The SMARTHON Smart City IoT Starter Kit for micro:bit is an educational set that allows you to recreate a connected city and learn IoT with real-life, progressive projects. It is designed for students aged 10 and over. and covers everything from turning on an LED to integrating cloud services, automations with IFTTT, and a mobile app.
If you're interested in developing STEM skills in a hands-on way, this kit helps you design urban systems with sensors and actuators on an IoT expansion board for micro:bit. The micro:bit board is not included., so remember to add it if you don't have it, and keep in mind that there are digital guides with step-by-step exercises to get the most out of it.
What is this kit and what is its focus?
Smarthon's proposal focuses on introducing the Internet of Things through assemblies that simulate urban infrastructures: traffic, lighting, environmental control or security. The IoT:bit acts as a base compatible with multiple sensors and publishes data to the Internet to build smart city use cases.
With basic computer and electronics skills included in the documentation, anyone can become a "designer" of their city. There is official material with more information on the product page. from Smarthon: smarthon.cc/micro-bit-smart-city-kit.
Ideal for group STEM projects
This set works very well in the classroom: It is recommended to work in groups of 2-3 students per kit to encourage discussion, design, and presentation of results. Although a single person can set it up, teams better share programming, layout, and wiring.
The activities promote several skills: logical thinking, creativity, communication and programmingAfter learning basic case studies, the kit is flexible enough to build your dream city: modern housing, sustainability, or transportation and road safety are suggested topics that can be adapted to the ICT curriculum.
IoT:bit Hardware and Kit Contents
Inside the box you'll find electronic modules, wooden and cardboard pieces, wiring, hardware, and an IoT expansion for micro:bit. Typical unpacking includes a city map, building models, battery holder, and an assortment of sensors and actuators for multiple prototypes.
- IoT:bit WiFi Expansion Board (micro:bit hub with connectors, buzzer and OLED).
- Traffic light module (three independently controllable LEDs).
- White LED for lighting.
- WS2812 multicolor LED (Addressable RGB) and also red/yellow/green LED modules in some editions.
- 180° servo motor (opening doors, barriers, etc.).
- Buzzer (buzzer).
- Ultrasonic sensor away.
- Light sensor atmosphere.
- Temperature and humidity sensor (DHT11).
- PIR sensor of movement.
- Rain/drop sensor.
- Noise sensor (sound).
- OLED screen, connection cables, screws and accessories.
The IoT:bit board includes an edge connector for the micro:bit, an OLED display, and several feeding options: Micro USB port, 2-pin connector for 3,7V battery and DC jack. It features a built-in buzzer, expansion headers, and alligator clips for rapid prototyping.
According to the documentation analyzed, there are references to different revisions: Some units integrate an ESP32-WROOM-32 and others mention a ESP8266 WiFi moduleIn practice, the behavior at the user level is similar: WiFi connectivity to publish data or receive commands from IoT services.
Included guides and manufacturer's bibliography
In stores like Robotopia a IoT Programming Manual with micro:bit with educational exercises exclusive to your business. This material covers around 12-13 practices (the exact number differs by edition) with varied examples and an educational focus.
The manufacturer also provides a digital PDF manual and an online guide Optimized for desktop, tablet, or mobile. It doesn't usually include a printed brochure by default, but you can print as many pages as you need. Plus, There is a wiki and tutorials which detail the assemblies and code step by step.
Block programming in MakeCode and Smarthon extension
To start programming, create a new project in Microsoft MakeCode for micro:bit, tap the gear icon and go to “Extensions.” There you can search for “smartphone” and install the kit extension.
After installation, two families of blocks appear: IoT:bit (WiFi, cloud, and utilities) y SmartCity (kit sensors and actuators)You can work in blocks or switch between JavaScript from the corresponding tab.
There is a public PXT library for this kit, licensed MIT, which declares support for PXT/microbit and PXT/calliopeIn the package finder, you'll see it as "smarthon-smartcity-kit," and you can pin versions, for example, the GitHub branch tagged with a specific tag.
Sensor Reading: Ranges and Practical Uses
The kit blocks return values in normalized ranges so the logic is easy to implement. These are the typical ranges and functions available in the Smarthon extension:
- Ambient light: from 0 to 100. With
read_light_sensor(Pin)It displays the luminance and you can decide, for example, when to turn on a streetlight. - Rain/drops: from 0 to 100. With
read_raindrop_sensor(Pin)you detect the presence of water on the sensor surface. - Noise: from 0 to 100. Using
read_sound_sensor(Pin)You estimate the sound level of the environment. - Temperature and humidity with DHT11: temperature around 0–50 ºC and humidity between 20–80%. The so-called
readData(temperature|humidity, DigitalPin)returns each parameter separately. - Ultrasonic distance: from 3 cm to 4 m. With
read_distance_sensor(unit, trig, echo)you get the separation to an object. - Movement (PIR): boolean (detect/do not detect). The block
read_motion_sensor(Pin)allows you to trigger actions upon detecting presence.
