Micro:bit Radio Text Messenger (with Sender ID)

Two micro:bits communicate using radio. The sender chooses a message and sends it with an ID prefix like 502: HELLO. The receiver displays the message and can replay the last one.

MicroPython micro:bit v1 / v2 Radio Group: 42 Power: 7 Buttons: A / B / A+B

1) Project Specs (What You’re Building)

Project Name

Micro:bit Radio Text Messenger (with Sender ID)

Overview

You will program two BBC micro:bits to communicate using the built-in radio feature. The sender micro:bit lets the user select a message from a menu and transmit it. The receiver micro:bit scrolls the received text (including the sender ID).

Example Message Format

502: HELLO

Hardware Required

  • 2 × BBC micro:bit (v1 or v2)
  • 2 × USB cables (or battery packs)

Radio Settings (Must Match on Both)

Setting Value Notes
Radio Group 42 Both devices must use the same group number.
Radio Power 7 Max power for better range (0–7).

Controls

Device Control Action
Sender Button A Previous message
Sender Button B Next message
Sender Buttons A + B Send selected message with ID prefix
Sender Display Shows message index + send confirmation
Receiver Incoming radio Scroll received text on LED display
Receiver Button A Replay last received message
Success Criteria:
  • Sender transmits a message like ID: MESSAGE
  • Receiver scrolls the incoming text
  • Receiver replay works using Button A

2) Pseudocode

Sender Micro:bit Pseudocode

SET SENDER_ID to a unique string (ex: "502")
SET radio group to 42
SET radio power to 7

CREATE list of messages
SET index to 0

DISPLAY index

FOREVER:
    IF button A pressed:
        decrement index (wrap around)
        display index

    IF button B pressed:
        increment index (wrap around)
        display index

    IF buttons A and B pressed:
        full_message = SENDER_ID + ": " + selected message
        SEND full_message over radio
        DISPLAY checkmark
        DISPLAY index again

Receiver Micro:bit Pseudocode

SET radio group to 42
SET radio power to 7

SET last_message to "NONE"

FOREVER:
    IF radio message received:
        store message as last_message
        scroll message on display

    IF button A pressed:
        scroll last_message

3) Final MicroPython Code

A) Sender Micro:bit (with Sender ID)

Important: Make sure RADIO_GROUP matches on both micro:bits. Change SENDER_ID on the sender so your messages identify the correct device (example: 502).

4) Student-Facing Spec Sheet (Rubric-Ready)

Objective

Program two micro:bits to send and receive text messages with a sender ID using radio communication.

Requirements

Deliverables (What to Turn In)

Type File Name What It Shows
Python File PX_microbitSender_lastname.py Sender code with ID + menu + send
Python File PX_microbitReceiver_lastname.py Receiver code that displays + replays
Screenshot (PNG) PX_senderCode_lastname.png Screenshot of your sender code
Screenshot (PNG) PX_receiverCode_lastname.png Screenshot of your receiver code
Proof (PNG) PX_radioProof_lastname.png Receiver displaying an ID message like 502: HELLO

Turn-In Steps

  1. Verify you are using the correct assignment on the class website / Google Classroom.
  2. Confirm your file names match the required format.
  3. Upload all required files (2 Python programs .py + 3 Screen prints .png).
  4. Click Turn In.

Grading Rubric (100 pts)

Category Points What I’m Checking
Sender ID Format 20 Message includes ID like 502: HELLO
Sender Controls 20 A/B selects, A+B sends, feedback shown
Receiver Functionality 20 Receives + scrolls text correctly
Replay Feature 10 Button A replays last message
Code Quality 15 Organized, readable, commented
Correct File Names + Screenshots 15 All required files present and named correctly
Reminder: Your proof image must clearly show the receiver displaying the sender ID + message format.
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