Get Started with GiggleBot
![GiggleBot expansion pack includes 15 pieces of robo-flair (sensors, actuators, and parts)](https://gigglebot.io/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/gigglebot-base-sh.png)
01: Unbox your GiggleBot
If you haven’t already, remove GiggleBot from the box it arrived in.
![micro:bit and Micro-USB cable](https://gigglebot.io/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/get-started-microbit-cable2.png)
02: Unpack your micro:bit and Micro-USB cable
To get started you only need the micro:bit and Micro-USB cable you can leave the other components in the bag for now.
![Insert 3 AA Batteries](https://gigglebot.io/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/3-batteries.png)
03: Insert three AA batteries
Place 3 AA batteries into the black battery holder on the bottom of your GiggleBot.
![MakeCode logo](https://gigglebot.io/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/4-makecode.png)
04: Next, let's make a program in MakeCode
MakeCode is a learn-to-code programming environment from Microsoft. You can access it from your web browser.
![Use Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge browsers](https://gigglebot.io/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/5-browsers.png)
05: You will need either Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge to use MakeCode
MakeCode uses a technology called web-USB to transfer programs to your micro:bit. Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge browsers have this technology built-in.
![](https://gigglebot.io/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/6-navigate.png)
In your web browser type “makecode.microbit.org” into the navigation bar.
![](https://gigglebot.io/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/7-newproject.png)
07: Select "New Project" in MakeCode
We’ll start by making a new project.
![Name your program then click create](https://gigglebot.io/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/8-nameit.png)
08: Pick a name for your project
Any name will do! When ready, click “Create”
![Click on the settings icon "gear" in the upper right hand corner](https://gigglebot.io/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/9-settings.png)
09: Go to settings
Click on the little “Gear” icon in the upper right corner.
![](https://gigglebot.io/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/10-extentions.png)
10: Select "Extensions"
Pick the “Extensions” option from the menu. This loads a special set of blocks for MakeCode.
![Search "Giggle" in the search bar.](https://gigglebot.io/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/11-search.png)
11: Search "Giggle"
Use the search bar in Extensions to look for “Giggle”
![Pick "Giggle" not "Gigglebot"](https://gigglebot.io/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/12-pick-giggle.png)
12: Select "Giggle"
Select the “Giggle” option that looks like this. Don’t worry about the other option for now. It’s for very specific use-cases.
![](https://gigglebot.io/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/13-simple-program.png)
13: Next, let's make a simple program
Time to build a program using drag-and-drop code blocks.
![A sample block of micro:bit code - "Show Icon - Heart"](https://gigglebot.io/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/14-microbit-code.png)
14: Some blocks are code for the micro:bit
Different MakeCode blocks do different things. Some represent code designed to change your micro:bit. This one changes the LEDs on the front of your micro:bit
![](https://gigglebot.io/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/15-gigglebot-code.png)
15: Some blocks are code for the GiggleBot
The “Giggle” extension added a few more blocks to help you control your GiggleBot. This block changes the LED “smile” near the back of your GiggleBot.
![Connect your micro:bit to your computer using the micro-USB cable.](https://gigglebot.io/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/16-connect-via-usb.png)
16: Connect your micro:bit to your computer using the Micro-USB cable.
Now that you’ve completed your program, you’re ready to transfer it to your micro:bit. Plug the little end of the Micro-USB cable into the port at the top of your micro:bit.
![Click on the "3 dots" icon next to the download button.](https://gigglebot.io/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/17-3-dots.png)
17: Click on the "3-dots" next to the "Download" button
Before you can transfer you will need to pair with your micro:bit. Click on the little icon that looks like three dots in a row.
![First click "Pair Device" then select your micro:bit and click "connect"](https://gigglebot.io/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/18-pair-connect.png)
18: Pick "Pair device" then "Connect"
In the pop-up menu click on “Pair Device.” Make sure your micro:bit is selected in the next window, then click “Connect.”
![](https://gigglebot.io/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/19-download.png)
19: Click "Download"
Now that you’re paired, click “Download” to transfer the program to your micro:bit. Congratulations! You’ve just programmed your GiggleBot robot in MakeCode.
![Connect micro:bit to the GiggleBot - buttons face front of robot.](https://gigglebot.io/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/20-connect-microbitgigglebot2.png)
20: Connect your GiggleBot and micro:bit
Eject the micro:bit from your computer and connect it to your GiggleBot. The buttons on the front of the micro:bit should face the front of your GiggleBot. When ready use the black power switch to start your robot.
![Continue growing with the free coding cards.](https://gigglebot.io/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/20-coding-cards.png)
21: Continue growing with the free coding cards or try some projects.
Ready to learn more about your GiggleBot? Download the free coding cards to build new skills through play.
Questions?
![](https://gigglebot.io/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/message-us.png)