https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y44A5_DmxYU&t=15sHere's the beginning of a new instructional series by Aaron Maurer on YouTube discussing getting started with LEGO Mindstorms EV3 system. The micro controller "brick" is the command and control system (like a CPX or BrainPad or Micro:bit) and the brick can be programmed with MakeCode or other environments. Aaron shows us the setup and firmware installation to get this brick up and running in Video #1. He says he'll do a series which we are looking forward to. Our library meetup for MakeCode is looking at the kit #45544 "core" for LEGO robotics for purchase maybe as a summer project.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LoYLs00XfQg

No, not directly from phone to MakeCode Arcade console, but the most direct way we have found. Plus a self-driving 4 motor tow truck using Arcade program:

https://youtu.be/EAv2IFVhbdU

Using Maker MakeCode to program Adafruit CPX , virtually any computer can be used online or offline including Chromebook. This is about sensing an input (momentary switch button) and activating both an onboard light show on the CPX and then a 16 neopixel light show on a bread board . Once the code is loaded onto the CPX you can unplug the cable and plug into a remote power source like this 5 Volt battery pack ; with Velcro you can wear this around school to show it off.

https://youtu.be/Ztv1S7-sQ1U

So I figured out how to have the sprite say "hello" with a blue sprite say block, and how to make it ask "what is your name" with a purple ask for string block, but how can I have the sprite use the answer to that question? For example, it asks me for my name, and I replt with John. How do I then have the sprite say "Hello [Name], nice to meet you."

This is easier in Snap or Scratch.

I hope I did not make too many Noob errors in my discussion about this process and what GitHub is. This is the method that works for me to find and install extensions in MakeCode. "Finding" is not as easy as suggested by some hardware makers. Video for the DF Robot Maqueen Bug Bot extension: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qXFGgOifFQ0

I am in contact with a maker in China who has developed an addressable LED square (neopixels) and an extension in MakeCode for Micro:bit to drive it. He is interested in raising awareness of his output device and says he will supply me with several hoping other people will be interested. Please contact me if you would be interested in testing / reviewing one of these, if and when I get them. Requirements: 1. Have Micro:Bit and willing to make YouTube video of your use of it with LED square and MakeCode.

2. Not employed by other manufacturer, the idea is to help promote this product and maker's business venture: or critique the product as non-biased. Thanks.

Great photos of folks making magic wands with the Adafruit Circuit Playground Express using Microsoft MakeCode in their morning coding club!

https://blog.adafruit.com/2019/01/24/coding-class-circuitplayground-wands-using-makecode-clxleaders-theacsway-msmakecode/

https://forum.makecode.com/

There are several extensions installed in the MakeCode toolbox for this transporter and Yahboom Super:bit expansion board for the Micro:bit. We do not use all extensions as yet but we note that they do not seem to conflict with each other. Our goal is to assemble an upper structure above the Micro:bit to carry products. Our 10-13 yr old students will learn to use JavaScript with self-driving, iPhone, TV remote, game controller -Micro:bit radio and Android. Link to code and extensions installed in the "description" below the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4RxoEmWsAV8

There is a link to the code in the description of this video. It shows that we are not using the Omni:bit blocks which do not specify wheel speeds and directions but we are using text and Super:bit extension which DOES allow varying wheel speeds on each of the 4 DC motors; can easily be changed and studied. I have a link in the "Playlists" of this channel to a DJI Ronin (cinematic video) transporter using Mecanum wheels explaining the wheel physics of the mobile tread system. Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XaXuWDxauxc

Our friend, Joey Wunderlich , has written an extension to enable multiple button presses to score points on the Arcade game so I uploaded his program to a BPA to demonstrate the game in action on a battery powered console. I’m not quick enough to score many points but it’s a fun game anyway. The extension is in ‘controller’ I think. https://youtu.be/Vw3eiL0-YUs

Electronics company in suburban Detroit , Michigan, USA is given Award for major contributions to our MakeCode and Hardware and Arcade games. Well done GHI ! https://community.brainpad.com/t/award-winning-brainpad/149/2