Troubleshooting Bluetooth Issues with the BBC Micro:Bit
Bluetooth connectivity with the BBC Micro:Bit is a common challenge for many users. Whether you’re a teacher managing multiple devices in a classroom or an individual experimenting with microcontrollers, understanding these troubleshooting steps can save you a lot of frustration. In this blog post, we’ll walk through common Bluetooth issues and their solutions.
1. The Confusion Around Pairing
Many users assume that pairing the Micro:Bit follows the same process as connecting Bluetooth headphones or speakers. However, this is not the case when working with web apps. You do not need to pair the Micro:Bit with your phone or computer in the system settings unless you’re using a dedicated app to upload code via mobile.
Even if you attempt pairing manually, you might find that the settings are erased after uploading new code from MakeCode. Instead, just use the “Connect” option in your web app to establish communication.
2. Micro:Bit Not Discoverable in Web Apps
One of the most frustrating issues is when your Micro:Bit does not appear in the available devices list, despite the Bluetooth extension being added in MakeCode. Here’s what to check:
- Check the MakeCode Project Settings:
- Open the gear icon in MakeCode.
- Navigate to “Project Settings.”
- Ensure the setting is configured as “No Pairing Required.” This should allow any device to connect via Bluetooth.
- Modify the Bluetooth Configuration in the Code:
- Go to “Project Settings” again and select “Edit Settings as Text.”
- Add the line:
pairing mode: 0inside the Bluetooth configuration. - Save and re-upload the code.
After making these changes, your Micro:Bit should now be discoverable when you click “Connect” in the web app.
3. Memory Issues with Older Micro:Bit Versions
If you’re using a Micro:Bit V1 or V1.5, you may experience crashes when running Bluetooth code. This happens because Bluetooth consumes about 14KB of RAM, leaving very little memory for other operations. The first-generation Micro:Bit has only 16KB of RAM, whereas the Micro:Bit V2 has 128KB, eliminating these issues.
To minimize crashes on older versions, keep your Bluetooth-enabled code as simple as possible to avoid memory overflows.
4. Avoiding Device Confusion in a Classroom Setting
If multiple students are using Micro:Bits in the same room, it’s easy to accidentally connect to the wrong board. To avoid confusion:
- Use Signal Strength: The board closest to the computer will usually have the strongest signal.
- Write Down the Board’s Name: Each Micro:Bit has a unique identifier (e.g.,
zaz,jetas,zavet). Label your device with a sticker to prevent accidental connections to other students’ boards.
