mi:node

User Manual

User Manual V3.2

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 Table of Contents
1) Introduction ....................................................................................................................................................... 3
1.1 Overview .................................................................................................................................................... 3
1.2 Features ..................................................................................................................................................... 3
1.3 Kit Contents ................................................................................................................................................ 3

2) Getting Started ................................................................................................................................................... 4

2.1 The Connector Board ................................................................................................................................. 5
2.2 E-Brick Connectors ..................................................................................................................................... 5
2.3 Inputs ......................................................................................................................................................... 5
a) Analog In/PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) ............................................................................................... 6
b) Digital IO ..................................................................................................................................................... 6
c) I2C (Inter-Integrated Circuit) ...................................................................................................................... 6
2.4 Pin Mapping ............................................................................................................................................... 7

3) Usage.................................................................................................................................................................. 8
3.1 Programming Using mi:node ..................................................................................................................... 8
3.2 Working With mi:node Libraries ................................................................................................................ 8
3.3 Working Without mi:node Libraries......................................................................................................... 11
3.4 Module Usage & API Reference ............................................................................................................... 11
a) Light Sensor .............................................................................................................................................. 11
b) Temperature and Humidity Sensor (DHT11)............................................................................................ 13
c) Sound Sensor ........................................................................................................................................... 16
d) Rotary Module ......................................................................................................................................... 17
e) Mini Fan Module ...................................................................................................................................... 20
f) Speaker Module ....................................................................................................................................... 21
g) PIR Sensor Module ................................................................................................................................... 22
h) RGB LED Module ...................................................................................................................................... 25
i) Switch Module ......................................................................................................................................... 26
j) Relay Module ........................................................................................................................................... 29

4) Appendix .......................................................................................................................................................... 31
4.1 Microsoft MakeCode................................................................................................................................ 31
4.2 Support..................................................................................................................................................... 31

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1) Introduction
1.1 Overview
The mi:node kit is a modular, safe and easy to use group of accessories that work along the BBC
micro:bit to help introduce children to the Internet of Things (IoT) – a term created to describe
the growing network of devices that are able to connect to the Internet, collect data and
exchange information.

With this kit there is no need for soldering, just connect and use. The construction of a working
circuit can be easily completed in less than one minute.

1.2 Features
 Includes sensors for environmental and physical monitoring, as well as user interface modules
(such as a switch) to allow a number of exciting projects including wearable applications and
smart home devices.
 Rich education guide with lesson documentation and many project stories.
 Expandable
 Reusable

1.3 Kit Contents

Image 1.3 – mi:node Kit Contents

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 Category # Module Qty Connector Type Description
Connect A bridge between the micro:bit and the
1 Connect Board 1 NA
Board mi:node sensor modules
Detects the intensity of light in an
2 Light Sensor 1 Analog Input
environment
Analog Output/
3 Speaker 1 Voice output amplifier
PWM
Temperature and Senses temperature and humidity
4 1 Analog Input
Humidity Sensor within the environment
Detects the sound strength within an
5 Sound Sensor 1 Analog Input
environment
A connector board for the DC Motor and
Analog Output/
6 Mini Fan 1 Orbit Fan
PWM
Sensor
Modules A digital switch used to control high-
(10) 7 Relay 1 Digital Output voltage electrical devices, up to a
maximum of 250V
A switch with a 0 - 300 degree dial used
8 Rotary Angle 1 Analog Input to control voltage output from 0V to
maximum
Senses motion; usually human
9 PIR Motion Sensor 1 Digital Input
movement within range
10 Switch 1 Digital Input Used to switch voltage ON/OFF
A colorful Light Emitting Diode. The
11 RGB LED 1 Digital Output color and brightness can be
programmed.
Small handheld fan (Located under the
12 Orbit Fan 1 Analog Input
Connect Board in the box)

Accessories Direct Current (DC) motor used to run

Analog Output/ the Orbit Fan using the Mini Fan
13 DC Motor 1
PWM connector board. Can be used to run
other small devices as well.
Double ended cables of two different
lengths used to connect sensor modules
E-Brick Connector to the Connect Board.
14 8 N/A
Cable
2 x 20cm cable
Cables
6 x 10cm cable
Two cables, One for power input to the
Micro-USB to USB
15 2 N/A Connect Board.
Cable
One for micro:bit program upload.
Table 1.3 – Kit Contents
* Note: BBC micro:bit not include; sold separately.

