XK05 - for first time IoT users

The XK05 IoT kit for micro:bit was designed to help first time users connect their BBC micro:bit to the Internet of Things (IoT) quickly and easily. 

We have partnered with ALSO AllThingsTalk to bring you a jargon-free 'curated journey' to connect your micro:bit to their IoT platform.

There are 3 stages to getting your micro:bit connected:

1: CONSTRUCT
Build the hardware

Using the XinaBox XK05 and your micro:bit you can construct an IoT 'edge device' in minutes or even seconds.
Find out everything you need to know about the hardware on this webpage.

2: CODE
Write and flash code onto the micro:bit

Use MakeCode to write code to connect to the ALSO AllThingsTalk platform. The code, and the access details you need, are provided during the curated journey.
Read up on the key details about coding and related software here.
3: CONFIGURE
Set up the IoT platform

This part can be complicated for first time users - IoT platforms can be confusing at first and full of jargon if you are not used to them.
ALSO AllThingsTalk have removed as much of the complexity from the process as possible and built a system tailored to help first time IoT users get their micro:bit online.  If you have read through the items linked to in the Construct and Code sections above then you are ready to start the curated journey, which involves working through 3 simple web-pages (summarised below): Click here to begin

What to expect:

In total there are 3 screens in the curated journey:

On the first page you need to enter a name and  email address, which is necessary to uniquely identify the IoT dashboard that is created for you.


Your privacy will be respected in line with GDPR requirements, as explained on the page. You are not registering for anything at this point - its like putting your coat down on a chair in a busy room: it reserves access to your portal for 6 months.
 

When you clicked Go on the last screen an IoT platform was created and setup specifically for you and your XK05.

This page shows you key details that you will need in MakeCode.

At this point write your MakeCode program following the on-screen instructions and flash it to your micro:bit. You will then power up the XK05 as instructed and leave it to run.

The third and final page shows your IoT platform, or dashboard.

If everything is working properly data will be transmitting from your micro:bit and you should see charts on the dashboard updating when you move the micro:bit or click on the buttons.

It didn't work?

If it didn't work it probably isn't you, it's us.  We tried to anticipate issues that might arise and document them in the pages linked to above.  If you've worked through these and you are still having problems please read our troubleshooting guide, which contains contact details for further support if required. 

What next?

Now the fun really starts...

  • Use the edge device you have built in a lesson or project
  • Adapt the program to suit your needs - edit, delete and add code or send different values to the platform (e.g. try sending magnetemoter data).
  • Consider clicking on the option in the ALSO AllThingsTalk IoT platform to register for a free trial account and explore the platform further. 
  • Try other options in the extension and try to set up an IoT platform yourself.
  • Why not add some sensors?  There is a list of xChips that are 'micro:bit ready' on this page or else the XK04 STEM kit for micro:bit is packed with goodies.
  • Build a feedback loop - send data to a servo to create an effect. How could that be linked to sensor readings?

 For more check out the XK05 resources page.