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[NSW] Free Micro:Bit Kit or Arduino Coding Kit (with Creative Kids Voucher) Delivered @ Little Bird Electronics

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[NSW] Free Micro:Bit Kit or Arduino Coding Kit (with Creative Kids Voucher) Delivered @ Little Bird Electronics
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vestrosaurus on 14/08/2021 - 16:02 creative-kids.littlebird.com.au (3947 clicks)
Last edited 12/11/2021 - 20:43 by 1 other user

After seeing the Wacome Intuos Tablet deal published earlier, I thought I'd share this alternative use of the same voucher system. You can get the voucher here

Little Bird Electronics offers 2 choices to redeem the voucher on for kids to get started with coding. As well as receiving a fair amount of good physical kit, there is access to numerous tutorials specific to the kit contents.

What is Micro:Bit?

The Micro:bit V2 is a pocket-sized computer that introduces you to how software and hardware work together. It has an LED light display, buttons, sensors and many input/output features that you can program and physically interact with. The latest micro:bit adds sound sensing and playback capabilities.

What is Arduino?

The Uno R3 is a microcontroller board based on the ATmega328 chip from MicroChip. It has 14 digital input/output pins (of which 6 can be used as PWM outputs), 6 analogue inputs, a 16 MHz crystal oscillator, a USB Type B connection, a DC Power Jack, an ICSP header, and a reset button.

Not sure which to choose?

Micro:bit offers more ease of use and quality of life features so is better suited for first timers. You can code it with C++, MakeCode, Python, Scratch and use iOS apps through Bluetooth. It already has a few sensors, buttons and LEDs built in compared to the Arduino which will need these things attached separately. Micro:bit is also 32-bit vs Arduino 8-bit which may or may not matter depending on what you intend to do with it.

Side by side contents comparison
Micro:bit Kit Arduino Coding Kit
Micro:bit V2 with built in speaker & microphone Little Bird Uno R3 + USB Cable
GPIO expansion board Breadboard
Battery pack Jumper Wires
2 x AAA batteries LEDs (Multicolour RGB and single colours)
Micro USB cable Temperature Sensor
20 LEDs Push Buttons
Resistor Pack (200ohm & 10K) Potentiometer
Potentiometer Module Buzzer
Temperature and Humidity Sensor Module Servo
Tilt sensor Sound Sensor
Hall effect sensor IR Sensor
4 Digit Display IR Transmittor
Two Colour LED module IR Remote
LDR Tilt Sensor
Protective cover (random colour) Temperature and Humidity Sensor
400 Point Breadboard Relay Actuator
Premium Jumper wires Moisture Sensor
Aligator Clips Hall Effect Sensor (for detecting magnetic fields)
Alcohol Sensor
Touch Sensor
Light Sensor
Reed Switch
Flame Sensor
Plastic Case
… and more!
Electrical & Electronics Arduino Coding Electronics Kit Micro: Bit Programming

Related Stores

Little Bird Electronics
Little Bird Electronics

closed Comments

  • Sheng on 14/08/2021 - 16:14
    +3

    Damn a lot has changed. We used have to hammers nails into off-cut of wood and solder into those to make circuits. Etching copper was only just starting to be a thing during school.

    • FireRunner on 14/08/2021 - 17:22
      +4

      Back when breadboards were actually made from bread boards

  • xfelix on 14/08/2021 - 16:23
    +16

    A bit misleading. Can use NSW creative kids voucher does not mean FREE! The $100 voucher can be used lot of places and it has its $100 value. Not FREE!

    • LinkJah on 14/08/2021 - 16:34
      +1

      You can usually pick up a micro:bit for around $30. So I don't see the value here. Edit: My bad didn't see all the sensors in the kit. So probably isn't too bad.

    • hanger7 on 14/08/2021 - 16:36
      +2

      Thanks, any good suggestions for other kits under this scheme?

    • blighst on 14/08/2021 - 17:06

      Yeah, but great idea for kids if you don't know what to spend on (worst comes to worst great for adults too)

  • LinkJah on 14/08/2021 - 16:44

    I originally read it as just the micro:bit. With the inclusion of all the additional sensors, it brings the value up. Arduino may be the better value.

  • shabaka on 14/08/2021 - 17:01
    +1

    alcohol sensor with Arduino

    my fate is sealed

  • virhlpool on 14/08/2021 - 17:11

    Creative voucher is worth $100 (tax payers' money as well), so it's not free; in fact it sounds quite expensive. Can someone please confirm if this kit is worth $100 if we were to buy it without a voucher?

    • airtime on 14/08/2021 - 22:11
      +1

      The Micro:bit kit offered here can still be had from https://core-electronics.com.au/micro-bit-australia.html for $23 + $7 delivery or $30 total. The Little Bird board can be bought for $25.08 from littlebird.com.au delivered with USB cable is going to be ~$40. However this offer includes a bunch of additional gear with each kit. So potentially you could be getting closer to $70-80 value based on what is offered.

