4. Drone:bit-Python Sample

4.1. Add Python File

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For programming the Drone:bit with Python, we can use the existed extensionEF_Produce_MicroPython-master, we only need to use the function and revise the parameters to achive the goals.

Download the package and upzip it: EF_Produce_MicroPython-master

Go to Python editor

For programming the Drone:bit, we nned add the Dronebit.py. Click Load/Save and click Show Files(1) to see more choices.

Click Add file to find the folder of EF_Produce_MicroPython-master, add the Dronebit.py .

Dronebit.py is added successfully.

4.2. API

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DRONE(object)

Create the object.

heartbeat(self)

The heartbeat function, maintain the connection between the micro:bit and the Drones while running the program, send the heartbeat command every second and the program needs to be included in the main loops.

Drone_sleep(self,time_ms)

The delay function, for the replacement of sleep(), it contains the command of heartbeat.

initModule(self,mode)

Initialize the Drone:bit, inspect the power status and select the mode, the device shall alert after initialization.

    `mode`Select the drone mode:

            `DRONE.master`Master mode,

            `DRONE.remote`Remote mode.

UAV_speed(self,power)

The motivation settings, which means to set the speed of the drones.

Basic_action(self,basicstate)

Execute the basic actions, such as taking off and landing.

    `basicstate`Actions commands
    
            `DRONE.take_off`Taking off,
            
            `DRONE.take_off`Landing.

Move_action(self,Directionstate,distance)

Execute the move commands.

    `Directionstate`Movement commands:
    
            `DRONE.Up`Up,
            
            `DRONE.Down`Down,
            
            `DRONE.Forward`Forward,
            
            `DRONE.Backward`Backward,
            
            `DRONE.Left`Fly left,
            
            `DRONE.Right`Fly right;
            
    `distance`Distances of movement:
    
            Unit: CM,
            
            Up: 0~200,
            
            Down: 0~200,
            
            Other movements: 0~500

Rotation_action(self,rotationstate,angle)Execute the rotating commands.

    `rotationstate`Actions commands:
    
            `DRONE.turn_left` Turn left,
            
            `DRONE.turn_right`Turn right;
            
    `angle`Rotation angels:
    
            Ranges: 0~360.

Hovering(self,time)Time of hovering

    `time`Time of hovering:
    
            Range: 0~200.

Get_voltage(self)Get the voltage of the drone,

Get_height(self)Get the height of the drone.

4.3. Samples Code

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from microbit import *
from Dronebit import *

Drone = DRONE()
Drone.initModule(Drone.master)
Drone.Basic_action(Drone.take_off)
Drone.Move_action(DRONE.Up,300)
Drone.Drone_sleep(1000)
Drone.Move_action(DRONE.Down,300) 
Drone.Drone_sleep(1000)
Drone.Basic_action(Drone.landing)

while True:
    Drone.heartbeat()
    if button_a.was_pressed():
        Drone.Basic_action(Drone.take_off)
        Drone.Move_action(Drone.Forward,300)
        Drone.Drone_sleep(1000)
        Drone.Move_action(Drone.Left,300)
        Drone.Drone_sleep(1000)
        Drone.Move_action(Drone.Backward,300)
        Drone.Drone_sleep(1000)
        Drone.Move_action(Drone.Right,300)
        Drone.Drone_sleep(1000)
        Drone.Hovering(10)
        Drone.Basic_action(Drone.landing)

Reult

After powering on, the drone starts taking off, then going upward and downward, finally landing on the ground. Then press button A on the micro:bit and the drone would take off again and fly at a square routine, then it lands on the ground.