EDU:BIT Cat Feeder | MicroPython

OVERVIEW

EDU:BIT is a beginner-friendly micro:bit kit specially designed to encourage kids to explore STEAM and learn coding.

MicroPython is an open source Python programming language interpreter that runs on small embedded development boards.

This project uses the IR bit, button bit and a servo included in the kit.

SOFTWARE SETUP

MU EDITOR

Step 1: Download and install MU editor

Download MU editor at: https://codewith.mu/en/download

Click on the downloaded file to install MU editor

Step 2: Add module

Download MicroPython module from GitHub: https://github.com/Bhavithiran97/micropython-edubit

Copy edubit.py file and paste it in your computer's mu_code folder

• On Windows, the path is: C:\Users<username>\mu_code
• On Macintosh, the path is: Macintosh HD>Users>username>mu_code

Connect EDU:BIT to your computer using a USB cable and open MU editor.

Click in the Files button in the MU editor

A file panel will appear in the bottom of the editor

Drag and drop edubit.py from the right panel to left panel

Python editor for micro:bit

Step 1: Open Python Editor

Open Python editor at: https://python.microbit.org/v/2.0

Step 2: Add module

Download MicroPython module from GitHub: https://github.com/Bhavithiran97/micropython-edubit

Click on the Load/Save button in the editor

Click Show File (1) and Add file button

Add edubit.py to the editor

CAT FEEDER

CODING

To program the EDU:BIT you need to:

• Use from edubit import * at the top of your program
• Use init() inside a while True loop to monitor the power switch and reset microbit when power cycled.

Here is the example code for cat feeder project

from edubit import *

sets_servo_position(S1, position=140)     # close the bottle
display.show(Image.HAPPY)                 # show happy icon
Activate = 0
while True:
	init()                           # initialize EDU:BIT
	if button_a.is_pressed():        # button A pressed  / Manual control
	    sleep(500)
	    sets_servo_position(S1, position=140)
	    sleep(300)
	    sets_servo_position(S1, position=95)   # open the bottle
	elif button_b.is_pressed():     # button B pressed  / Automatic control
	    Activate = 1
	
	if Activate == 1:
	    if is_IR_sensor_triggered():      # IR sensor detects object
	        display.show(Image.YES)       # show yes icon
	        sleep(500)
	        sets_servo_position(S1, position=140)
	        sleep(300)
	        sets_servo_position(S1, position=95)
	        sleep(60000)   # wait for one minute for the cat to finish the food
	        display.show(Image.NO)  # show no icon

UPLOAD

MUEDITOR

Connect EDU:BIT to your computer using a USB cable. Click on the Flash button to upload the program.

Pythoneditorfor micro:bit

Connect EDU:BIT to your computer using a USB cable. Click on the Download button and download it into microbit folder to upload the program.

TESTING