Techniques

The MakeCode platforms provide an enormous amount of flexibility in the types of programs that can be produced. This page provides a range of sample techniques that can be used either on their own or together to help you build puzzles.

Some of the sections are for specific MakeCode platforms whilst others are more generic but require a specific capability with the device or platform. The requirements should be fairly obvious from their descriptions.

BBC micro:bit

This section is specifically for use with the MakeCode micro:bit platform.

Displaying numbers

TODO: Instructions on how to display multiple numbers on the BBC micro:bit screen at the same time.

This requires a BBC micro:bit because the technique is designed to use a single column of 5 leds to represent all of the numbers 0 through to 9 inclusive.

Clock and Alarm

TODO: Instructions on how to make a clock with (optional) alarm.

This requires a BBC micro:bit because it relies on the 5x5 display grid and the radio. This also makes use of the technique of displaying numbers on the BBC micro:bit.

MakeCode Arcade

This section is specifically for use with the MakeCode Arcade platform.

Clock and Alarm

TODO: Instructions on how to make a clock with an alarm. All MakeCode Arcade platforms have a screen and buzzer so we have more flexibility on how to achieve this.

TODO: Only the BBC micro:bit with an Arcade shield has access to radio so this technique can be combined with 1-wire communications to allow a BBC micro:bit and Arcade device with pins to work together to make a clock with radio communications.

Slider puzzle

TODO: Instructions on how to make a slider puzzle to unlock a code (or provide other information).

Enter a passcode

TODO: Instructions on a simple method of getting access to a code (or provide other information).

Devices with pins

Communicating with 1-wire

TODO: Instructions on how to communicate between two devices with pins over a single wire.

Devices with speakers

Morse code

TODO: Instructions on how to generate morse code to play through the speaker.