2) Getting Started
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 2.1 The Connector Board
The kit is comprised of a Connector Board and several sensor modules. The Connect Board is a
bridge between the BBC micro:bit and the mi:node sensor modules. It converts the BBC
micro:bit edge connector into several e-brick connectors. The sensor modules can then easily
be attached to it using the provided e-brick cables.

Image 2.1 – mi:node Connect Board

2.2 E-Brick Connectors
E-Brick Connectors are compatible with Grove –a standardized connector for prototyping
systems created by the company called Seeed. This connector enables the mi:node to be a plug-
and-play type product. The E-Brick Connectors each have 4 pins which connect directly to the E-
Brick Connector Cables.

Image 2.2 – E-Brick Connector Cable

E-Brick Connector Pin-Out:
Pin No. Pin Name Description
(Cable Color)
This is a communication pin. It allows you to connect to the
1 analog input, digital input/output, and the I2C functionality
Signal #1
(Yellow) of the micro:bit so that you can read from and control your
mi:node sensor modules.
This pin is a duplicate of Pin No. 1 described above.
2
Signal #2 Note: Usually only one communication pin is required for
(White)
most sensors.
3
Vcc Power connection.
(Red)
4
Gnd Ground connection.
(Black)
Table 2.2 – E-Brick Connector Pin-Out

2.3 Inputs

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 There are 3 different data transfer types between the E-Brick Connectors on the mi:node
Connector Board.

Image 2.3 – mi:node Connector Board 2

a) Analog In/PWM (Pulse Width Modulation)

Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) is a technique used to encode a message into a pulsing
signal. Its main use is to allow the control of the power supplied to electrical devices, such
as motors.

Pin Name Description

A0 Connects to a micro:bit pin with analog input or PWM function
A1 Connects to a micro:bit pin with analog input or PWM function
A2 Connects to a micro:bit pin with analog input or PWM function

b) Digital IO
Pin Name Description
D12 Connects to a micro:bit pin with digital IO (input or output) function
D13 Connects to a micro:bit pin with digital IO (input or output) function
D14 Connects to a micro:bit pin with digital IO (input or output) function
D15 Connects to a micro:bit pin with digital IO (input or output) function

c) I2C (Inter-Integrated Circuit)

This is a form of electronic communication standard that requires two signals, a data
signal and a clock signal. It allows information to be sent in packages, on what is called a
bus, to and from the BBC micro:bit and any attached sensor modules.
It also allows you to communicate to several sensor modules using the same bus. This is

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 done by identifying each sensor module with a different address.

Pin Name Description

I2C SCL I2C clock signal. Connect to micro:bit pin19
I2C SDA I2C data signal. Connect to micro:bit pin20

2.4 Pin Mapping

Pin mapping is done to ensure the outputs from the mi:node E-Connector pins are correctly
connected (or ‘mapped’)to the corresponding pins of the BBC micro:bit edge-connector. Below
is a table illustrating the mi:node Pin Mapping.

Connector Type Connector Name micro:bit Pin Name

Analog Input /Digital IO A0 pin0, pin1
A1 pin1, pin2
A2 pin2, pin3
Digital IO D12 pin12, pin13
D13 pin13, pin14
D14 pin14, pin15
D15 pin15, pin16
I2C I2C pin19, pin20
I2C pin19, pin20
I2C pin19, pin20
Table 2.4 – Pin Mapping

Typically using names that start with the letter ‘A’ (like A0,A1, A2) denote ANALOG inputs, but
these connections can sometimes also be used as digital inputs or outputs.

Names starting with the letter ‘D’ can only be used to denote DIGITAL inputs and outputs. This is
similar to the I2C in that it can only be used to denote I2C connections.

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3) Usage
3.1 Programming Using mi:node
There are five different code editors to choose from on the BBC micro:bit official website.
 Microsoft PXT

 Code Kingdoms JavaScript

 Microsoft Block Editor

 Microsoft Touch Develop

 python

In this document we will focus on using the Microsoft PXT editor.

3.2 Working With mi:node Libraries

The mi:node has pre-created libraries that you can utilize for free. Working with these libraries
saves the time of having to study the technical details of each module before beginning to
program.

For example, the RGB LED module works using I2C communication. By utilizing the already-
created mi:node library, you just need to call the RGB LED library function to control color and
brightness. You don’t have to worry about the details of how the I2C communication does this.

With the pre-created libraries you also don't need to think about which micro:bit pin a mi:node
sensor module connects to. You only need to know the name of the connector that your sensor
module and E-Brick Cable is connected to.

