The SparkFun gator:board ecosystem is an amazing set of development and prototyping boards for students. The ecosystem interfaces with the micro:bit and all electrical connections are accessible via alligator clips, meaning no soldering required! This safe and diverse set of tools is designed specifically for classroom use. Recently, we reviewed the main board in the ecosystem: the gator:bit. Today we are going to introduce three accessory gator:boards: the gator:starter, gator:control and gator:color.
gator:starter
The gator:starter has an exciting set of inputs and outputs that offer endless possibilities of programmatic fun! Featured on this board is a temperature sensor, light sensor, and RGB LED. These components can be used as is on the board or can be snapped out into individual parts.
Check out the video below to learn more about the gator:starter and how to use it with the gator:bit and other microcontrollers.
gator:control
The gator:control offers a handful of ways to interact using only alligator clips. Each board includes two momentary push buttons, one switch, and one reed switch. They can be kept as a whole while on the board or broken apart for individual use, and add a ton of interactive input options for your students.
To get started with the gator:control check out our video below.
gator:color
The gator:color features an array of 6 colorful LEDs - two white, one red, one green, one blue and one yellow - and a power rail. Students can use these components to add glowing elements to their project and to extend the power and ground connections of the gator:bit and any other microcontroller with alligator clips. The components can be used together as is, or each can be individually snapped off.
Learn more about how to use the gator:color and how to use it in the video below.
micro:bit, basic circuits, What is a