Build Instructions

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  Setting Up Jacdac

  Setting Up – From Box to Project in Minutes

  1. Plug your micro:bit into the JacDac Expansion Board.
  2. Connect any sensor using JacDac cables.
  3. Open Microsoft MakeCode, go to Extensions > Search ‘JacDac’ > Add.
  4. Plug in your module and it appears instantly on your screen!

  No drivers, no complicated setups—just fun electronics learning.

  Sample Projects You Can Build

  Here are a few exciting beginner projects to try right away:

  Project 1 – Button Game
  

  Create a simple yet fun “compare your luck” game using the button sensor. First, plug the micro:bit into the Jacdac Expansion Board and connect the button module via a 10 cm Jacdac cable. In MakeCode, add the “Jacdac” extension and drag in the “on button pressed” block for your specific button sensor. Inside it, use the “pick random” block (1–6) and display the result on the LED screen. Once downloaded to the micro:bit, pressing the button will show a random number — perfect for number-guessing games or making quick decisions with friends wiki.elecfreaks.com+3wiki.elecfreaks.com+3wiki.elecfreaks.com+3.

  Next, enhance the experience—add a sound effect, fade effect, or animation when the number appears to make it more engaging. You can also compare numbers: after two presses, show “>”, “<”, or “=” to indicate which player got the higher roll. Encourage viewers to challenge their siblings or classmates and celebrate the outcome.

  Finally, prompt your audience to experiment further—“What happens if we change the range to 1–20?” or “Could we combine it with a buzzer or LED ring?” This shows how easy it is to extend basic logic to more complex interactions, reinforcing both coding skills and creativity.

  Project 2 – Magnetic Agent
  

  Use the magnetic sensor to detect nearby magnets and trigger visual and audio feedback. Start with the standard setup: micro:bit on the expansion board and magnetic sensor attached with a Jacdac cable. In MakeCode, add “on magnetic changes” or “on magnetic detected” block, and inside it display a checkmark icon and play a tone. Also include an “else” path for when no magnetic field is present—display an “X” icon instead wiki.elecfreaks.com.

  Run the program and bring a magnet close to the sensor — a big green “✔️” appears and a beep sounds, indicating detection. Remove the magnet and the display flips to an “❌”. Perfect for a hidden object detector or a door proximity sensor—demonstrate how closing a hidden door could trigger an alert.

  Encourage customization: change the tone, create longer detection intervals, or add color feedback using the RGB LED ring. You can even challenge viewers—“Can you distinguish north vs south pole with the sensor?”—to promote experimentation and discovery.

  Project 3 – Motion Alarm
  

  Build a motion-activated alert system using the PIR human infrared sensor and the LED ring. Begin by wiring the micro:bit to the PIR sensor and the RGB LED ring on two separate Jacdac ports. In MakeCode, include the “on human motion detected” block; inside, set all LEDs on the ring to red, play a warning tone, pause for a moment, then clear the lights. Add a loop timer or reset to allow for repeated detection wiki.elecfreaks.comwiki.elecfreaks.com+4wiki.elecfreaks.com+4wiki.elecfreaks.com+4.

  Demonstrate the alarm in action: walk in front of the sensor and watch the entire ring glow red and hear the alert tone. Explain how this could be the basis for a kid-friendly security system or a fun “intruder alert” for secret rooms.

  To extend the project, consider adding a countdown, flashing patterns, or Bluetooth notifications. Challenge your audience: “Could you make the ring flash blue if someone left the room?” This exercise strengthens understanding of loops, sensors, and event-driven programming. Each project comes with step-by-step tutorials on the Elecfreaks Wiki, making it ideal for both self-learners and classroom environments.

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