Today, we are very excited to announce a few new additions to the littleBits family – the microphone, the dc motor + motorMate, the vibration motor + vibeSnap, and the servo!
The microphone is a new Bits module that translates sound into the electronic language of littleBits. It is both a great addition to the Synth Kit as well as to the rest of the littleBits library. When combined with the Synth Kit, the microphone gives you the ability to add voice or mp3 player inputs to your synth creations. The Voice Changing Loudspeaker is a good example of how the microphone compliments the Synth Kit as a voice input. It uses a microphone, filter, delay, split, synth speaker, and wires, and is all plugged into external speakers (via the synth speaker) to provide booming voice-changing amplification. You can also try plugging your mp3 player into the input jack on the microphone to remix your favorite song or use the microphone with the rest of the littleBits library to turn sounds into light or motion.
The dc motor + motorMate, the vibration motor + vibeSnap, and the servo are all Bits Modules that were previously sold only as part of the littleBits Exploration Kits. We are happy to say that these three motion modules are now available for individual sale. Sometimes one motion module is not enough! Elevate your creations and make more complex interactions with extras of these modules.
The dc motor + motorMate is currently included in our Base and Deluxe Kits, and can be used in a number of great projects like Three Wheeler, Honking Tricycle, and Robot. The motorMate makes it easy to connect the dc motor to other materials – try paper, cardboard, or Lego axles and wheels. Possibilities for interesting interactions multiply when you are able to combine more than one dc motor + motorMate. This Creepy Crawly Cockroach reacts to its surroundings and is able to change direction due to two dc motors that spin at different times in response to various inputs. The Lego wheels on the cockroach are attached via the motorMate and really get this cockroach moving. For more information, check our tips & tricks for the dc motor and the motorMate.
The addition of the vibeSnap to the vibration motor makes it a “snap” to connect the vibration motor to materials. Just punch a hole in paper, cardboard, tinfoil, etc., and fix the vibrating puck to the material just like we did with Box Monster. The easy connecting power of the vibeSnap is also showcased is Bristleball. This spin off of the classic electric football game allows you to strategically place your vibration motor on the field in order to get your players to move in a certain direction. Some luck is definitely helpful as well! Check out the vibeSnap tips & tricks for a variety of materials that work well with the vibration motor and stay tuned for more vibeSnap projects in the near future.
The servo is definitely one of our favorite new Bits modules and can be found in many projects like Mr. Thirsty, Mike in the Box, and the Turkey Table Timer. Found in both the Premium and Deluxe kits, the servo is a controllable motor that you can swing back and forth! In “turn” mode, you can change the angle of the servo’s arm using a dimmer, and in “swing” mode, you can control the speed of the movement depending on the input. The Servo Camera Mount attaches to a tripod and can be adjusted with two dimmers that control two servos. One dimmer controls a servo that rotates the base of the camera mount, and the second dimmer controls a servo that changes the angle at which the camera points for picture-perfect photos. Find more servo tips & tricks here.
Hope you enjoy these new additions as much as we do!
