Micro:bit Physical computing guides
No. 11: Potentiometers

​​Connecting a Potentiometer to a micro:bit
Instructions on how to attach a potentiometer to a BBC micro:bit.

What you will need
  • BBC micro:bit
  • Micro USB cable
  • Battery pack with 2 x AAA batteries
  • 1 x potentiometer
  • 3 x Crocodile clip leads
Understanding potentiometers
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A potentiometer is a special type of resistor. By rotating the knob of the potentiometer you can vary the amount of resistance (see image below).
Potentiometer​

Wiring instructions
  1. Disconnect the micro:bit from your computer and disconnect the battery pack.
  2. Using crocodile clips, connect the left leg of the potentiometer (Vcc) to 3V, the middle leg to Pin 0, and the right leg to GND on the BBC micro:bit. 
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​Programming your Potentiometer
Copy the below:
To access the 'Pins' blocks, click on 'Advanced'.
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​Testing your code
  1. Download your program to your micro:bit.
  2. Reconnect your battery and run your program.
  3. Turn the knob of the potentiometer to change the value displayed on the micro:bit

Projects
  • Change the colour of an RGB LED
  • Control the tone or pitch of a buzzer
  • Control the scolling speed of the micto:bit display

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ: Using a Potentiometer with the Micro:bit
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Q1: What is a potentiometer?
  • A1: A potentiometer is a type of resistor that allows you to vary the resistance by turning its knob.

Q2: How do I connect a potentiometer to the micro:bit?
  • A2: Connect the left leg (Vcc) to 3V, the middle leg to Pin 0, and the right leg to GND on the micro:bit using crocodile clips.

Q3: What can I control with a potentiometer on the micro:bit?
  • A3: You can control various outputs like the scrolling speed of the micro:bit display or the brightness of an LED.

Q4: What are the steps to set up the potentiometer?
  • A4: Disconnect the micro:bit from your computer, connect the potentiometer as described, and then use the micro:bit to read the resistance changes.

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