Are you interested in coding but don't know where to start? Do you want to add cute, blinking LEDs to your paper craft projects? The Love to Code (LTC) system by Chibitronics is perfect for beginners of all ages and backgrounds. It allows you to try programming without the hassle of installing software.
The Chibi Chip Microcontroller Board & Cable kit includes a Chibi Chip and a special power + programming cable. You can bring your Chibi Lights LED stickers to life, making them blink and fade. Connect switches and sensors to your Chibi Chip to add light and interactivity to greeting cards and projects. What's great about the Chibi Chip is its design for crafting. With an optional (not included) Chibi Clip, you can attach it to a paper notebook, and the flexible PCB will grip conductive tape or paint to electrify your paper art.
You have two coding options: drag-and-drop blocks in Microsoft’s MakeCode Editor or write Arduino-style code in Chibitronics’ LTC Editor. The Chibi Chip has six independently programmable ports for driving LED stickers and can also power chains of special LTC Rainbow stickers (WS2812B LEDs or NeoPixels), unlocking a full spectrum of rainbow colors for your projects.
All you need is a regular USB port for power and a web-enabled device with a headphone jack. The Chibi Chip works with the latest Chrome, Firefox, and Internet Explorer browsers on both mobile and desktop devices. It's one of the few microcontroller platforms usable on any mobile/tablet/phone.
If you're unsure if your browser is compatible with the Love to Code system, visit https://ltc.chibitronics.com/test and follow the instructions. Tap “Test Audio,” and if you can hear the short tune, you're ready to go!
Chibitronics is a collaboration between bunnie Huang and Jie Qi. Jie, a PhD student at the MIT Media Lab, focuses on combining arts and crafts with electronics and programming. bunnie, the Director of Studio Kosagi, is a hardware designer and manufacturer.
Using the Chibi Chip is easy. First, connect the special power + programming cable to the Chibi Chip and a regular USB port for power. Make sure your web - enabled device has a headphone jack. Open your preferred editor, either Microsoft’s MakeCode Editor or Chibitronics’ LTC Editor, to start coding.
To bring your Chibi Lights LED stickers to life, use the six independently programmable ports on the Chibi Chip. You can connect switches and sensors to add interactivity to your projects like greeting cards. If you have the optional Chibi Clip, clip the Chibi Chip onto a paper notebook and use conductive tape or paint to make your paper art electrified.
When it comes to compatibility, check if your browser is compatible by visiting https://ltc.chibitronics.com/test. If you can hear the test tune when you tap “Test Audio,” your browser is good to go.
As for maintenance, keep the Chibi Chip and cable away from moisture and extreme temperatures. When not in use, store them in a dry and safe place. If you're using conductive tape or paint, make sure they are properly stored to avoid drying out. That's all you need to know to have a great experience with the Chibi Chip!
