Alternative Android App for LittleBits W30 Bluetooth BLE

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 an app and this Bit to move motors, control servos, turn lights on and off or trigger buzzers for pranks.

My alternative LittleBits Invent app for Android described in this instructable is based on the basic connection data I found on a (Korean ?) website https://2ndproj.com A draft connection with an app from the M.I.T. ( the Massachusetts Institute of Technology) was explained here.

I updated this information, resulting in the final LittleBits W30_V1e app as described in this instructable.

Just download the Android APK file here and you can start controlling your W30 bits with an ON/OFF button, a slider value and receive input values between 0 and 100 (nice for using a temperature sensor).

The W30 bits do nothing on their own, but become powerful input and output devices through the app.

You select a control or display from the app and then connect to a bit with a tap. If you choose a control, you can remotely manipulate the output of the BLE bit to other bits, like the servo bit. It toggles between no output and full output, making the servo bit's arm rotate its full range, then return to position when you release the button. The slide control adjusts output slowly, moving the arm precisely across its range of motion.

The control and display aspects of the BLE bits require you to commit to a specific purpose and layout before you can even connect your smartphone or tablet to your invention. However, there's a lot of potential for experimentation with the bits both inside the app and out. You can build simple remote control devices like fans, lights, intruder alarms or temperature values, and keep an eye on them with your smartphone.

You can also shake your smartphone or tablet to switch the button ON or OFF.

The original app from Sphero can be downloaded here:

Gizmos & Gadgets, 2nd Edition - Apps op Google Play

Step 1: How Does It Work

To demonstrate the app I made a Littlebits setup with a power bit, a slider, the W30 bluetooth bit and a three color led bit. Power up your Littlebits project and install the app on your smartphone or tablet. The white led on the W30 bit should be blinking now.

After installing the app just click on the scan button and you will get a list of bluetooth devices in your area. Select the W30 bit by highlighting it and click the connect button. Now the led on the W30 bit will be solid green and the main control screen will show up on your device. Press the round Max. button and the W30 output will change from 0 to 100, representing 5V DC, and the led bit will light up.

Use the slider to set any value between 0 and 5V DC (value 100) on the output of the bit. Using the slider will block the button. Using another adjustable bit on the input side of the W30 bit will change the input value on screen between 0 and 100. It is also possible to shake your smartphone or tablet to switch the button ON/OFF.

Step 2: How Is It Made

This app was made with the M.I.T app inventor website. You can log in with your Google account and design the screens with all elements and the logic blocks to control these elements.

The app invent system also generates an *.aia file that can be changed and updated by other users, but it cannot be shown on their app gallery because it contains an extension (the Bluetooth BLE extension). On request I could send you this file, so you can make your own additions or changes.