Introduction to MakeCode Raspberry Pi and CPX

MakeCode Robotics Overview

• Students will Learn:

  • MakeCode : Learn to program CPX microchip using a “drag and drop” MakeCode interface
  • Robotics : Introduction to robotics using CPX and Crickit microchips.
  • Raspberry Pi Computer : Using this world-famous Linux based Computer as your personal laptop

• Tools we’ll use

  • Adafruit CircuitPlaygroundExpress
  • External Display & Raspberry Pi 400 Desktop Computer Kit
  • Crickit Motors and robot body

Overview of CPX Features

• 10 Mini NeoPixel LEDs, each one can display any rainbow color
• Accelerometer with Tap and Free-Fall Detection
• Temperature Sensor
• Light Sensor
• Sound Sensor
• Infrared Transmitter and Receiver
• Mini speaker
• 2 push buttons, left and right
• Slide Switch
• 7 pads can act as Capacitive Touch input and more…

Overview of Adafruit Makecode Interface

https://makecode.adafruit.com/

Device Setup

Raspberry Pi Setup

• General Powerup.
  • Connect Power cord, USB Mouse, Display with HDMI cable and additional micro-to-hdmi adapter.
  • The Raspberry Pi will come on automatically upon power is connected.
  • Please skip the operating system update. This typically takes at least 30 minutes.
  • Refer to this YouTube Video on how to connect everything:
    • Connect Raspberry Pi to Portable Display
  • Changing Wireless network and Verify Internet Connection
    • Choose Wireless network by choosing WiFi icon on the top right-hand corner. Icon is next to Bluetooth icon.
    • Choose your WiFi network and enter network password if one is assigned for the network.
    • Verify that Raspberry Pi is connected to WiFi and able to access Internet.
    • Start Chromium internet browser from top left-hand menu. Icon look like a Globe with Blue color
    • Enter any URL

CPX Microchip Setup

• Connect CPX
  • Take the USB cable and connect it to the Raspberry Pi.
  • Attach the CPX device to the other end of USB cable.
  • Press the RESET button on the CPX device. Reset button is the center of the CPX device and is small button.
  • The device will light up all GREEN.
  • Click Files icon from top left hand menu bar.
  • You should see CPLAYBOOT as one of the folders.
• Start Chromium internet browser from top left hand menu.
  • Type https://makecode.adafruit.com in the browser.
• Start New Project By Clicking
• Check YouTube Video on creating sample Makecode program and download to CPX: Sample program on Adafruit CPX using Makecode

Quick Start Example - Red Light

CPX Device

MakeCode

Setup Instructions - Download

Select Download (pink button)

Setup Instructions

Click and drag the file to CPLAYBOOT