The Rib:bit is a research platform extension for the Micro:bitThis documentation is still evolving, and some details may be changed in later releases.
The rib:bit (AKA Research Innovation Badge) is a leap forward in research technology. It provides a ribbiting opportunity to democratise research by enabling data collection in 'real-world' environments, outside traditional laboratory settings. Anyone can hop into the role of research maker by inserting their micro:bit into the rib:bit and taking advantage of addition features including: real time data logging, location monitoring, and high amounts of data storage on SD cards.
The badge is battery powered, meaning it can collect data in different habitats. rib:bit is luminescent and colour changing, containing 6 buttons and lights that are programmable. At the heart of the rib:bit is the capability to connect a sensor of your choice via the mikroBUS™ port, allowing it to metamorphose into a versatile tool that can answer many research questions.
Powered By Micro:bit
Powered by the excellent Micro:bit, the Rib:bit gives you the power to do what you want without the fuss. Microsoft Makecode provides the beginner and advanced user alike with the tools you need to get up and running as quickly as possible. We provide compatible extensions to quickly and easily get your ideas running.
Wearing The Rib:bit
While its fine to leave the Rib:bit on the desk, where it really shines is when body-worn on a lanyard. To support this we have added two oversize lanyard mounting holes which should handle most types of lanyard clip.
Powering your rib:bit
There are three ways to power the Rib:bit:
- Through the Micro:bit USB connection
- From AA batteries
- From the 2mm JST connector with LiPoly battery packs
The AA batteries and JST connector are mutually exclusive, and as such cannot be used together. It is also worth noting that the Rib:bit does not charge either cell types, so an external charger will have to be used for rechargable batteries. The Rib:bit comes supplied with two single-cell AA battery holders and one 2mm JST connector and once soldered on, these prevent the use of the other type.
You can plug the Micro:bit in to USB while powering the board on a battery, so you can develop your programs without having to plug or unplug the device.
Buttons and LEDs
The Rib:bit has 6 outward-facing buttons, and 6 neopixel full-colour LEDs on its front side, arranged along the lower left and right sides. These are named L1, L2, and L3 on the left side, and correspondingly R1, R2 and R3 on the right.
Real Time Clock (RTC)
Things can change across, months, hours or even seconds! Understand ‘when’ things happen with real time logging capabilities. Calibrate time ‘in-situ’ using GPS signals or set a custom relative time offset to suit your needs. The clock stays ticking as long as the rib:bit is powered by either the batteries, or micro:bit USB connection.
MikroBUS Port
The mikroBUS™ socket adds huge versatility to rib:bit and allows for reuse across many different projects. Simply plug in a compatible click-board from an ever-expanding library and use the make-code extension to pull in data. Having a modular device with expansion capabilities allows for blue-sky research ideas to come a reality.
Long Range (LoRa) Radio
The Rib:bit features a LoRa™ long-range 868Mhz packet radio for when being able to roam far from your desk is paramount. With achievable ranges in the kilometer, this gives the Rib:bit truly metro-scale networking potential.
The included on-board chip antenna ensures that you have solid signal anywhere you take the Rib:bit, but we also include footprints for a u.FL connection to external antennas.
GPS Location Module
Explore ‘where’ things are happening with the GPS Location module. For example, are people more active in urban or rural settings? You can also learn about different environments, by logging how sensor values change from place to place. Some environments might be noisy, whilst others quiet.
Micro SD Card
The uSD port is what makes the rib:bit a data collection power house! microSD cards provide a compact way to collect and store data over long periods of time, or at high resolutions. Want to collect sensor information several times a second, across several hours? You are no longer limited to the flash memory available in the micro:bit! You can explore the data you have selected by placing the microSD card into a microSD port that is connected to your computer.
On the underside near the bottom is a single red LED which indicates that the micro-SD card is being accessed. Removing the micro-SD card while this LED is lit can cause loss or corruption of the data on the card, so try to power down the Rib:bit or ensure that your code has a mode where no writes are taking place to allow safe removal.