SPIDER Automation mBridge RJ25 Sensor Module Expansion Board | Micro:bit & Robotbit Adapter
Description
SPIDER Automation mBridge RJ25 Sensor Module Expansion Board is a clean, simple, and efficient hardware adapter built specifically to integrate Makeblock RJ25-compatible sensors with Micro:bit and Robotbit platforms. Designed for educators, students, and robotics hobbyists, it allows users to repurpose existing RJ25 modules without dealing with complicated Dupont wire pinouts or purchasing a separate standalone expansion board.
The board features four dedicated groups of RJ25 interfaces that accommodate analog, digital, and I2C sensor modules based on standard color coding. Supported by dedicated Makecode block extensions, mBridge lets you program your micro-controller effortlessly while maintaining full, unhindered access to all onboard Robotbit features like DC motors, servo drives, and RGB lighting.
Key Features
- RJ25 Port Architecture: Equipped with 4 groups of RJ25 crystal header interfaces (PORT1, PORT2, PORT3, and PORT4) for plug-and-play sensor attachment.
- Analog Sensor Support: Ports 1, 2, and 3 function seamlessly as analog sensor interfaces for black-coded Makeblock modules.
- Digital Sensor Compatibility: All four ports (PORT1–PORT4) support digital sensor inputs compatible with yellow and blue color-coded modules.
- I2C Bus Routing: PORT1 through PORT4 can be configured as I2C communication lines for white-coded peripheral modules.
- Onboard I2C Header: Includes an extra 4-pin I2C pin header interface designed to link directly with external 5V I2C hardware.
- Makecode Platform Integration: Fully supported via custom Makecode extension plugins for intuitive block-based programming.
- Resource Isolation: Operation of the mBridge board does not block or consume motor, servo, or RGB LED resources on the host Robotbit.
- Visual Power Indication: Features an integrated 5V power indicator LED to verify active circuit status instantly.
Benefits
- Hardware Reusability: Enables existing owners of Makeblock RJ25 sensors to utilize their hardware components without wasteful duplication.
- Wire-Free Convenience: Eliminates error-prone breadboard wiring and loose Dupont cable connections using secure RJ25 crystal plugs.
- Cost-Effective Expansion: Leverages your current Robotbit and Micro:bit ecosystem instead of forcing investment in an entirely new controller board.
Applications
- STEM & Robotics Education: Teaching students block-based coding and hardware interfacing using Micro:bit and Makeblock sensors.
- School Robotics Labs: Rapid assembly of smart robotic buggies, line-followers, and obstacle-avoidance rovers.
- IoT & Sensor Prototyping: Quickly connecting environmental, light, and motion sensors to a central microcontroller.
- Maker Space Projects: Building custom interactive installations and automated automation prototypes.
- Classroom Prototyping Kits: Streamlining hardware setup for young makers during timed coding workshops.
- Multi-Sensor Robotics: Interfacing diverse analog and digital modules simultaneously onto a single Robotbit chassis.
Package Includes
- 1 x mBridge RJ25 Sensor Module Expansion Board
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Brand / Model | SPIDER Automation / mBridge RJ25 Expansion Board |
| Item Type | Microcontroller Sensor Expansion Board |
| Core Compatibility | BBC Micro:bit (Main Control) & Robotbit (Required Base Board) |
| Sensor Ecosystem | Makeblock RJ25 Modular Sensor Standard |
| RJ25 Port Configuration | 4 Groups of RJ25 Ports (PORT1, PORT2, PORT3, PORT4) |
| Interface Support | Analog (Ports 1-3), Digital (Ports 1-4), I2C (Ports 1-4 & 4-Pin Header) |
| Operating Voltage | 5V DC Interface Voltage |
| Power Indicator | Onboard 5V Power Status LED |
| Software Environment | Microsoft Makecode Platform (with mBridge Extension Plugin) / Kittenblock |
| Physical Dimensions | 9 cm × 6 cm × 1 cm |
| Device Net Weight | 0.015 kg (15 g) |
| Package Shipping Dimensions | 9 cm × 6 cm × 1 cm |