In the actuators, the control is just as direct: turn on the LED traffic light by color with a block that activates each channel separately, regulates the intensity of a white LED with turn_white_led(brightness, Pin) o sets the servo at an angle concrete with turn_servo(degrees, Pin).
IoT platforms and compatible services
The IoT:bit extension simplifies Wi-Fi connectivity and integration with cloud platforms. Out of the box, the ecosystem offers compatibility with:
- ThingSpeak: facilitates the development of IoT apps and the analysis/visualization of data in MATLAB.
- Kids' IoT (now Smart IoT): easy-to-use cloud upload service from the manufacturer. 2025 update: The platform is now called Smart IoT with access in smartiot.space.
- MQTT: lightweight protocol ideal for machine-to-machine communication with very low bandwidth.
- IFTTT: “If this happens, do that” type automations, useful for turning on lights, sending emails, or executing remote actions.
These integrations come with dedicated blocks in MakeCode, so that you don't need to write low-level networking codeYou configure the SSID and password, define the endpoint or service, and that's it.
First projects: from smart lamp to container with capacity
A common initiation exercise is the “Smart park lamp”: a white LED that automatically activates when the PIR sensor detects motion. After assembling the parts and wiring them according to the instructions, you compile the project and copy the HEX file to the MICROBIT device (just like a USB flash drive).
If at any time the copy fails and appears a FAIL.TXT file On the unit, repeat the programming process; sometimes it's just a matter of reconnecting the cable and waiting for the micro:bit to reboot and complete the flash.
It is also proposed a “waste management system” to assess whether a bin is full. The ultrasonic sensor measures the distance to the material inside the bin, and an RGB LED indicates status: green if there is capacity, red if a threshold is exceeded (e.g., less than 4 cm away from the sensor).
During real-life tests it was observed that, at times, the LED alternates between red and green Even if the code is correct, the probable cause is the occasional zero reading from the ultrasonic; filtering values or applying averages usually stabilizes the reading.
5-Star Advanced Scenario: Transportation, Security, and Remote Control
Among the most complete units there is a scenario of the type “security and transportation” which combines several lessons: car speed control, automatic traffic lights, smart lighting, defense system and home automation door.
The assembly brings together several modules on the IoT:bit and is accompanied by WiFi connection, IFTTT applets and the development of a Android app with MIT App Inventor 2It's an extensive project, with the online guide explaining each block in detail.
Before using IFTTT and the app, you must get the Device ID of the device. A specific program (documented on the IoT:bit wiki) is loaded and displays that ID on the OLED screen; if something isn't responding, using an LED as an indicator can help debug the connection.
With the Device ID ready, you configure in IFTTT a date and time trigger to turn on the lighting at 18:00 by sending a control command to the “Smarthon IoT (micro:bit)” service. Another applet can also be created with webhook so that, when motion is detected in the PIR, an email is sent.
It is important to note that certain recipes require ifttt pro, a monthly payment plan. In our experience, the scheduled switch-on worked correctly, and at the specified time, the street LED was activated without intervention.
The app in MIT App Inventor 2 It's built with a text field for the Device ID and "Open/Close" buttons that execute HTTP requests to activate the door (servo). After compiling the APK and scanning the QR code, it's installed on Android and allows you to open/close the door; it's convenient adjust the servo horn the first time so that the route is adequate.
Another block of the stage measures the speed of a vehicle calculating distance in two samples (separated by about 500 ms) and displaying the result on the OLED. It's a straightforward way to introduce basic kinematics into an urban context.
Examples of Smart City type applications
To inspire projects, proposals include real-life ideas that fit with citizens and urban services. These are some possibilities based on the kit sensors:
- Water level detection at metro entrances to anticipate incidents.
- Automatic watering of green areas to save water.
- Automatic waste bins/bins to improve hygiene and reduce odors.
- Smart Urban Nest to observe local fauna with sensors.
- Thermo-hygrometric control in libraries to prevent deterioration of books.
Assembly, practical advice and classroom life
The wooden pieces come marked and easy to remove, although identifying screws by size (M4 x 100, etc.) is easier if the bags come labeled. In class, it helps to prepare the envelopes with reference numbers in advance.
