
littleBits Double OR
$20.86 ex GST
The Double OR Bit is a logic gate with two inputs. Just like its name, if input one OR input two is receiving an ON signal, then it sends an ON signal from its output.
Picture a house that has a doorbell at the front door and a doorbell at the back door. Both doorbells are connected to the same buzzer inside the house. This buzzer will ring when EITHER OR BOTH of the doorbells are pressed.
littleBits Envelope
$36.32 ex GST
The littleBits envelope modifies the loudness contour of a sound. It takes a sound input and shapes it into something you'd hear from an acoustic musical instrument, like a piano or saxophone. This envelope has two controls: "attack", which is how long it takes to ramp up to maximum volume, and "decay", which is how long it takes to go down to silence again. You can use its third bitSnap[TM] to trigger the envelope from different sources, like the keyboard. [Try it putting the envelope after an oscillator being controlled by a micro sequencer.]
littleBits Fan + Universal Mount
$32.68 ex GST
The littleBits fan Bit is just what you'd think: a small electric fan tethered to a littleBits module. It's great for those hot summer nights. Use our little fan to create fluttering movement in your creations or just to keep yourself cool.
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.