GeeekPimicrobit Mini Cutebot Kit Compatible with BBC Micro:bit V2, DIY Programmable Robot Car Kit, STEM Educational Project, Graphical Makecode Coding Car with Tutorial (Without Micro:bit)

I love this microcar. I'm able to program it using either the makecode site, or by using the mind+ software. Each has it own advantages.And my 9 & 13 year old lads are getting into programming. Getting it to navigate around obstacles is a lot of fun.

The media could not be loaded. The examples on github not working as they should. The other examples of software are in chinese and ask me to install some chinese software on my computer qality is poor as the remote battery is saying cr2025 but they forgot to cut our plastic in the middle too so it doesnt fit. After installation of github examples - remote controlled didnt work , Object avoidance - not avoiding anything just going straight. Light detections - same as previous not detecting anything. Attached videos

This review has been a bit in the making - when I originally ordered the item, the listing was a bit unclear and portions stated "Micro:bit included" and others said "NOT included". The seller has since clarified this on the listing. There is no Micro:bit included.In order for me to review the product however, the seller kindly sent a Micro:bit for me to carry out testing.I'm quite an experienced coder, so was interested to see what these new products marketed towards children were like to work with.Getting connected to Microsoft MakeCode was easy, and I was able to connect over USB without any issues. Unfortunately in the built-in extensions library, not all functions are available.I switched over to the recommended software called "Mind+". It's downloaded from a very Chinese website with quite a good English translation. After running the software through a virus scanner I proceeded with installation - which again was in Chinese until you switched it over.In some ways this software is more functional, and in other ways more limited. Using this coding environment I was able to utilise many more of the features on the car - however there seemed to be a limitation when using the Infrared function that you weren't able to continue using the code-block-UI and had to switch to real code.I then dug into the user manual, and there was a link to a GitHub repository. This repository seemed to contain examples for Microsoft MakeCode rather than the Mind+ software. I switched back over and was able to get a few more features to work. There were also .hex files included in this repository that you were able to import into Microsoft MakeCode.I think my biggest criticism is that if Children are intended to use this product, it's not *quite* user friendly enough to get them started with all functionality.The biggest positive is that everything seems to be pretty well made. Everything functioned on my board except one of the LEDs which is much dimmer than the others. I have no doubt that the seller would sort this out as they were very responsive.

If you know someone who is interested in programming, micro electronics and engineering etc. but has limited experience, this would make a great gift.It comes with everything you need including a BBC microbit, ultrasonic sensor and an OLED display all of which makes it quite a good value in my opinion.You get access to clear and intuitive instructions with drag-and-drop programming making it accessible for most ages. Once together, it is fun and easy to control and is quite a cool little car. I would definitely recommend it.

The kit arrived fine and the basic tests all worked but it took a while to get the demonstrations to work after having to modify the code. The visual programming is really the only comprehensive route to getting everything to work, standard Python only covers a limited range of features. There are other very similar kits which offer a better range of compatibility at a very similar price which would be a better choice.

Ideal for students and children interested in electronics and computer systems.Everything is included to make, programme and have fun with making a micro car that you control electronically.

Great for anyone with an interest in programming or anything technical!The box contains everything you need as well as full instructions.A perfect gift idea.