Welcome to the world of Calliope Mini! This amazing star - shaped development board, developed in Germany, is perfect for primary school students and older learners. It's an enhanced version of the micro: bit. The main chip on the Calliope is the same nRF51822 as the micro: bit, allowing for similar programming in many cases, but with some great upgrades. Similarities with the micro: bit include a Nordic nRF51822 Multi - protocol Bluetooth® 4.0 low - energy / 2.4GHz RF SoC, a 32 - bit ARM Cortex M0 processor (16MHz), 16kB RAM, 256kB Flash, Bluetooth low energy, a 5x5 LED matrix display, USB Micro B connection for programming and power supply, a JST battery connector (3.3V), 2 programmable buttons, PWM outputs, an NXP KL26z for USB UART and programming interface, a serial interface, 4 analog inputs, 8 - 11 Input / Output Connections (depending on software), and SPI + I2C. New or different features are what really set the Calliope Mini apart. Instead of the edge - connect pads on the micro: bit, it has a circular star design with alligator pads on 6 corners for easy connection. It comes with a full 9 - degrees - of - freedom IMU with Accelerometer, Gyroscope, and Magnetometer (Bosch BMX055), a MEMS Microphone for audio input, a DC Motor Driver (TI DRV8837) to drive a single DC motor or solenoid, a Piezo Speaker, an RGB LED (WS2812B NeoPixel), and 2 x Grove connectors (I2C + serial / analog). Specification details: Nordic nRF51822 Multi - protocol Bluetooth® 4.0 low - energy / 2.4GHz RF SoC, 32 - bit ARM Cortex M0 processor (16MHz), 16kB RAM, 256kB Flash, Bluetooth low energy, and an operating/supply voltage of 3.3V.
Using the Calliope Mini is easy. First, connect it to your computer using the USB Micro B cable. This is for both programming and power supply. You can also use the JST battery connector if you want to use it without being plugged in. For programming, since it has the same main chip as the micro: bit, you can use similar programming methods. When connecting external devices, take advantage of the alligator pads on the 6 corners of the circular star design for easy attachment. The Grove connectors are also great for adding extra sensors or components. The MEMS microphone can pick up audio, and you can use the DC motor driver to make a small motor spin or a solenoid work. When using the board, keep it away from water and high - temperature areas. Don't apply excessive force to the alligator pads or connectors. For maintenance, just keep it clean. You can use a dry cloth to wipe it if it gets dirty. That's all you need to know to start having fun with the Calliope Mini!
