INTRODUCING
The b.Board
Please meet our the new Brilliant Labs b.Board! An Atlantic Canadian open source electronics hardware prototyping platform. Designed to be accessible to creators, researchers and inventors of all ages. Using this fun interactive device you can bring your IoT, robotics or other hardware project ideas from concept to reality!
WHAT IS THE b.Board?
HOW IT WORKS
Welcome to your one stop destination for everything you ever wanted to control with your BBC micro:bit! The Brilliant Labs b.Board opens up a world of design possibilities with its integrated breakout pins, high current supply capability, clickboard™ compatibility , expansion port and much more!
WHO CAN USE A b.BOARD?
We’d like to think everyone from the beginner just touching the micro:bit for the first time, all the way up to that expert micro:bit user looking to test the latest and greatest technologies out there! The b.Board is for anyone who wants to prototype hardware and products!
IDE FOR THE b.Board
Students will be able use the Brilliant Labs b.Board integrated development environment (IDE). This is a software application that provides students with the software to code the b.Board. The IDE has a source code editor, build automation tools, and a debugger. Students will be able to program using familiar drag and drop commands.
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Open Source Electronics Hardware prototyping platform.
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Ease of use.
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Designed to be accessible to creators, researchers, and inventors of all ages.
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Students can bring IoT, Robotics, or other hardware project ideas from concept to reality!
IT'S OPEN SOURCE
Yes, b.Board is open source. This means it was designed to be publicly available so anyone can study, modify, make, and use the hardware based on the b.Board design. Today, the b.Board's source, the design from which it is made, is available in the preferred format for making modifications to it.
PROJECTS, CODING & PROTOTYPING
In the coming weeks & months we will have videos and introduction projects to help you & your students use the b.Board. Once you learn the basics, you'll see how easy it is to use and start creating your own IoT tools, projects or even prototype a new product.
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SDG ideas can come to life. The b.Board will help students create imaginative solutions to help solve SDG challenges.
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Brilliant Badges can be earned by learning & using the b.Board.
mikroBUS socket
for use with Industry and Post Secondary approved ClickBoards
Gator Grabbers to make using those pesky Alligator Clips easier during prototyping
Available 3 pin breakouts for easy neopixel
connections.
Bubble Board add-on connector for 130,000 + prototyping options
Micro:Bit Powered with
block based or JavaScript Coding interface
Integrated Terminal
Blocks for inputs and
outputs (I/O)
Yes, b.Board is open source. This means it was designed to be publicly available so anyone can study, modify, make, and use the hardware based on the b.Board design. Today, the b.Board's source, the design from which it is made, is available in the preferred format for making modifications to it.
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6 Micro:bit pins with Gator Grabber and terminal block access
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2 easy access NeoPixel connections
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2x 3V power connectors with 3.5 Amps current limited total
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6 GND connectors
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1 integrated Mikroe Click Board connector
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1 Bubble Board expansion board
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1 On/Off switch
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5V 3.5 Amp current limited supply with Bubble Board connection
Your b.Board Kit Includes:
Yes, b.Board is open source. This means it was designed to be publicly available so anyone can study, modify, make, and use the hardware based on the b.Board design. Today, the b.Board's source, the design from which it is made, is available in the preferred format for making modifications to it.
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6 Micro:bit I/O 3 pin breakouts with Gator Grabber, screw terminal block access, and 3.3V 3.5A.
The b.Board Includes:
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6 5V 3.5A servo connections
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1 On/Off switch
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2 integrated Mikroe Click Board connectors
Register your b.Board for Firmware Updates and News
Gator Grabber connector to allow for a worry free and reliable connection.
CONNECTIONS
GATOR GRABBERS
Each of the 6 b.Board breakout pins come with a Gator Grabber connector to allow for a worry free and reliable connection. Gone are the days of Micro:bit shorted connections where the alligator clips move side to side causing failed projects and debugging frustrations!