Steps to follow:

 Go to https://makecode.microbit.org

 Add the mi:node library to your code

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 a) Click “More…” and select “Add Package…” from the drop down menu.

Image 3.2a – Click “Add Package…”

b) Type “minode” or “node”, then select the search button.

You can also enter the following project URL:

https://github.com/minodekit/pxt-minode before selecting the search button.

Both options will pull up the mi:node library package.

Select the “minode” library to add it to your project.

Image 3.2b – Search the package and add it

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 c) After selecting the mi:node library, wait a moment and you will see it being added to your
project. This may take a few seconds.

Image 3.2c–mi:node packed added

 Refer to the example code or API reference and drag the library blocks you want to use into
your project space.

Image 3.2c– mi node package

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 3.3 Working Without mi:node Libraries
You can also use the micro:bit pin library to control the sensor modules directly. To do so, the
micro:bit pin ID is required. This ID can be found using the E-brick connector ID and the lookup
table shown in Table 2.4 – Pin Mapping above.

For example, if you connect a sensor module to D12 on the Connector Board, from the table you
can see that this connector corresponds to pin12 on the micro:bit.

Connector Type Connector Name micro:bit Pin Name

Digital IO D12 pin12, pin13

3.4 Module Usage & API Reference

This section describes the main uses for each of the mi:node sensor modules and the API
(Application Program Interface) references required to carry them out.

a) Light Sensor
The Light Sensor module can be used to detect the intensity of light in the surrounding
environment.

Image 3.4a – Light Sensor Module

This module requires an analog connection, therefore can only be plugged into A0, A1, or
A3 on the Connector Board.

Module Connect Type Available Connectors

Light Sensor Analog A0, A1, A2

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 Electrical Characteristics

Parameter Min. Typical Max. Unit

Photoresistor (light intensity is 10lux) 5 - 10 kΩ
Threshold hysteresis ΔUth - VCC*0.09 - V

Block API:

Obtaining the Light Level

The light sensor module divides brightness into five distinct levels, 1 – 5, with one being
the brightest and five being the most dull.

Function
LightSensorGetLevel(connName: AnalogConnName): number;

Parameters
‘ConnName’ is the analog connector's name.

Light Sensing Event

This function is used to check the light level periodically and then execute the associated
code block whenever the light level changes.

Function
onLightSensorEvent(connName: AnalogConnName, body: () => void): void;

Parameters
‘ConnName’ is the analog connector's name.

EXAMPLE:

Display Light Level

This example shows you how to get the current light level and display it on the LED screen.

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 Light Level Change Notification

This example displays the word ‘Change’ on the LED screen whenever the light level
changes.

b) Temperature and Humidity Sensor (DHT11)

This sensor module features a temperature & humidity sensor with a calibrated digital
signal output. It can measure temperature and humidity in the surrounding environment.

Image 3.4b – Temperature& Humitity Sensor Module

Module Connect Type Available Connectors

DHT11 Digital IO D12, D13, D14, D15

Electrical Characteristics
Humidity

Parameter Min. Typical Max. Unit

Accuracy (25℃) - ±4 - %RH
Accuracy (0-50℃) - - ±5 %RH
Measurement range (25℃) 20 - 95 %RH
Response time: 1/e (63%) 25℃，1m/s air 6 10 15 s

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 Temperature

Parameter Min. Typical Max. Unit

Accuracy ±1 - ±2 ℃
Measurement range 0 - 50 ℃
Response time /e (63%) 6 30 s

Block API

Measure Temperature

Obtain the current temperature. This value can be configured the format of Celsius or
Fahrenheit.

Function
DHTGetTemperature(connName: ConnName, style: DHTTemStyle): number;

Parameters
‘ConnName’ is the connector's name.

‘style’ is the format of the temperature. You can choose Celsius or Fahrenheit.

Measure Humidity

Obtain the current humidity.

Function
DHTGetHumidity(connName: ConnName): number;

Parameters
‘ConnName’ is the connector's name.

Temperature Change Event

Check the temperature periodically and execute the associated code block whenever the
temperature changes. The smallest detectable unit of change is 1 degree Celsius.

Function
onDHTEvent(connName: ConnName, body: () => void): void;

Parameters
‘ConnName’ is the analog connector's name.

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 EXAMPLE:
Pressing Buttons to Display Temperature and Humidity
This example shows you how to use Buttons A and B to obtain the temperature and
humidity of the surrounding environment. When Button A is press the screen will show
the current temperature. When Button B is pressed, it will show the humidity

Temperature Change Notification – Smiley Face

Display a smiley face on the LED screen when the temperature changes.