When erecting the models, some balsa elements are very light compared to the rigidity of the cables; twist the cable a little or use Blu-tack (included in the accessory pack) improves the stability of the set.
In the house with a servo-controlled door, make sure you have the cable: if you lack length, The kit includes extension cables to gain distance without moving the model. Then adjust the servo position so that it closes/opens without any obstacles.
For intensive classroom use throughout courses, it is worth considering the durability of the cardboard piecesThe manufacturer offers a “Smart City Refill Material Pack” with model replacements, a city map, accessories, and hardware.
MakeCode Workflow: Compile and Flash
The typical cycle is to program, compile and copy the .hex to the MICROBIT drive via USB. If the process is slow or fails, wait for it to reboot, check that FAIL.TXT is not left, and repeat. It's the same procedure as if you had used a board like the Raspberry Pi Pico in mass storage mode.
When you download sample projects, remember to click “Edit” in MakeCode before compiling to customize pins, Wi-Fi networks, or commands. This way, you avoid configuration errors when switching from one build to another.
Compatibility, licensing and package search
The kit library declares compatibility with various PXT targets and is under MIT licenseIn the MakeCode package finder, you'll find it by its canonical name, and you can set the exact version from GitHub if you need it for a classroom.
Within the ecosystem, integration with services such as Smarthon IoT on IFTTT simplifies adding applets; simply enter the Device ID displayed on the OLED and control commands (e.g., turning a street light on or off).
Availability of guides and trade support
Some distributors include a own manual in Spanish with block-guided practices and assembly images. These materials emphasize block programming with MakeCode and all connections are made without soldering.
In the case of Robotopia, the guide titled “IoT Programming Manual with micro:bit” announces 13 varied exercises, and highlights the integration with ThingSpeak, Smart IoT (formerly Kids' IoT), MQTT and IFTTT thanks to specific blocks created by the manufacturer.
Cost of the kit and additional items needed
The price of the complete kit tested is around 108,90 USD. To cover 100% of the advanced lessons a minimum of XNUMX% may be required. IFTTT Pro subscription (approx. $12,50/month) and, in some specific practices, another additional IoT:bit and micro:bit.
If you are going to develop the mobile app, you will need an Android phone or tablet to install the APK generated by MIT App Inventor 2. On iOS it is possible to work with the App Inventor iOS Companion, although the flow is less direct than on Android.
Purchase Notes: Availability and What's Included
Don't forget that the heart of the system is the micro: bit, which is sold separately; also add a micro USB cable If you don't have one, the parts list may vary slightly depending on the dealer and may include individual LEDs per color. water level sensor or liquid sensor, in addition to the OLED display and the EF92A 180° servo.
The connection is made with jumper cables and connectors on the IoT:bit, without soldering. This makes classroom work easier and reduces assembly preparation time, allowing you to focus on logic and data.
Store Privacy: Marketing Cookie Notice
In some stores that sell the kit, you will see cookie notices, especially marketing ones. These cookies are used for advertising tracking. and ad personalization. For your information, here are some common examples and their expiration dates:
| Cookie name | Supplier | Objective | Expiration |
|---|---|---|---|
| fr | Used by Facebook to provide a series of advertising products such as real-time bidding from third-party advertisers. | 3 months | |
| IDE | doubleclick.net | Used by Google DoubleClick to record and report user actions on the website after viewing or clicking on one of the advertiser's ads for the purpose of measuring the effectiveness of an ad and presenting specific ads to the user. | 1 year |
| tr | Used by Facebook to provide a series of advertising products such as real-time bidding from third-party advertisers. | Session | |
| _fbp | Track visitors for personalized ads on Facebook | 3 months |
Quality tips and possible improvements
The user experience is very positive, with hours of learning guaranteed, but there is room for improvement in small details. Labels on screw bags would make assembly easier, and slightly more flexible cables or small weights would help the models stand upright more easily.
In the online documentation they may appear small inconsistencies or typos; the manufacturer usually updates them, and in the meantime, the teacher's printed guide usually resolves this by consolidating the versions of the exercises.
This kit offers a journey that begins with simple examples (such as turning on a light when motion is detected) and progresses to cloud connectivity, data analytics, and remote control using services such as ThingSpeak, Smart IoT, MQTT, and IFTTT. The combination of physical parts, block programming and web services It makes learning enjoyable, applicable, and with visible results in the classroom, and the availability of guides in Spanish and online accelerates adoption by both teachers and students.
