Kitronik Alarm Clock Kit with ZIP Halo HD for micro:bit

Explore the world of time, light, and sound with the Kitronik Alarm Clock Kit. It's a hands - on and fun way to get introduced to the ZIP Halo HD. This kit offers a modified version of Halo HD, all the parts to build the clock, and power accessories. An easy - to - follow tutorial book is included, and there are also online tutorials in MakeCode. The modified Halo HD gets power via a 2.1mm barrel jack and has a coin cell holder at the back. When a 1220 coin cell battery is inserted, it powers the RTC chip when there's no main power. The ZIP Halo HD for the BBC micro:bit has 60 individually addressable full - colour ZIP LEDs, breaks out P1/P2 to a standard 0.1” footprint, features a MEMS mic and a buzzer, and has an onboard real - time clock. It also has M3 mounting holes for sturdier projects. Kitronik made custom blocks for it in MakeCode. You can add them by going to “Advanced”, clicking “Extensions”, searching for “Halo HD”, and importing. The blocks are in three categories: ZIP LEDs, Microphone, and Clock. For those up for a challenge, the kit can be coded with MicroPython. Kitronik also has 4 free tutorials in PDF and MakeCode - embedded formats, and example MicroPython code for a basic clock. The kit is powered via a 2.1mm Barrel jack, comes with a 3 x AA Battery Cage and a 2.1mm DC jack, and has an ON/OFF switch to save battery. Note that the BBC micro:bit isn't included, no soldering is needed, and only simple mechanical assembly is required. Make sure to use a power supply rated at least 1A and 5V. The kit has many great features like learning to create and code projects about time, light, and sound, having free tutorials, a coin cell backup for the RTC chip that can last up to 2 years, and super - simple assembly. The ZIP Halo HD features include the LEDs, breakout pins, mic, buzzer, RTC, switch, and M3 holes. The contents are a Kitronik Halo HD, 4 M3 machine screws, a set of Perspex stand parts, a CR1220 battery, 2 plastic spacers, a 3 x AA Battery Cage, a USB - B to 2.1mm jack cable, a getting - started booklet, and a plastic storage container. The ZIP Halo HD has a diameter of 87mm and M3 mounting holes with a center - to - center spacing of 68.4mm.

Using the Kitronik Alarm Clock Kit is a breeze. First, start by assembling the kit. It doesn't require any soldering, just some simple mechanical steps as described in the getting - started booklet. Once assembled, connect the power. You can use the 3 x AA Battery Cage with Lead and 2.1mm DC jack or a separate power supply (make sure it's rated at least 1A and 5V) with the provided USB - B to 2.1mm jack cable. The ZIP Halo HD has an ON/OFF switch, so turn it off when you're not using the kit to save battery. The CR1220 coin cell battery acts as a backup for the RTC chip, keeping its memory alive. To start coding, you can use MakeCode. Just go to the “Advanced” section, click “Extensions”, search for “Halo HD”, and import the custom blocks. These blocks are divided into ZIP LEDs, Microphone, and Clock categories. If you're up for a challenge, you can also use MicroPython. There are free tutorials available in PDF and embedded in MakeCode to help you along the way. As for maintenance, keep the kit in the provided plastic storage container when not in use. Check the battery regularly, especially the CR1220 coin cell, as its lifespan can vary but can last up to 2 years. Also, make sure to keep the components clean and free from dust. And remember, the BBC micro:bit is not included in the kit, so you'll need to have your own if you want to use it with this alarm clock kit.