Overview
Tools:
- Ruller
- Scissors
- Screwdriver
- Nuts and bolts
- Rubber bands
Electronics:
- BBC Micro:Bit
- Micro:Bit adapter
- 1 x 180deg micro servo (3,3V compatible)
Building time:
30 min
Difficulty:
Medium
Project info
The Compass is an electronic project that uses the magnetometer sensor built into the BBC Micro:Bit
The magnetometer detects changes in the surrounding magnetic field. Although humans cannot sense it, we are constantly surrounded by magnetic and electromagnetic activity. The Earth’s magnetic field, generated by its molten metal core, is the most prominent.
Despite its weakness, the BBC Micro:Bit magnetometer can detect and measure the angle from the magnetic north. However, it’s sensitive to interference from nearby magnets and electronics, so calibration is required using a built-in game-like procedure preprogrammed in board firmware.
To visually represent the compass direction, we’ll use a servo motor. Since we cannot use a 360-degree servo due to alignment issues (we are unable to set it to precise angle), we’ll use a 180-degree servo, limiting the moving arrow to represent half the compass range.
Building manual
Design plan
