Check your kit
Tip everything out of the box. Tick off each item before you start. If anything is missing, ask a teacher BEFORE you go any further.
Tick the box when you have it:
Slot the micro:bit into the motor board
The micro:bit slides into the long gold "edge connector" on the Kitronik board. The buttons (A and B) must face up, away from the board.
👉 Click the micro:bit, then click the slot
Things to check:
Wire the LEFT motor to M1
Each motor has two wires. The colour does not matter — if the wheel spins the wrong way later, you just swap them. Loosen the screws on the M1 terminal, push the wires in, then tighten.
👉 Click a wire, then click a terminal (A or B)
Why this matters:
- M1 controls the LEFT wheel.
- Two wires → two terminals (it doesn't matter which goes in which hole).
- If the wheel spins backwards later, just swap them.
Wire the RIGHT motor to M2
Now do exactly the same for the right motor — but into the M2 terminal.
👉 Click a wire, then click a terminal (A or B)
Quick check:
- LEFT motor → M1 ✔
- RIGHT motor → M2 ✔
- Wires can't pull out when you tug them gently.
Add the wheels and the caster ball
Push a wheel onto each motor's white shaft. The caster ball goes on the OPPOSITE end of the chassis — this is your "third wheel" so the buggy doesn't drag.
👉 Click a part, then click where it goes
Why a caster ball?
- Two motors = two driven wheels at the back.
- The ball spins freely in any direction so the front of the buggy can swing.
- Without it, the buggy would drag and not turn properly.
Plug in the buggy battery
ONLY now plug the 3×AA pack into the BAT terminal on the Kitronik board. Red wire = +, black wire = −. Get this the wrong way round and you can fry the board!
👉 Click RED then click +. Then click BLACK then click −.
Safety check:
- Red → +
- Black → −
- Switch on the battery pack only AFTER your teacher has checked the wiring.
Build the remote
The remote is the SECOND micro:bit, on its own. Plug the 2×AA battery pack straight into the white JST socket on the back. That's it — no motor board on this one.
👉 Click the JST plug, then click the socket
Remember:
- The remote has NO motor board.
- Both micro:bits must be on the SAME radio group (your team number).
- Buttons A and B will steer your buggy.
Now design YOUR buggy
Your buggy must compete in three different events. There is no perfect shape — you have to choose what to focus on. Plan your chassis below.
🚀 Speed Sprint
Best with:
- Light chassis
- Big wheels
- Weight centred between the drive wheels
- Straight, narrow body
🏁 Manoeuvre
Best with:
- Short wheelbase (turns tighter)
- Narrow body (fits the gate)
- Smaller wheels for control
- Caster ball close to the wheels
🥊 Sumo
Best with:
- Heavy — up to 500 g
- Low front wedge / scoop
- Wide stance for stability
- Grippy tyres
Your team's choice:
Tick the trade-off you are willing to make. There is no right answer — you compete in all three events, so what's most important to your team?