Before getting started, make sure your micro:bit has the correct software installed to work with the Robotical App. If this is the first time you've connected your micro:bit to Blocks Jr, you may need to install the Blocks Jr software first. To do this, follow steps 1 to 6 in the “Setting up your micro:bit” section below. If your micro:bit already has the correct software installed, skip to the “Connecting your micro:bit to the Robotical App” section.
Note:
If you have previously used your micro:bit with another programme, you may need to reset it first. You can find instructions here: How to reset your micro:bit.
Setting up your micro:bit
1. Go to Blocks Jr in the Robotical Web App.
2. Start a new project, or click into an existing project.Connect your micro:bit to your computer or Chromebook, not a tablet, using a micro-USB cable.
3. Click the “Plus” button in the top left corner of the screen. A box will appear with the options Install Software and Connect.
4. To install the software, click Install. You will then have two options: install directly through your browser or download the .hex file and drag it onto the micro:bit drive.
5. A pop-up window will appear asking you to connect your computer to the micro:bit. Select your micro:bit from the list and click Connect.
6. The LED beside the USB port will flash orange while the software is being installed on your micro:bit. Once the software is successfully installed onto the micro:bit, the micro:bit will scroll a five-letter code/name on the device.
Connecting your micro:bit
1. Open the Robotical App on your iOS or Android device and select Blocks Jr.
2. Start a new project or open an existing one.
3. You can use micro:bit with Blocks Jr to control a physical device, such as Marty or Cog, or to control a sprite on screen. Use the toggle in the top right corner of the screen to switch between these options.
4. To pair your micro:bit, press the “Plus” button in the top left corner of the screen. A pop-up window will appear. Press the “Plus” button beside micro:bit.
5. Your micro:bit will appear in the device list in the top left corner of the screen. Press “Connect” underneath.
6. Another pop-up window will appear. Select the micro:bit you want to connect to.
7. Test your connection. Drag an On Button Press block from the yellow micro:bit blocks on the right of the screen into the coding area. Then add a movement block from the blue blocks on the left of the screen. When you press a button on your micro:bit, your sprite should move across the screen according to the movement block you've chosen.
