To use this with the micro:bit, you will need to build a voltage divider with a 10k
Ω
resistor, as shown
in the wiring diagram for this experiment. The micro:bit cannot read a change in resistance, only a
change in voltage. A voltage divider allows you to translate a change in resistance to a
corresponding voltage value.
The voltage divider enables the use of resistance-based sensors like the photoresistor in a voltage-
based system. As you explore different sensors, you will find more resistance-based sensors that
only have two pins like the photoresistor. To use them with your micro:bit you will need to build a
voltage divider like the one in this experiment. To learn more about resistors in general, check out
our
tutorial on resistors
and also our
tutorial on voltage dividers
.
Note:
Make sure you are using the 10k
Ω
resistor in your voltage divider with the sensors in this kit.
Otherwise you will get odd and inconsistent results.
Hardware Hookup
Ready to start hooking everything up? Check out the wiring diagram below to see how everything is
connected.
Polarized
Components
Pay
special
attention
to
the
component’s
markings
indicating
how
to
place
it
on
the
breadboard.
Polarized
components
can
only
be
connected
to
a
circuit
in
one
direction.
Wiring Diagram for the Experiment
Having a hard time seeing the circuit? Click on the wiring diagram for a closer look.
