User Guide

What it does
The Klip Motor is an accessory board for the BBC micro:bit, expanding and augmenting its
functionality. It has been designed to be completely solder and jumper wire free, instead enabling
the use of crocodile clips or banana plugs on all of its input, output and power connections. It also
includes an integrated 3 x AA battery pack, avoiding the need for extra trailing wires, and an easily
accessible on/off switch.
It is capable of independently driving two DC motors clockwise and counter-clockwise at variable
speeds. Indicator LEDs (red and green) on the motor connections indicate when these outputs are in
use, and which direction they are turning.
There are also breakout pads for BBC micro:bit pins 0, 1, and 2, which can all be used as inputs and
outputs, and 3V and GND outputs, just like the main pads on the BBC micro:bit itself. The 0, 1 and 2
pads all have green indicator LEDs to quickly identify when they are in use. There is a ZIP LED data
output pad as well, which – along with the battery voltage and extra GND breakout pads – means
bright, full colour lighting can be added to projects quickly and easily.
A BBC micro:bit being used with the Klip Motor board can be easily attached and removed due to
the use of a plug in connector. When in place, the micro:bit LED display is clearly visible and the
buttons are free to use.
Safety and usability have been a key part of the design process of this product. All four corners of
the board are rounded; the battery holder has reverse polarity protection to avoid problems if the
batteries are inserted incorrectly; there is overcurrent, overvoltage and short circuit protection on
the breakout pads in case of accidental connecting of the wrong wires; the pads are well spaced to
minimise the chance of short circuits; and essential circuitry is well out of reach of any crocodile
clips, with the battery cage acting as a barrier.