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Activity

Compass North

Intermediate | MakeCode, Python | Compass, LED display | Boolean logic, Magnetism, Relational operators, Selection, Sensors, Using a compass, Variables

Step 1: Make it

What is it?

This simple compass will show you which way is North.

micro:bit showing N for North on LED display next to compass pointing North

How it works

  • Your micro:bit has a compass sensor called a magnetometer that measures magnetic fields. It can sense the Earth’s magnetic field and so you can use it as a compass.
  • When you first use the micro:bit compass you have to calibrate it. A little game appears on the screen where you have to tilt the micro:bit to light up every LED, then you’re ready to go.
  • The program uses an infinite (forever) loop to keep taking compass readings and it stores them in a variable called ‘bearing’. It then uses selection: an if… else statement to show N for North on the LED display if the bearing is greater (>) than 315 degrees or less than (<) 45. This means that it will show you where North is as long as your micro:bit is pointing in roughly the right direction.

What you need

  • micro:bit (or MakeCode simulator)
  • MakeCode or Python editor
  • battery pack (optional)
  • a planet with magnetic poles to stand on, such as Earth!

Step 2: Code it

Step 3: Improve it

  • Make the compass more accurate by reducing the range of bearings: make the number 45 smaller and 315 bigger.
  • Add other points of the compass to show when the micro:bit is pointing East, West and South.
  • Add sound so it makes a noise when pointing North so someone who is visually impaired can use the compass.
Compass rose showing numerical bearings for N, S, E, W, NE, SW etc