Learn how a keypad matrix works with a micro:bit @microbit_edu
Using a micro:bit pin breakout board, blogmywiki works out how to read a 4×3 matrix of buttons like a keypad.
I (decided) to use a pure matrix of keys. Although you can buy cheap matrix keypads, I happened to have a large bag of small push-buttons, so I decided to wire up my own matrix using a breadboard and some wire. Normal calculators and computer keyboards use matrices to reduce the amount of wiring needed to connect physical buttons to computational systems, and so in doing this I learnt a bit about how they work at a fundamental level.
Some Microsoft MakeCode gets to reading the values!
Stop breadboarding and soldering – start making immediately! Adafruit’s Circuit Playground is jam-packed with LEDs, sensors, buttons, alligator clip pads and more. Build projects with Circuit Playground in a few minutes with the drag-and-drop MakeCode programming site, learn computer science using the CS Discoveries class on code.org, jump into CircuitPython to learn Python and hardware together, TinyGO, or even use the Arduino IDE. Circuit Playground Express is the newest and best Circuit Playground board, with support for CircuitPython, MakeCode, and Arduino. It has a powerful processor, 10 NeoPixels, mini speaker, InfraRed receive and transmit, two buttons, a switch, 14 alligator clip pads, and lots of sensors: capacitive touch, IR proximity, temperature, light, motion and sound. A whole wide world of electronics and coding is waiting for you, and it fits in the palm of your hand.
Have an amazing project to share? The Electronics Show and Tell is every Wednesday at 7pm ET! To join, head over to YouTube and check out the show’s live chat – we’ll post the link there.
