1. Introduction
The Keyestudio Kidsbits ESP32 Coding Box V2.0 is an educational STEAM tool designed for children aged 6 and above, providing a safe and engaging platform for learning programming. Its robust shell design protects the internal circuit board and prevents accidental contact with pins.
This coding box integrates 16 essential sensors and modules, enabling a wide range of interactive projects. It supports two primary programming methods: MicroPython for advanced users and KidsBlock Desktop graphical programming, which simplifies coding for beginners through intuitive drag-and-drop blocks.
Key Features:
- No Wiring Required: All internal components are pre-wired on the circuit board, eliminating the need for complex wiring and reducing the risk of errors.
- Multiple Functions: Powered by an ESP32 development board, the box includes 16 sensors and modules, supporting various educational experiments.
- Simple Structure: The ready-to-use, fully enclosed design ensures durability and user safety.
- Strong Expansibility: Four external RJ11 interfaces are available, all compatible with IIC communication, allowing for future expansion.
- Basic Programming Learning: Offers both graphical programming for foundational logic development and MicroPython for deeper engagement with hardware-level coding.
Video: Overview of the Kidsbits Maker Educational Coding Box V2.0, showcasing its features and various project capabilities.
2. Components Overview
The Kidsbits ESP32 Coding Box V2.0 integrates a variety of sensors and modules directly on its surface, each clearly labeled for easy identification and interaction. Below is a detailed diagram of the main components and their corresponding I/O pins or IIC addresses.
Image: Labeled diagram of the Kidsbits Coding Box V2.0, showing the location and identification of each sensor and module.
Key Components:
- Servo (io25): For controlling rotational movement.
- Speaker (io32): For audio output.
- Light Sensor (io36): Photoresistor for detecting light intensity.
- RFID Module (IIC 0X28): For reading RFID tags and cards.
- Joystick (X-io35, Y-io39): For directional input.
- Temperature & Humidity Sensor (IIC 0X38): For environmental monitoring.
- Compass (IIC 0X0E): For detecting direction.
- Barometric Pressure Sensor (IIC 0X76): For measuring atmospheric pressure.
- Ultrasonic Sensor (E-io4, T-io5): For distance measurement.
- OLED Display (IIC 0X3C): 1.3-inch screen for displaying information.
- Rainbow LED (io16): 12 RGB LEDs for colorful visual feedback.
- Motor Fan (INA-io17, INB-io18): Small fan for air movement.
- PIR Motion Sensor (io19): For detecting human motion.
- Sound Sensor (io34): For detecting sound levels.
- LEDs (R-io23, Y-io26, G-io27): Red, Yellow, and Green indicator LEDs.
- ADKey (io33): Additional programmable buttons.
3. Setup Guide
Powering the Device:
The Kidsbits ESP32 Coding Box V2.0 offers flexible power options:
- Battery Power: Insert six (6) AA batteries (1.5V each) into the built-in 6-slot AA battery holder. Ensure correct polarity. Note: Batteries are not included.
- External DC Power: Connect an external DC power supply (7-12V) to the designated DC input jack.
- USB Power: Connect the device to a computer or a 5V USB power adapter using the provided Type-C USB cable. This also allows for data communication during programming.
Connecting to a Computer:
To program the Kidsbits ESP32 Coding Box V2.0, connect it to your computer using the Type-C USB cable. Your computer should recognize the device, and you can then use the KidsBlock Desktop software or MicroPython IDE for programming.
Image: The Kidsbits Coding Box V2.0, showing the included USB cable and an RFID tag/card.
4. Operation and Programming
The Kidsbits ESP32 Coding Box V2.0 supports two main programming environments: KidsBlock Desktop for graphical programming and MicroPython for text-based coding. Detailed tutorials for 36 projects are available to guide you through various applications.
Programming Methods:
- KidsBlock Desktop (Graphical Programming): Ideal for beginners, this method uses visual code blocks that can be dragged and dropped to create programs. It helps in developing programming logic without complex syntax.
- MicroPython: For more experienced users, MicroPython allows direct coding in a Python-like language, offering greater control and flexibility over the hardware.
For comprehensive guides and project examples, please refer to the official tutorial and description page: Kidsbits ESP32 Coding Box V2.0 Wiki
Example Projects:
Image: Visual examples of projects including WiFi data display, WiFi piano, small fan control, and environmental monitoring.
- WiFi Display Data: Detect and display real-time temperature, humidity, pressure, altitude, and distance values on a WiFi web page.
- WiFi Piano: Control a virtual piano on your smartphone, with 7 buttons corresponding to musical notes (Do, Re, Mi, Fa, So, La, Si), interacting with the coding box.
- Parking Sensor: Utilize the ultrasonic sensor to detect distance. A green LED lights up when the distance is within a safe range, while a red LED indicates danger. The speaker also provides audible alerts.
- Sound Control Light: Program the photoresistor to detect darkness, triggering the LED to light up and the speaker to emit sound.
- Access Control Door: Create an access control system using the servo, magnetic card, and RFID module.
