New Makey Makey Code-a-Key Backpack!

February 19, 2024

Level Up Makey Makey Projects with micro:bit Sensors!

Have you ever thought of combining Makey Makey and the BBC micro:bit? The Code-a-Key Backpack enables you to do just that! The Code-a-Key Backpack is an adapter board to connect the micro:bit to Makey Makey and gives micro:bit control of the Makey Makey key and mouse pins on the back of the Makey Makey board. Trigger key presses in your Makey Makey projects with motion, temperature, light, sound, and so much more to unlock a new realm of invention possibilities!

A Powerful Combo!

Code a Clap!

It’s easy to Code-a-Key using MakeCode for the BBC micro:bit! Check out our “Hello World!” project to see how easy it is to get started with the Code-a-Key Backpack for fun Makey Makey projects! In this “Hello World!” project, you will learn how to use the microphone on micro:bit to make Running Carl jump when you clap or shout!

Counter Coding

Using the Code-a-Key Backpack, now you can program the BBC micro:bit to count those stomps! Count laps, push-ups or how many times you sit down!

Chances are you already know how to build a stomp switch! Using the Code-a-Key backpack, now you can program the BBC micro:bit to count those stomps! Count laps, push-ups or how many times you sit down!

Code a Tilt Sensor!

The BBC micro:bit has a number of sensors on it! One of the most exciting sensors to use with the Code-a-Key backpack is its accelerometer! In this project you will be building a simple right / left tilt controller to play one of our games called Bouncy Face.

Code a Flashlight Piano

Sometimes pressing a button is just too much! What if you could use light to control your mouse clicks, press a key or better yet… make music on your computer! Using the Code-a-Key backpack with the micro:bit, we can do just that… build a flashlight piano!

More Fun Project Ideas!

We designed and built the Code-a-Key backpack to combine the strengths of both the Makey Makey and the BBC mico:bit (V1 or V2) into your projects in a simple and elegant way. No wad of wires, breadboarding (unless you want to!), or complicated circuits. The Code-a-Key Backpack enables the micro:bit to trigger up to 6 keypresses and full mouse control on the back of your Makey Makey. On top of that, the micro:bit can read if you have pressed a key or used the mouse and respond in any number of different ways… display an image on its display, play a sound, or even control a servo motor. Elevate your inventions with the Code-a-Key backpack!

Social Shoutout

Check out this great idea from Andres Garcia!

Molt per explorar amb #codeakey de @makeymakey i @microbit_edu primicia de la #Bett2024 que ha portat la @Robotica_rocio al #ScratchEdMeetup
Hem automatitzat el ratolí programant la @microbit_edu ...haurem de descobrir possibilitats! pic.twitter.com/7rpMUMS59W
— Andres Garcia (@andrestweetter) January 27, 2024