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 c) Sound Sensor
The Sound Sensor Module can be used to detect the sound strength of the surrounding
environment.

Image 3.4c – Sound Sensor Module

Module Connect Type Available Connectors

Sound Sensor Analog A0, A1, A2

Electrical Characteristics
Parameter Min. Typical Max. Unit
Frequency range 100 - 10000 Hz
Sensitivity - -50 - dB

Block API:

Sound Sensor Event

Check if there were any noise periodically and execute the associated code block
whenever it detected a noise. It can be triggered by clapping your hand.

Function
onMICEvent(connName: AnalogConnName, body: () => void): void;

Parameters
‘ConnName’ is the analog connector's name.

EXAMPLE:

Noise detect Notification

When a noise is detected, the word ‘Change’ is displayed on the LED screen.

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 d) Rotary Module
The Rotary Module has a potentiometer that can produce analog output between 0 and
Vcc (the supply voltage). This is done by turning the dial, adjusting the range from 0 – 300
degrees.

Image 3.4d – Rotary Module

Module Connect Type Available Connectors

Rotary Sensor Analog A0, A1, A2

Electrical Characteristics
Parameter Min. Typical Max. Unit
Resistance range 0 - 10 kΩ

Block API

Obtain the Rotary Position

Determine the current rotary position, the percentage of how much the rotary dial has
been rotated from its zero position.

Function
RotaryGetPercentage(connName: AnalogConnName): number;

Parameters
‘ConnName’ is the analog connector's name.

Rotary Position Event

Check the angle of the rotary dial periodically and then execute the associated code block
when a dial change occurs.

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 Function
onRotaryEvent(connName: AnalogConnName, body: () => void): void;

Parameters
‘ConnName’ is the analog connector's name. This module can only be plugged into
analog connector A0,A1 and A2.

EXAMPLE:

Display Rotary Angle Percentage

This example shows you how to get the current rotary angle percentage and display it on
the LED screen.

Controlling the LED Screen – Smiley Face

When the rotary percentage is smaller than 50%no LEDs will be lit on the screen. When
the percentage is larger than 50% the LEDs will light up in the form of a smiley face.

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 Rotary Change Notification – Smiley Face

While rotating the rotary dial, the LED screen will display a smiley face. When the dial is
stationary, no LEDs will be lit on screen.

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 e) Mini Fan Module
The mini fan module is designed to be used with the DC motor and Orbit Fan. The speed
of the motor can be controlled according to different situations.

Image 3.4e – Mini Fan Module with DC Motor and Orbit Fan

Module Connect Type Available Connectors

Mini Fan Module Analog A0, A1, A2

Block API

Control the Motor Speed

To change the speed of the motor/fan, adjust the second parameter value to a number
within the range of 0 to 100.

Function
FanControl_1(connName:AnalogConnName , speed:number): void

Parameters
‘ConnName’ is the analog connector's name.

‘Speed’ is the velocity of the motor; where 0 is used to stop the motor and 100 is
the fastest speed.

EXAMPLE:
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 Use the Button to Control Motor Speed

This example demonstrate show to use Button A and B to control the motor speed.
Button A tells the motor to speed up and Button B tells the motor to slow down.

f) Speaker Module
The Speaker can be used to make a sound.

NOTE: As a default, the speaker is connected through pinP0 of the micro:bit, therefore it is
important to connect the speaker module to Connector A0.

Image 3.4f – Speaker Module

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 Module Connect Type Available Connectors
Speaker Module Analog A0

EXAMPLE:

Play a Sound Through the Speaker

The speaker will cycle through three sounds/beats.

g) PIR Sensor Module

This PIR (passive infrared sensor) module detects movement, usually human, within its
range. When the PIR detects motion the modules acts like a switch, the signal line will
change from low to high and then stay high for 3 seconds before dropping back to low.

Image 3.4g – PIR Sensor Module

Module Connect Type Available Connectors

PIR Module Digital IO D12, D13, D14, D15

Electrical Characteristics

Parameter Min. Typical Max. Unit

Detection angle(solid angle) - - 110 °
Detection range - - 7 m
Delay time of high level - 2.5 - s

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 Block API

Check the PIR status

Check whether the PIR module has been triggered or not. When the PIR module is
triggered the signal line will be detected as high.

Function
PIRIsTriggered(connName: ConnName): boolean;

Parameters
‘ConnName’ is the connector's name.