    • Averell on 14/08/2021 - 23:16

      What do you suggest to buy?
      Last year I ended up buying a "Edison v2" from a seller. I think the normal price was something like $60-$70 :-(
      We don't want to spend on classes though.
      Thanks.

    • eagerfisherman on 15/08/2021 - 16:33

      I'm a taxpayer and I approve of this $100 voucher.

      Go nuts, it's on (indirectly) me!

  • OrderedChaos on 14/08/2021 - 17:12

    Is this only for NSW residents?

    • shabaka on 14/08/2021 - 17:18
      +1

      yes. you won't be able to get the voucher in the first place if you're not a NSW resident

  • SEasternCry on 14/08/2021 - 17:45

    Microbit, Arduino or Raspberry Pi for an electronics/ coding beginner?

    • rain-e on 14/08/2021 - 19:31
      +1

      Raspberry Pi is better suited for more complex projects and Arduino is programmed with C++ but it's really flexible because of how many different variants of boards there are. Microbit is a better option if you don't know any programming imo but if you know some coding and are just looking to build something simple then I'd go with an Arduino.

    • McOzbargainer on 14/08/2021 - 20:12

      Raspberry Pi is suitable for all, you can use many different langauages ranging from easy (scratch) to advanced.

    • sp3ctr41 on 14/08/2021 - 20:45
      +1

      I wouldn't use Microbit, you'll outgrow it quickly.

      TL;DR: Think about whether you need a microcontroller or a microcomputer. They are both worth learning because they are both used for entirely different purposes. Buy the arduino uno r3 because it's cheap and easy to learn.

      I'll list some of the main differences

      Arduino Uno R3

      • Microcontroller: it executes one program, line by line. Also, the chips for microcontrollers are generally "weak", don't expect to do any video or audio transcoding on this.
      • Low power: consumes around 0.3w when it's running, means it can be used portably alot more easily.
      • Analog and Digital: Has a built-in DAC, this means you can use potentiometers, photoresistors and other analog sensors.
      • Cheaper: $5 for generic, $25 for official
      • Language: C++

      Raspberry Pi 4B

      • Microcomputer: full fledged computer, can exectue multiple programs, fast multi-core CPU capable of running videos, audio, streaming etc. Used often for HTPCs.
      • Digital only: No built-in DAC, only designed to be used with digital sensors. If you wanted to use analog sensors, you'd need to connect an external DAC.
      • High power: 5w just to have it running
      • Expensive: $70 for a Pi 4B
      • Language: Python

      As you can see, massive differences, both ecosystems come with various devices to suit different purposes these days, though, there is no arduino microcomputer yet.
      An example of this is Arduino has the Arduino Nano 33 IoT which can connect to the internet and bluetooth using the ESP32 module (built-in), which is great for reading sensors remotely, displaying dashboards, or perhaps controlling a robot, costs around $40. It's also far more capable than an arduino uno 32bit as opposed to 8bit, better processor.
      Another example is the Raspberry Pi Pico which is a microcontroller not a microcomputer, so it functions the same as an arduino. However, it is more capable than an arduino uno having a better processor, however, it is more expensive, costing around $45 and doesn't give you bluetooth or wireless. The Nano 33 IoT is better value.

      Start with the Arduino Uno R3. Here get this kit, this way you don't have to worry about any of the hardware, you can just start making stuff:
      tinyurl.com/4x2kbk2v

      • SEasternCry on 14/08/2021 - 21:56

        Bought with my ebay plus 5% off and some old gift cards as a true ozbarginer. Thanks for the detailed explanation! I've played with Arduino ages ago in school but forgot all about it. Seems to have all the components with it too and it's nice to diversify my time investments. Hope I'll grow into it again.

        Any fun project in particular you'd suggest from it?

        • sp3ctr41 on 14/08/2021 - 22:19
          +1

          The best way to learn is to make something you can actually use. You have to examine situations in your own life and think about what you'd like to automate/what would make things easier.

          Do you have a pet? You can make an automated cat/dog feeder, I made one recently, they are relatively easy to make (there are a couple of videos on youtube).

          Other things you may consider:
          * If you have plants, maybe you can make a sensor to tip you off with a light when it needs to be watered.
          * If you have fish, again, make an automated feeder.
          * Maybe make a simple clock you can put by your bedside.
          * Maybe a sensor that turns on a few LEDs under your bed when it's pitch black at night and you get out of bed to prevent toe stubbing.
          * Maybe you vape, you can use arduino to mix PG/VG/flavourings etc.
          * A sensor to check level of water in a rainwater tank if you have one.

          After you get the hang of it,
          * If you drink softdrinks/beers, you can make a little fridge using peltier elements for your desk (bit more complex, uses higher wattage).
          * Or heck, make a simple robot (bit more complicated, you'll need a bluetooth or wireless module).

