BBC micro:bit go NRF51822 development board Python horizontal terminal connector 180°

SKU: FA1080-1
Microcontroller

Nordic nRF51822 (ARM Cortex-M0)
Clock Speed

16 MHz
Flash / RAM

256 KB / 16 KB
Display

5×5 LED matrix (25 LEDs)
Sensors

Accelerometer, magnetometer (compass), temperature
Inputs

2× programmable buttons (A and B)
Wireless

2.4GHz radio (Bluetooth Low Energy compatible)
Connector

180° horizontal terminal connector for edge connector access

The BBC micro:bit Go is a compact, feature-rich development board designed for coding education, STEM learning, and creative electronics projects. Based on the original Nordic nRF51822 microcontroller, this board packs a powerful ARM Cortex-M0 core, multiple onboard sensors, and a range of built-in features into a pocket-sized form factor that is easy for beginners to use and versatile enough for advanced projects.

This version includes a 180° horizontal terminal connector, a practical accessory that allows you to connect external wires and components to the micro:bit’s edge connector without the need for a separate expansion board. The horizontal orientation provides a flat, stable connection that is ideal for breadboard-style setups, desktop projects, and situations where you want the wiring to extend outward in a straight line rather than upward.

The board is built around a Nordic nRF51822 SoC featuring a 16 MHz ARM Cortex-M0 core, paired with 256 KB Flash and 16 KB RAM. This provides reliable processing power for coding projects ranging from simple LED animations to sensor-driven applications. The board also includes a 2.4GHz radio for wireless communication, enabling peer-to-peer and mesh networking between multiple micro:bit boards.

The micro:bit is equipped with a comprehensive set of onboard sensors and input/output devices. It features a 5×5 LED matrix for displaying text, icons, and animations, two programmable buttons (A and B) for user input, and an accelerometer and magnetometer for motion and compass sensing. A temperature sensor allows you to measure ambient conditions, and the LED matrix itself can function as a light sensor for detecting brightness levels. Connectivity options include a Micro USB port for programming and power, a 20-pin edge connector for attaching accessories, and a battery jack for portable power using 2×AAA batteries.

The micro:bit platform is supported by a wide range of development environments. MakeCode offers block-based programming ideal for beginners, while Python (MicroPython) and JavaScript provide text-based options for more advanced users. The board appears as a USB drive when connected to a computer, allowing you to simply drag and drop compiled program files to flash your code.

Whether you are a student, teacher, hobbyist, or business purchasing in bulk for education and training, the BBC micro:bit Go with 180° Horizontal Terminal Connector offers a reliable, engaging platform for learning and creating.

Features

  • Nordic nRF51822 ARM Cortex-M0 @ 16 MHz — Reliable processing for educational and creative projects.

  • 256 KB Flash / 16 KB RAM — Ample memory for coding, sensors, and wireless communication.

  • 5×5 LED matrix display — Show text, icons, animations, and sensor data visually.

  • Two programmable buttons (A and B) — For user input and interactive control.

  • Onboard sensors — Accelerometer, magnetometer (compass), and temperature sensor.

  • Wireless communication — 2.4GHz radio for peer-to-peer and mesh networking.

  • Multiple programming options — MakeCode (blocks), Python (MicroPython), and JavaScript.

  • 180° horizontal terminal connector — Allows direct wire connections to the edge connector without an expansion board, providing a flat, stable connection for desktop and breadboard setups.

  • 20-pin edge connector — For attaching accessories and expansion boards.

  • Battery jack for portable use — Runs on 2×AAA batteries for untethered projects.

Technical Specifications

# Parameter Specification
1 Microcontroller Nordic nRF51822 (ARM Cortex-M0)
2 Clock Speed 16 MHz
3 Flash / RAM 256 KB / 16 KB
4 Display 5×5 LED matrix (25 LEDs)
5 Sensors Accelerometer, magnetometer (compass), temperature
6 Inputs 2× programmable buttons (A and B)
7 Wireless 2.4GHz radio (Bluetooth Low Energy compatible)
8 Connector 180° horizontal terminal connector for edge connector access

Usage

Getting Started

  1. Power the board — Connect via Micro USB cable to a computer. Alternatively, attach a 2×AAA battery pack (not included) for portable use.

