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Get Started with GiggleBot

GiggleBot expansion pack includes 15 pieces of robo-flair (sensors, actuators, and parts)
01: Unbox your GiggleBot

If you haven’t already, remove GiggleBot from the box it arrived in.

micro:bit and Micro-USB cable
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
03: Insert three AA batteries

Place 3 AA batteries into the black battery holder on the bottom of your GiggleBot.

MakeCode logo
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
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.

In your web browser type “makecode.microbit.org” into the navigation bar.

07: Select "New Project" in MakeCode

We’ll start by making a new project.

Name your program then click create
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
09: Go to settings

Click on the little “Gear” icon in the upper right corner.

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.
11: Search "Giggle"

Use the search bar in Extensions to look for “Giggle”

Pick "Giggle" not "Gigglebot"
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.

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"
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

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.
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.
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"
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.”

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.
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.
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?

How can we help you?