- Automatic Fan: The fan automatically turns on when the temperature exceeds 28°C or when human motion is detected by the PIR sensor.
- Joystick Control Servo: Use the joystick to remotely control the servo, allowing it to rotate within a 0-180° range.
Image: A smartphone displaying real-time environmental data (temperature, humidity, pressure, altitude, distance) from the coding box via WiFi.
Image: A smartphone screen showing a WiFi piano interface, interacting with the Kidsbits Coding Box V2.0.
Image: The Kidsbits Coding Box V2.0 displaying a distance measurement on its OLED screen, illustrating the parking sensor functionality.
Image: The Kidsbits Coding Box V2.0 demonstrating the sound control light project, with an LED illuminated and a 'BOOM!' graphic indicating sound.
Image: A hand interacting with the RFID module on the Kidsbits Coding Box V2.0, demonstrating an access control door project with a servo rotating 180 degrees.
Image: The Kidsbits Coding Box V2.0 showing the automatic fan activating when the temperature sensor detects above 28 degrees Celsius or the PIR motion sensor detects movement.
Image: The Kidsbits Coding Box V2.0 demonstrating joystick control of the servo, showing a 180-degree rotation range.
5. User Tips
- Always ensure the correct power source (batteries or external DC) is connected before use.
- When using battery power, check battery levels regularly to ensure stable operation.
- Familiarize yourself with the KidsBlock Desktop graphical programming environment first, as it provides a gentle introduction to programming concepts.
- Refer to the online wiki for detailed project instructions and troubleshooting specific to each experiment.
6. Maintenance
- Cleaning: Use a soft, dry cloth to clean the surface of the coding box. Avoid using liquid cleaners or abrasive materials.
- Storage: Store the device in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.
- Battery Care: If the device will not be used for an extended period, remove the AA batteries to prevent leakage and damage.
- Handling: While the shell provides protection, avoid dropping or subjecting the device to strong impacts.
7. Troubleshooting
- Device Not Powering On: Check if batteries are inserted correctly and fully charged, or if the external DC power supply is properly connected and providing the correct voltage (7-12V). If using USB, ensure the cable is securely connected to a working USB port.
- Programming Errors: Double-check your code for syntax errors (MicroPython) or logic errors (KidsBlock Desktop). Ensure the correct board and port are selected in your IDE.
- Sensor/Module Not Responding: Verify that the module is correctly referenced in your code and that its I/O pin or IIC address matches the specifications. Refer to the component overview and the online wiki for specific module details.
- Connectivity Issues (WiFi/Bluetooth): Ensure your device's WiFi/Bluetooth module is enabled and configured correctly in your program. Check for interference from other wireless devices.
- OLED Display Blank: Confirm the device is powered on. If programmed, ensure the display initialization and output commands are correct in your code.
For more detailed troubleshooting steps and common issues, please consult the official product wiki linked in the Operation section.
8. Specifications
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Brand Name | keyestudio |
| Model | Kidsbits ESP32 Coding Box V2.0 |
| Main Control Chip | ESP32 |
| Application | For Arduino ESP32, STEAM Education |
| Type | Voltage Regulator (Integrated Board) |
| Origin | Mainland China |
| Condition | New |
| Supply Voltage | 3.3V (Operating) |
| External DC Power | 7-12V |
| USB Power | 5V (Type-C Interface) |
| Operating Temperature | 0 °C ~ 50 °C |
| Programming Method | MicroPython & KidsBlock Desktop (Graphical) |
| External Interfaces | 5x RJ11 (IIC compatible) |
| Lego Interface | Support |
| Features | WiFi/Bluetooth Connectivity |
| Number of Sensors | 16 |
| Number of Buttons | 3 |
| Number of LEDs | 3 (R, Y, G) |
| Number of RGB LEDs | 12 (Rainbow io16) |
| OLED Display | Yes (1.3 inch) |
| Ultrasonic Ranger | Yes |
| RFID Module | Yes |
| Joystick Module | Yes |
| Temperature & Humidity Sensor | Yes |
| Direction Sensor (Compass) | Yes |
| Pressure Sensor | Yes |
| Dimensions (L x W x H) | 240mm x 180mm x 38mm |
| Total Weight | 752g |
Image: Diagram illustrating the dimensions (Length: 240mm, Width: 180mm, Height: 38mm) and total weight (752g) of the Kidsbits Coding Box V2.0.
Version Comparison (V2.0 vs V1.0):
Image: A table comparing the features and specifications of Kidsbits Coding Box V2.0 and V1.0, highlighting improvements in main control chip, power mode, interfaces, and integrated sensors.
9. Warranty and Support
For detailed information regarding product warranty, technical support, and service policies, please refer to the official Keyestudio website or the product's dedicated wiki page:
Kidsbits ESP32 Coding Box V2.0 Wiki
This resource provides comprehensive documentation, tutorials, and community support to help you maximize your learning experience with the Kidsbits ESP32 Coding Box V2.0.
