Kitronik Smart Greenhouse Kit for micro:bit

Unravel the secrets of nature with code, technology, and the Kitronik Smart Greenhouse Kit for BBC micro:bit!

The Kitronik Smart Greenhouse Kit for the BBC micro:bit offers a fun way to learn more about the relationship between plants and their environment. The user learns how to monitor environmental conditions and then how to build automated systems that respond to them.. 

The kit consists of a two-part plastic greenhouse, a Kitronik environment board, a water pump, a Kitronik ZIP Stick, and a Mini Prong soil moisture sensor. Also included are 5 crocodile clips, a ZIP extension cable, and a small screwdriver. Just add a micro:bit, seeds, and some water, and you have everything you need.!

The kit also comes with detailed assembly and coding instructions, so you can get started in no time. There are also 7 online MakeCode tutorials that become increasingly complex as you progress. They cover everything from collecting sensor data and having the system respond automatically to it, to visual user interfaces and more. It is recommended that the user/student follows the manual for the best learning experience..

The environmental control board can be programmed with the MakeCode editor, and Kitronik has developed a set of custom blocks to make the work as easy as possible. There are blocks for reading input and for controlling additional devices, such as a pump. These can be added via the 'Add Extensions' feature in the editor by searching for Kitronik or through https://github.com/KitronikLtd/pxt-kitronik-smart-greenhouse.

The standard crop for this type of experiment is often cress, as it grows quickly, requires little care, and can be harvested when it is about 5 cm tall (within a few days). Cress is also practically a superfood, which in itself could easily be the subject of an entire lesson. Despite all its advantages, cress is not the only option. There are other seedlings, such as white mustard, that also grow quickly and can be harvested when they are 5 cm tall. You can also look at microgreens, which are usually ready to be harvested within a week and provide an excellent and aromatic alternative. Once you have chosen your favourite crop, you need to select a suitable soil.

Attention:

• This kit does not come with a BBC micro:bit, but works with both a BBC micro:bit V1 and a BBC micro:bit V2.
• This kit is not waterproof. If the board gets wet, turn it off and let it dry completely. The risk of electric shock is very low, but be careful..

Features

• Build automated growing systems that respond to changing environmental conditions with the Kitronik Greenhouse Kit.
• This kit is compatible with both micro:bit V1 and micro:bit V2.
• The kit is supplied with detailed assembly and coding instructions.
• The heart of the kit is formed by the Kitronik Environmental Control Board, which has been specifically designed as a control hub for this kit.

The main features of the Environmental Control Board are:

• The board has a number of sensor inputs that can be programmed to control the outputs of the board..
• There is a built-in BME 280 sensor for ambient temperature, barometric pressure, and humidity, as well as a separate Real-Time Clock (RTC)..
• The board also features a built-in piezo buzzer, 2 1A outputs (ideal for a water pump, heating pads, or fan), 3 status ZIP LEDs, a ZIP LED expansion connector, and a servo output. Additionally, 3 BBC micro:bit pins have been broken out to crocodile clip connections as extra inputs and outputs, along with pads for 3V and GND..
• It can be powered via the built-in 3xAA battery holder or the 2.1 mm DC connector, and the power can be controlled via the on/off switch with an adjacent LED indicator.
• There are also 7 online MakeCode tutorials that introduce you to all the features of the board.
• Crops such as garden cress, sprouted white mustard, and micro herbs/micro greens are ideal for use with this kit.
• Code it with the MakeCode editor using the Kitronik code blocks for the Environmental Control Board.

Content

• 2 x plastic components for conservatory enclosures
• 1 x Kitronik Environmental Control Board for micro:bit.
• 1 x Water pump.
• 1 x Kitronik ZIP Stick.
• 1 x Mini Prong Humidity sensor.
• 5 x Crocodile clips.
• 1 x ZIP extension lead.
• 1 x screwdriver.
• Manual

Requirements:

• A web browser and an internet connection.
• BBC micro:bit.
• 3 AA batteries or a plug adapter with USB to DC connection.
• Seeds, such as garden cress.
• Potting soil.

Sources:

• Environmental Control Board Datasheet.
• Seven online MakeCode tutorials for the Kitronik Smart Greenhouse Kit
• • A - Visual Thermometer.
  • B - ZIP LED hue.
  • C - Auto-watering.
  • D - Growlight.
  • E - Timed watering.
  • F - Water level sensing.
  • G - Datalogging.