  2. Attach the 180° horizontal terminal connector — Secure the connector to the micro:bit’s edge connector. This provides easy access to the board’s I/O pins for external wiring with a flat, stable connection.

  3. Choose your programming environment — Visit the MakeCode editor for block-based coding, or use the Python editor for MicroPython programming.

  4. Write your code — Drag and drop blocks or write Python code to create your program.

  5. Download and flash — Connect the micro:bit to your computer via USB. The board appears as a USB drive. Drag the compiled .hex file onto the drive to program the board.

  6. Test and iterate — The program runs automatically once flashing is complete. Use the buttons, sensors, and LED matrix to interact with your code.

Programming Options

  • MakeCode (Blocks) — Visual, drag-and-drop programming ideal for beginners and classroom use.

  • Python (MicroPython) — Text-based programming for more advanced users and complex projects.

  • JavaScript — For developers who prefer a text-based language with web-based editing.

Typical Applications

  • STEM education and classroom learning — Teaching coding, electronics, and computational thinking.

  • Interactive art and design — LED animations, sensor-driven installations, and wearable projects.

  • Robotics and control — Motor control, sensor integration, and wireless communication using the horizontal terminal connector for easy wiring.

  • Wireless projects — Peer-to-peer messaging, mesh networking, and remote sensing.

  • Science experiments — Using the accelerometer, magnetometer, and temperature sensor for data collection.

  • Data logging — Collecting sensor data for analysis and visualization.

  • Desktop and breadboard projects — The 180° horizontal connector provides a flat, stable connection ideal for benchtop setups.

  • Teacher training and workshops — Bulk purchasing for schools, training centers, and educational programs.

Notes for Business Buyers

  • 180° horizontal terminal connector included — Provides a flat, stable connection for desktop and breadboard-style projects.

  • Battery not included — Allows you to choose the power solution that best fits your needs.

  • Multiple programming environments — MakeCode, Python, and JavaScript support diverse teaching and learning styles.

  • Bulk purchasing available — Suitable for schools, training centers, and educational institutions.

  • Wide accessory ecosystem — Compatible with a broad range of expansion boards and accessories.

Q: What version of the micro:bit is this?

This is the original micro:bit based on the Nordic nRF51822 microcontroller, commonly referred to as the V1 or V1.5 board. It offers the same core features and programming support as the original platform.

Q: What is the 180° horizontal terminal connector used for?

The 180° horizontal terminal connector attaches to the micro:bit’s edge connector and provides easy access to the board’s I/O pins. Its flat, horizontal orientation is ideal for desktop setups and breadboard-style projects where wiring extends outward.

Q: Does this set include a battery?

No. The battery is not included in this set. You can power the board via Micro USB or use a 2×AAA battery pack (sold separately).

Q: What programming environments are supported?

The board supports MakeCode (block-based), Python (MicroPython), and JavaScript. These are accessible through web-based editors and are suitable for beginners and advanced users alike.

Q: How do I program the micro:bit?

Connect the board to your computer via Micro USB. It appears as a USB drive. Download your compiled program (.hex file) and drag it onto the drive. The board will restart and run your code automatically.

Q: What sensors are built into the board?

The board includes an accelerometer, magnetometer (compass), and temperature sensor. The LED matrix can also function as a light sensor.

Q: Can I use this board without a computer?

You need a computer or mobile device to write and download programs. Once programmed, the board can run independently on battery power.

Q: Is this board compatible with micro:bit accessories?

Yes. The board is designed to be compatible with the standard micro:bit accessory ecosystem, including expansion boards and sensors that use the edge connector.

Q: What age group is this board suitable for?

The micro:bit platform is designed for children aged 8 and up, but it is also widely used by teenagers, university students, and adult hobbyists for learning and prototyping.

Q: Can I purchase in bulk for a school or training program?

Yes. This set is suitable for both individual users and business purchasing, including classroom sets, training centers, and educational programs.

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