Wifibrick

Wifibrick (HKBM8012O)

Introduction

Wifibrick is an expansion module for Kittenbot’s Powerbrick.

As the name suggests, this module provides a method for Micro:bit to connect to the internet, allowing it to connect to various IoT platforms such as ThingSpeak, MakerCloud or OneNet.

../../_images/wifi-01-1.png

Appearance-wise, it is largely identical to the Temperature and Humidity Module, with the exception of a logo printed on the Wifibrick.

../../_images/wifi-02.png

Specifications

  • Voltage: 3.3-5V

  • Current: ~65mA

  • Dimensions: 56 (L) x 25 (W) x 20 (H)

  • Connector: 4Pin PH2.0

  • Supports STA/AP/STA+AP

  • Supports Smart Config

../../_images/wifi-05-1.png

Special Features

  • Micro:bit compatible Wifi modules are rare in the market, therefore Kittenbot has developed the firmware and MakeCode extension.

  • With a built-in indicator LED, connection status can be read.

  • The PH2.0 Cable prevents incorrect connection.

    ../../_images/wifi-04-1.png

  • Lego Pin connectors are installed into the sides and the back of the module, making it very easy to integrate into different models.

    ../../_images/wifi-09-1.png

Pin out Explaination

On the back of the WifiBrick, the pin out is labelled as G, V, A, B.

../../_images/wifi-22-1.png

The functions of the 4 pins are as follows:

../../_images/wifi-23-1.png

Tx = Transmit(Tx) Data

Rx = Receive(Rx) Data

Connecting the module

../../_images/wifi-06-1.png

There are numerous ways to connect the Wifibrick to a Micro:bit, it is recommended to use Kittenbot’s expansion boards.

Details are as follows:

Armourbit

Armourbit is an expansion box designed for Micro:bit. Wifibrick can be connected to Armourbit using a 4Pin cable.

../../_images/wifi-07-1.png

Armourbit Details

The 2 ends of the cable are both PH2.0.

../../_images/wifi-08-1.png

Connect Wifibrick to the Port 1(Requires turning off the buzzer) to Port 4 of the Armourbit using the cable.

In this figure, Port 2 is used, this corresponds to P1 and P12 of the Micro:bit.

../../_images/wifibrick_armourbit.png

Wiring Details:

../../_images/wifi-12-1.png

In MakeCode programming, choose Armourbit Port.

../../_images/armourbit.png

Robotbit Edu

Robotbit Edu

Using a PH2.0 to Dupont Cable, connect the Dupont pins to the Serial Port on Robotbit Edu.

../../_images/wifi-16-1.png

../../_images/wifibrick_edu.png

In this figure, Pin 2 and Pin 12 is used.

Select P2 as Tx and P12 as Rx in MakeCode programming.

../../_images/edu2.png

Wiring Details:

../../_images/wifi-18-1.png

Robotbit 2.2

Robotbit is a popular Micro:bit expansion board by Kittenbot, it supports a wide variety of modules including Wifibrick.

Robotbit Details

Using a PH2.0 to Dupont Cable, connect the Dupont pins to G, V and 2 signal pins on the Robotbit.

../../_images/wifi-16-1.png

../../_images/wifibrick_robotbit.png

In this figure, Pin 2 and Pin 12 is used.

Select P2 as Tx and P12 as Rx in MakeCode programming.

../../_images/edu2.png

Wiring Details:

../../_images/wifi-18-1.png

IoBit

IoBit is a basic Micro:bit extension board by Kittenbot, Wifibrick is supported on this board.

The connection method is identical to Robotbit. Using a PH2.0 to Dupont Cable, connect the Dupont pins to G, V and 2 signal pins on the IoBit.

In this figure, Pin 2 and Pin 12 is used.

../../_images/iobit.png

Programming Tutorials

WifiBrick Programming Tutorials for different platforms are available in the following segment.

MakeCode Programming

WifiBrick Indicator

  1. The Red light turns on when Wifibrick is powered on. Wifibrick/wifibrick/introimage/led1.png

  2. A Blue light will flash when connecting to the WiFi. Wifibrick/wifibrick/introimage/led2.png

  3. All lights will turn off when the above is done. Wifibrick/wifibrick/introimage/led3.png

  4. A green light turns on when it is connected to the MQTT platform. Wifibrick/wifibrick/introimage/led4.png