Introduction: Microbit Remotable Dog Toy Using Kitronik MOVE Kit
Trying to make a toy for my dog, I want the toy attract my dog and movable. I decided to use the micro:bit MOVE mini kits provided by Kitronik since micro:bit is able to connect with bluetooth, I can control the toy with my phone or tablet (for Android system only).
Aims:
- Create attractive dog toy with light effect.
- Make the toy able to hold dog treats.
- Program the toy to move automatic.
- Allow the toy control by remote.
Here's my dog playing with the remote-control artifact:
Step 1: Equipment Required
Parts needed
- BBC micro:bit https://microbit.org/
- Kirtronik :MOVE mini buggy kit https://www.kitronik.co.uk/5624-move-mini-buggy-kit-excl-microbit.html
- 3 X AAA battery
- empty plastic bottle
Tools needed
- phillips screwdriver
- scissors double sided tape
Remote app: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.kitronik.blemove
Both hex files needed are included in the discussion about the code. Alternatively you can see both scripts at the following links;
Move automatic: https://www.kitronik.co.uk/blog/drawing-move-mini-...
Remote by Bluetooth app: https://www.kitronik.co.uk/blog/adding-bluetooth-r...
Headlight LED flashing: https://www.kitronik.co.uk/blog/automatic-headligh...
Step 2: Build the :MOVE Mini
Follow the manual to build the :MOVE mini buggy: https://www.kitronik.co.uk/pdf/move-mini-instructi...
or this Product Showcase of how to assembling the :MVOE mini buggy:
Step 3: Add Dog Treat Tray to the MOVE Mini
- Cut the top of the water bottle.
- Stick the plastic tray on the MOVE mini with double sided tape
- put your dog's favor treat in the tray
Step 4: Program the Toy to Move Automatically
Using Makecode to program the toy
This code is for automatically move with or without LED lights flashing: https://makecode.microbit.org/_KrufXRXMD55o
Red flashlight animation when press Button A:
No light when press Button B:
The code is generalize from: https://www.kitronik.co.uk/blog/drawing-move-mini...
Step 5: Adding Bluetooth Remote Control to the Toy
This code allow you control the toy with an Android device: https://makecode.microbit.org/_5kk6P0Hu9AbH
Smile face show up after micro:bit connect to your device, arrows show when you control the toy with the app code generalize from: https://www.kitronik.co.uk/blog/adding-bluetooth-...
You can download the remote app (for Android only) from: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com....
Step 6: Pairing Micro:bit With Android Device
Follow the steps from this tutorial to pairing your micro:bit with your device and app (Android only):
Step 7: Add Decoration (optional)
You can decorate your toy with more dog treats.