Easy entry to microcontroller programming
Microcontrollers for Beginners
The Nibble kit by CircuitMess is a freely programmable mobile game console that makes getting started with microcontroller programming a breeze.
The Nibble kit by CircuitMess [1] comes with everything you need to build a portable game console. It even includes a soldering iron to solder the buttons. The lead-free solder included in the kit will easily last for several more projects. The kit also includes a simple screwdriver for assembling the case, and you won't hear this very often: The batteries are included (Figure 1).
The kit is suitable for children from nine years up, but as my test shows, older users can have fun with the kit, as well. The very detailed and easy-to-understand instructions explain all the build actions step by step. In some places, links to online videos lend further help. The assembly instructions are available for download on the manufacturer's site in several languages [2]. The Nibble kit helps users acquire a number of skills, starting with the simple act of assembling the housing, to soldering, to programming the microcontroller in C.
The core of the kit is the ESP8266 microcontroller. The maker community very much appreciates this little device, not least because of its integrated WiFi interface, which is why you will see it used in many projects, including one I wrote about WiFi sniffing [3]. That article also has an installation guide for the Arduino environment.
According to the instructions, it takes about two hours to assemble the Nibble (Figure 2), but an experienced maker can do this considerably faster. The most annoying step by far is peeling the protective film off the Plexiglas, which, however, reliably prevents the modules from being scratched.
Although CircuitMess uses a subscription model and does not sell the unit anymore, you could still order the kit on the GÈnÈration Robots [4] website for about $66 (£60, EUR68) as of October 2022. This website focuses on robotics and electronics, but you will also find many other interesting products, so it's definitely worth browsing. If you want to learn more about the Nibble, visit the manufacturer's product page [5].
Programming
After assembling the Nibble according to the instructions, the preinstalled games – Invaders, Bonk, Snake, and Space Rocks – can be played directly on the device. As great as these classics may be, after a while, my fingers were itching to write my own little application for the Nibble.
You can choose between the Arduino C++ programming language and CircuitBlocks, which is more suitable for newcomers. To program, you simply click together the program functions with graphical elements. This method completely eliminates syntax errors. Only building blocks that work together can be put together. Additionally, the graphical representation of the program segments helps in understanding the code.
The CircuitBlocks software is available for free download from the manufacturer's site [6]; there are installation packages for Linux, Windows, and macOS. Detailed installation instructions with an introduction to CircuitBlocks can be found on the project page [7]. If you plan to write C++ programs for the Nibble in the Arduino IDE as well, it makes sense to install the IDE before you install CircuitBlocks, because its installer creates a board manager for the Nibble in the Arduino IDE (Figure 3).
The software for Nibble is completely open source, and all sample programs can be downloaded from GitHub [8]; however, the schematic is not included in the repository: You will find it on the manufacturer's page [9].
CircuitBlocks
To create a new project with CircuitBlocks and open the editor (Figure 4), click New sketch | Nibble | Block. The code blocks reside in the left pane. To create the program, drag and drop them into the center area. The window displays the corresponding C code on the right.
Once your program is ready for a first test, click Run in the upper right corner. Now it takes a moment for the program to launch automatically on the Nibble. That's all you need to do to write your own programs in CircuitBlocks. The sample program in Figure 4 conjures up a Hello World on the display and makes a green circle flash.
Arduino IDE
As always, the good old Flash example is used as a sample program for the Arduino IDE (Listing 1). To begin, connect the Nibble to a PC over USB and turn it on, select the appropriate board manager in the Arduino IDE, and load the program to the controller with the Upload icon, after which the blue LED on the ESP8266 starts to flash. You can see this if you look into the Plexiglas housing of the Nibble from the top.
Listing 1
Flash
void setup() { pinMode(LED_BUILTIN, OUTPUT); } void loop() { digitalWrite(LED_BUILTIN,!digitalRead(LED_BUILTIN)); delay(1000); }
Buy this article as PDF
(incl. VAT)
Buy Linux Magazine
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.
News
-
Canonical Bumps LTS Support to 12 years
If you're worried that your Ubuntu LTS release won't be supported long enough to last, Canonical has a surprise for you in the form of 12 years of security coverage.
-
Fedora 40 Beta Released Soon
With the official release of Fedora 40 coming in April, it's almost time to download the beta and see what's new.
-
New Pentesting Distribution to Compete with Kali Linux
SnoopGod is now available for your testing needs
-
Juno Computers Launches Another Linux Laptop
If you're looking for a powerhouse laptop that runs Ubuntu, the Juno Computers Neptune 17 v6 should be on your radar.
-
ZorinOS 17.1 Released, Includes Improved Windows App Support
If you need or desire to run Windows applications on Linux, there's one distribution intent on making that easier for you and its new release further improves that feature.
-
Linux Market Share Surpasses 4% for the First Time
Look out Windows and macOS, Linux is on the rise and has even topped ChromeOS to become the fourth most widely used OS around the globe.
-
KDE’s Plasma 6 Officially Available
KDE’s Plasma 6.0 "Megarelease" has happened, and it's brimming with new features, polish, and performance.
-
Latest Version of Tails Unleashed
Tails 6.0 is based on Debian 12 and includes GNOME 43.
-
KDE Announces New Slimbook V with Plenty of Power and KDE’s Plasma 6
If you're a fan of KDE Plasma, you'll be thrilled to hear they've announced a new Slimbook with an AMD CPU and the latest version of KDE Plasma desktop.
-
Monthly Sponsorship Includes Early Access to elementary OS 8
If you want to get a glimpse of what's in the pipeline for elementary OS 8, just set up a monthly sponsorship to help fund its continued existence.