Circuit Playground Express

Description

Circuit Playground Express is the next step to a perfect introduction to electronics and programming. The successor of the original Circuit Playground Classic and even better! Not only does it have even more sensors and is even easier to program.

Start with Microsoft MakeCode block-based or Javascript programming. Then you can use the same board to try CircuitPython, running the Python interpreter directly on the Express. As you progress, you can progress to using the Arduino IDE, which has full support for all hardware down to the low end, allowing you to create powerful projects. You can even use Code.org CS Discoveries to learn all about coding in your browser!

Manual and code examples

Circuit Playground Express specifications:
– 10 x mini NeoPixels, each can display any color
– 1 x Motion Sensor (LIS3DH three-axis accelerometer with scanning detection, free fall detection)
– 1 x temperature sensor (thermistor)
– 1 x Light sensor (phototransistor). Can also work as a color sensor and pulse sensor.
– 1 x Sound sensor (MEMS microphone)
– 1 x Mini Speaker with Class D Amplifier (7,5mm Magnetic Speaker/Buzzer)
– 2 x push buttons, marked A and B
– 1 x slide switch
– Infrared receiver and transmitter – can receive and transmit remote control codes and also send messages between Circuit Playground Expresses. Can also work as a proximity sensor.
– 8 x alligator clip friendly input/output pins
– Includes I2C, UART, 8 pins that can use analog inputs, multiple PWM output
– 7 pads can function as capacitive touch input and the remaining 1 is a true analog output
– Green LED “ON” so you know it is turned on
– Red “#13” LED for standard flashing
– Reset button
– ATSAMD21 ARM Cortex M0 processor, running at 3,3V and 48MHz
– 2 MB SPI Flash storage, primarily used with CircuitPython to store code and libraries.
– Micro USB port for programming and debugging
– USB port can function as serial port, keyboard, mouse, joystick or MIDI!