4tronix Bit:Bot Pro Robot for BBC micro:bit

Introducing the all-new BitBot Pro, the newest version of the beloved BitBot! It features an advanced on-board processor for precise motor control and sensor resolution of 100+ pulses per centimeter, making driving in a straight line easier than ever before.

With upgraded sounder and line follower sensors, improved power supply circuit, and extra mounting holes, you can now easily customize your own creations with the 4tronix Bit:Bot Pro Robot. Plus, its integrated InfraRed receiver allows for responsive remote control using the optional 4tronix InfraRed remote. Please note that the remote is not paired to any specific BitBot Pro, so all nearby units in line of sight will receive the same commands.

Features

Updated Makecode Extension

The updated extension includes support for all the new features:

• Enhance your robot's movement with new blocks that allow for precise control of the wheels. Easily move in a straight line for a specific distance, rotate at a chosen angle, or even follow a curved path with a user-defined arc and angle. Plus, easily track the distance and angle your robot has moved.
• Enhance your Bit:Bot Pro Robot's line detection capabilities with new Digital and Analog line sensor blocks. Adjust threshold values automatically or manually to help you accurately follow lines. Plus, combine all line sensor inputs into a single value, ranging from -100 on the far left, through 0 at the center, to +100 on the far right.
• Enhance your Bit:Bot Pro Robot with new sound blocks that allow you to easily adjust the volume, pitch, and duration of your robot's sound effects. Don't forget, the sounder is also compatible with Makecode Music blocks for even more musical possibilities.
• Introducing new InfraRed receiver blocks: event-driven blocks that activate when certain keys are pressed, and allow you to test the last key pressed.

Smart Motors

Now with an on-board processor and hall effect sensors on each wheel, BitBot can move more accurately than ever before:

• 100 pulses per centimetre gives great accuracy.
• Drive in straight lines.
• Move a specified distance accurately.
• Turn whatever angle you define in degrees.
• Move in an Arc - you specify the radius of the arc and the angle to turn.
• Retrieve the number of pulses and/or the angle turned.
• All handled by the on-board processor.
• The chunky and grippy wheels have been modified so they cannot be pushed on too far.

More Sensitive Line Sensors

We have changed the type of line sensors to be analog and more accurate as well as adding a third, central, sensor.

• You can still use the sensors in digital mode.
• In digital mode you can define the threshold levels (and hysteresis) that separates black from white - stored permanently.
• There is also an automatic calibration routine that can be run on command to set the threshold levels - stored permanently.
• The Makecode Extension includes a block that merges all the line sensor data into a single "Line "Position" that can be used for a super simple line follower program.
  

Updated Buzzer

The Buzzer is now much louder (controllable) and driven directly from the Microbit "Music" blocks, providing an almost endless way to program it.

• Use the standard "Buzzer On" and "Buzzer Off" commands without change.
• The volume and pitch of the Buzzer can now be set in the program.
• Use the Microbit Music blocks to play music, or police sirens, etc.

More Mounting Points

We have added more holes to be used as fixing points for your own creations.

• All new mounting holes fit M2.5 nuts and bolts etc. (except the existing M2 holes at the front).
• Use the 2 "servo" connection points for servos or other accessories that can connect directly to Microbit Pins 1 and 2.

Built-in InfraRed Receiver

We have included the IR receiver in every BitBot Pro and is integrated into the Makecode extension. Note however that the InfraRed Keypad is an optional item.

• Use the 17 button mini keypad (optional) to send commands to the BitBot Pro.
• Program the BitBot Pro with the very easy to use InfraRed blocks in our Makecode extension.

Compatibility

Of course, all the popular features of the BitBot XL continue to be present.

• Same outline and dimensions as the BitBot XL.
• Same chunky, grippy wheels - except with end stops so they get fitted correctly every time.
• Same 12 fully addressable RGB FireLeds.
• Similar metal gear motors, but higher torque (slower speed - more accurate) and with hall effect magnetic encoders and sensors.
• Same front connector compatible with all existing breakouts (Ultrasonic, 5x5 RGB Matrix, BitFace, 128x64 OLED, etc.).
• Same twin analog light sensors.
• Same operation with easy to obtain and long lasting 3xAA batteries (can be rechargeable batteries or alkaline).
• The updated BitBot Makecode extension works with all versions of BitBot (Classic, XL and now the BitBot Pro).