          • SEasternCry on 23/08/2021 - 23:24

            @sp3ctr41: Arrived recently and am going to follow some tutorials for it. I've read the elegoo kit is better in quality and labeling. The epal kit has something soldered on top of the main arduino uno board which is kind of a pain but at least it's what I already got and the resistors are easier to distinguish since they're not blue.

            Already thinking of some projects. LED morse code, flashlight user interface, maybe even a pre-timed motor system to open black-out blinds.

      • airtime on 15/08/2021 - 10:38
        +2

        To put another viewpoint forward, I recommend the BBC Micro:bit for beginners. Keep in mind that the Micro:bit is aimed at teaching coding and STEM at primary and high school levels. While it is a great learning tool for adults as well, that is not its target demographic. But since we are talking about Creative Kids vouchers here, we are talking about suitability for kids.

        The Micro:bit comes with a large range of sensors and output devices built on the card. No additional interfacing or wiring needed. This is really important in getting kids engaged and keeping them interested. Everything from basic sensors like temperature, compass, tilt and accelerometer to Bluetooth and simple radio connectivity to other Micro:bits. As they advance, you can add a vast range of new capabilities via the GPIO interface. You can setup and interact with breadboards and components on them, learning electronics as well. There are all sorts of kits available include robotics and even a flying drone quadcopter.

        For kids, you can program in MakeCode or Scratch using a drag and drop block based approach. Then you can step up to Python, C++ , etc.

        If you are a really engaged and curious programmer you can play with the OS - the DAL/CODAL on the V2 or V1 - and unleash even more opportunities. You aren't going to get bored.

        The Micro:bit was never designed to be a Raspberry Pi - it doesn't have the RAM or storage to run a large OS and associated userspace programs, so don't expect that. But otherwise, for $30 delivered it is an amazing device and will keep kids and adults engaged for a long time if they have the interest.

        Edit: another selling point of the Micro:bit and its ease of use is the WebUSB interface. You can plug Micro:bits into your PC/Mac and program/interact with them directly from your browser / websites. No drag and drop of programs , etc. (although you can do that too). Just plug-n-play as they say. This is especially important for primary school level (and teachers) - most kids and teachers are comfortable using a website. But having to introduce intermediate mechanisms to get executable content onto a device can be detrimental at that level. So, thumbs up for WebUSB as well.

  • chrisher78 on 14/08/2021 - 17:46

    Thanks OP. Two active kids vouchers used for both kits (2 kids). Good deal, when its hard to use those active kids vouchers, especially in these lockdown times!

    • Sheng on 14/08/2021 - 18:59
      +1

      Wait you can use "Active Kids" and not "Creative kids"?

      • Jackson on 15/08/2021 - 09:09

        I would feel like this is the opposite of "active"

        • Sheng on 15/08/2021 - 12:53

          I need to see if the payment is processed.. I'll wait for an update from op.

      • chrisher78 on 18/08/2021 - 16:08

        Apologise. It was the creative kids vouchers I used. I didn’t get any confirmation email from the company so see what happens!

  • mrtee on 14/08/2021 - 19:23

    What she range does this cover

  • hackups on 14/08/2021 - 19:31

    It really depends if you want your kids do art or do STEM

    • Jxdos on 15/08/2021 - 16:06

      Depends if you want their degree in 20 years to be toilet paper or not toilet paper.

  • AndyC1 on 14/08/2021 - 20:01
    +1

    I just went to Jaycar on Friday to get a Micro:Bit for my son he can play with a physical Micro:Bit instead of using the simulator… One day to late for the MB, but the Arduino seems like the intermediate H/W between the MB and RPi. I also bought some parts that work on both the Arduino and RPi as I have two working RPi's (3B and 4 2GB).

  • Succulent on 14/08/2021 - 22:04
    +2

    Thanks OP, never knew about this voucher!

    Ended up getting This for my kid though, as he is a bit too young for the Micro/Arduino

    • 51ngh on 15/08/2021 - 01:02

      ordered one as well, thanks

  • Averell on 14/08/2021 - 23:25
    +2

    Anyone know whether I can use the voucher to buy STEM/Art books for my kids?

    There are many companies out there selling stuff like colour pencils set, drawing tools,… or some recorded training sessions, which have RRP of $50-60 for that $100 voucher. :-( feelijg waste of tax payers' money

    • Jackson on 15/08/2021 - 09:13
      +1

      It's like any time the govt gives away free money, people start buying stuff they never heard of before and the price jacking begins. No way I would be buying art supplies with this money.

      Does anyone know if these kits are actually worth 100? There was a Micro:bit kit last week for under 30 and people were saying it was fully featured.

      Edit: someone has answered above they reckon 70-80 which if true isn't too bad, but you might still be better off just forking out 30 bucks cash for a basic system and finding out if your kid is interested first

  • khued on 15/08/2021 - 12:24

    Waiting to use creative kids voucher on raspberry pi 4 8gb.

    • Averell on 15/08/2021 - 13:02

      Has this option ever been available before?

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