ZIP Halo HD - LED module for micro:bit

Description

Kitronik Halo HD Board is an advanced LED module for the BBC micro:bit, equipped with 60 individually addressable full-color ZIP LEDs. The module offers additional features, making it a versatile tool for creating both lighting and sound effects. The board includes breakout points for P1 and P2 with standard 2.54 mm spacing, a MEMS microphone for sound detection, and a piezo buzzer for audio output. The module also features a real-time clock (RTC) controlled by I2C from the micro:bit, allowing precise timekeeping in projects. Additionally, the board has two M3 mounting holes.

The module is ready to use immediately after connecting the micro:bit. With a built-in edge connector, it can be quickly and easily plugged in without any tools. The Halo HD includes a 3x AA battery holder mounted on the back, and an on/off switch on the front. The built-in regulator powers both the board and the connected micro:bit, removing the need for separate power sources. Kitronik has created dedicated blocks for the Halo HD, available in the MakeCode editor. These blocks are divided into three categories: ZIP LEDs, Microphone, and Clock. The Kitronik Halo HD is a module with great potential for expanding micro:bit projects, offering various options for light effects, sound effects, and precise time measurement.

Features

• 60 individually addressable ZIP LED RGB lights
• Built-in MEMS microphone and piezo buzzer
• Real-time clock (RTC) controlled by I2C
• External channels: 3 (1x ZIP LED, 2x IO pins; each IO channel supports +3V at 50mA)
• Maximum current (at full RGB brightness): 0.9 A (15 mA per LED)
• MEMS microphone sensitivity: -42 dBV/Pa
• MEMS microphone signal-to-noise ratio: 59 dB
• Plug-and-play with built-in edge connector
• 3x AA battery holder on the back of the board
• On/off switch
• Programmable with MakeCode or MicroPython
• Connections:
  • P0: MEMS microphone (analog input)
  • P1: header output (P1, +V (battery voltage), GND)
  • P2: header output (P2, +V, GND)
  • P8: ZIP LED
  • P14: buzzer
  • P19 & P20: RTC (real-time clock, I2C lines)
• Operating voltage (Vcc): 3.5V to 5V
• M3 mounting holes
• Diameter: 87 mm