Set up Arduino IDE for micro:bit

Learn how to install and set up the Arduino IDE for use with micro:bit

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Written By: Cherie Tan
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Difficulty

Very Easy

Steps

4

Time Required

Introduction

Did you know that you can program the micro:bit with the Arduino IDE? Yes, you can. 

In this guide, we will show you how to install the Arduino IDE and set it up for use with the micro:bit. 

After completing this guide, you will be able to utilise many useful libraries that can only be used in the Arduino IDE, for the micro:bit and various sensors or actuators!

Tools

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    • If you haven't already got it installed, let's get you started. Head over to the Arduino IDE website. 

    • Click on the download link for your operating system of choice. In this guide, we are using a Mac OS X.

    • Wait for it to finish downloading, then double-click to open the downloaded zip folder. 

    • Double-click on the 'Arduino.exe' file to start the IDE!

    • You will need a SoftDevice radio on the micro:bit. If you have used MicroPython with the micro:bit, that SoftDevice would have been erased. Thankfully, it's rather easy to get that back on the micro:bit! Just download this hex file and drag and drop it onto your MICROBIT drive.

    • Alright, we're almost set up to program the micro:bit using the Arduino IDE. For Arduino IDE to detect the micro:bit you will need to have added NRF5x board support. In the Arduino IDE, click on 'Preferences' 

    • In the 'Additional Boards Manager URL' field, add 'https://sandeepmistry.github.io/arduino-nRF5/package_nRF5_boards_index.json'

    • Click the 'OK' button to save

    • Click on Tools > Board > Boards Manager. 

    • In the search bar, search for 'nRF5'

    • Click on the install button next to "Nordic Semiconductor nRF5 Boards'

    • In Tools > Boards, select BBC micro:bit

    • Again in Tools > Softdevices, select S110

    • Finally, in Tools > Port, select the micro:bit 
      Now you can go on to program the micro:bit with the Arduino IDE.