The MonkMakes Switch for micro:bit is a solid-state (no moving parts) switch that allows an output of a micro:bit to turn things on and off.

A micro:bit can turn an LED on and off directly, but anything more powerful requires something like a relay or a transistor. Using a transistor to switch something on and off requires a shared ground connection with the micro:bit and a knowledge electronics that you or your students may not be ready for.

The MonkMakes Switch for micro:bit is much easier to use, acting like a simple micro:bit controlled switch. This board can be used to switch low voltage devices such as light bulbs, a motor, a small heating element or even a string of 12V LED lighting.

The voltage needs to be kept under 16V, but the switch will automatically protect itself against too much current, but can’t protect itself against too much voltage.

Features

• Up to 1 Amp continuous, 2A for short periods (less than a minute)
• Low voltage (< 16A) DC only
• Active LED indicator
• Resettable polyfuse to protect against over-current

Resources

• Instructions