TERMINAL BLOCKS
When you’re ready to move to an even more secure, but easily removable solution, try out the integrated screw terminal blocks. A simple precision flat head screw driver will allow you to clamp down on a wire giving it a tug resistant connection.
SOLDERING
How are your soldering skills? Here is a great chance to test them out by soldering your connection for a semi-permanent pin or power connection.
POWER
The b.Board is powered through a 2.1mm barrel jack connector. You can choose to use a wall connected power supply or a battery pack. Check out these requirements below:
Voltage: 5-17 VDC Input
Make sure that you do not exceed 17VDC as you could cause permanent damage to your board. The b.Board will shut off below levels of 4.7V. This means if you are using a pack of AA or AAA batteries, you will need at least 4 to operate (4x1.5V = 6V).
Polarity: Positive-Centre
The centre of that barrel jack connector should be positive as shown in the symbol above. If you get the polarity wrong, don’t sweat it, we’ve got you covered! The b.Board has built in protection to ensure a connector with the wrong polarity won’t hurt it. Just ensure you do not exceed 17VDC.
Are you ready to add some of the latest and greatest tech the industry has to offer into your design?
mikroBUS™ Click Boards™
Are you ready to integrate some of the latest and greatest technology that the industry has to offer in your next design? Well look no further! The mikroBUS™ socket on the b.Board is an open source add-on standard that allows the connection of a growing library of over 600 Click Boards™!
By connecting any Click Board™ of your choice, you open up the possibilities of what the micro:bit and b.Board can do. Measure heart rate, control 16 servo motors at once or make your own Internet of Things (IoT) device: it’s now all possible.
Having trouble with your Click Board™ or want to know more, head to our b.Board Click Board™ information page here.
b.Board Expansion Port
Try Soldering your connection for a semi-permanent pin or power connection.
Current: 100 milli-amp Hours(mAh) and up
The neat thing about current is that it only goes where it is needed. What that means is you can’t hurt your b.Board no matter how much current your power adapter can supply. Pick a power adapter that can supply enough current for your project. 2000 mAh is a great starting point! If your project has some wiring issues, we’ve got you covered there also. The b.Board has two levels of current protection from the integrated overcurrent power supply chips to the PTC thermistors(those big green chips beside the power connector) that will stop the current coming from your power supply if too much is being drawn.
Have questions? Scan the QR code!
Voltage 5-17 VDC output, Remember, don't exceed
17 VDC.
Switch:
When you’re ready to fire it up, just toggle the slider switch from “0” to “1” to turn it on. *Insert switch picture with it moved to “1” and the LED on shining red* If the LED lights up red, you’re in business! If the LED does not come one, please look again at the requirements to make sure you’ve met them all.
Current: 100 milli-amp Hours(mAh) and up The neat thing about current is that it only goes where it is needed
On/Off Switch
Just toggle the slider switch from "0" to "1".
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Who doesn’t love a servo motor? Precise movement and control for all your rotational needs. But sometimes connecting them can get messy with power, GND and signal wires for each servo running across the board. Let the 6 servo built in connectors ease your wiring frustrations and power needs. With 5V and 3.5A of current, the b.Board can handle it’s own when it comes to driving servos. Please keep in mind though, the micro:bit can only support 3 servos running continuously at any time. If 3 isn’t enough, check out the Mikroe Servo Click for connecting up to 16 servos at one time!
Servo Connectors
Click Expansion Port with RJ12 Connector allowing for up to 30 more ClickBoard™ connections.
With 5V and 3.5A of current, the b.Board can handle it’s own when it comes to driving servos.
Additional I/O
So you’ve got the coolest b.Board project idea around, but you’ve used up all 6 Gator Grabber I/O pins already? Don’t fret, there are 8 more micro:bit pins at your disposal on either side of the click expansion port. Watch out though, some of those pins are multi-use so keep an eye on the graphics around them.
Expansion Port to add up to 30 more Click Boards™ connections.
QUESITONS?
Do you have questions or project ideas that the b.Board would be brilliant for? Let's connect we're here to help!