PIR Detection Event

This code block configures the selected specified pin for a digital input and then executes
the associated code block whenever the PIR is triggered (movement is detected).

Function
onPIREvent(connName: ConnName, body: () => void): void;

Parameters
‘ConnName’ is the connector's name.

EXAMPLE:

Detecting Movement – Smiley Face

When the PIR detects a moving object, the LED screen will show a smiley face. When
there is no movement detected within the PIR modules range no LEDs will be lit.

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 h) RGB LED Module
This module includes an LED that can display a number of different colors. The color and
brightness can be programmed and are controlled by the greyscale value of red, green
and blue.

Image 3.4h – RGB LED Module

Module Connect Type Available Connectors

RGB LED Digital IO D12, D13, D14, D15

Block API

Choose a Pre-Coded Color

The color the RGB LED displays can be selected.

Function
RGBChooseColor(connName: ConnName, color: MiNodeColor): void;

Parameters
‘ConnName’ is the analog connector's name.

‘Color’ is your choice of one color from the following pre-coded mi:node colors: Red,
Green, Blue, Yellow, Pink, Cyan or White.

Select Any Color

To change the color of the RGB, adjust the three greyscale values.

Function
RGBSetColor(connName: ConnName, red: number, green: number, blue: number):
void;

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 Parameters
‘ConnName’ is the analog connector's name.

‘red’ is the greyscale value of red, ranging from 0 to 255.

‘green’ is the greyscale value of green, ranging from 0 to 255.

‘blue’ is the greyscale value of blue, ranging from 0 to 255.

EXAMPLE:

Use Button A and B to Display Pre-Coded Colors

When you press button A the RGB LED will light up red. Pressing Button B will cause the
RGB LED to turn green.

Use Button A and B to Display Any Color

This example shows you how to set a specific color for Button A and B.

i) Switch Module
The switch module can used to switch between two options (ie. on/off).

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 Image 3.4i – Switch Module

Module Connect Type Available Connectors

Switch Module Digital IO D12, D13, D14, D15

Block API

Check the switch's status

Check whether the switch is open or closed.

Function
switchIsOpened(connName: ConnName): boolean;

Parameters
‘ConnName’ is the connector's name.

Switch Event
This code block configures the specified pin for a digital input and then executes the
associated code block whenever the switch is either opened or closed, as selected.

Function
onSwitchEvent(connName: ConnName, event: SwitchEvent, body: () => void): void;

Parameters
‘ConnName’ is the analog connector's name.

‘SwitchEvent’ represent the status of switch; either open or closed.

EXAMPLE:

Switch Control – Smiley Face

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 If the switch is opened, the LED screen will show a smile face. If the switch if closed, the
LED screen will not be illuminated.

Display Switch Status

In this example we use the switch event to display the status of the switch, whether it is
open or closed. When the switch is open the led screen will display the word 'Open'.
When the switch is closed it will display the word 'Close'.

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 j) Relay Module
The relay is an electrically operated switch. It is a digital switch that can be used to control
high-voltage electrical devices, such as some home appliances. (Up to a maximum of
250V).

*IMPORTANT: It can be dangerous to attach the relay module to an AC(110V/220V)

device. Our purpose for this module is to illustrate how home appliances can be
controlled. It is NOT necessary to connect a real appliance. A ‘clicking’ sound can be
heard when the relay switches ON/OFF.

Image 3.4j – Relay Module

Module Connect Type Available Connectors

Relay Module Digital IO D12, D13, D14, D15

Electrical Characteristics
Parameter Description
Contact Rating NO:5A250VAC/28VDC
NC:3A 250VAC/28VDC
Operate Voltage ≤ V dc 2.25
Release Voltage ≥ V dc 0.3

Block API
Set Relay Status
Use this code block to set the relay module's status to open or close.

Function
RelayControl(connName:ConnName , status:FanStatus): void

Parameters
‘ConnName’ is the connector's name.

‘status’ is the status of the relay open or close.

EXAMPLE:

Control the Relay using Button A and B

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 In this example pressing Button A will set the relay to the open position. Pressing Button B
will set the relay to the closed position.

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4) Appendix
4.1 Microsoft MakeCode
 Home: https://makecode.microbit.org

 Reference: https://makecode.microbit.org/reference

 MakeCode (PXT) Documentation: https://makecode.com/docs

4.2 Support
 Website: http://www.embest-tech.com/prod_view.aspx?TypeId=83&Id=383&Fid=t3:83:3

 Github Repository: http://github.com/minodekit

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