In 2018, The Micro:bit Educational Foundation released a minor revision (V1.5) of the BBC micro:bit that uses a different compass and accelerometer.
If you’re a user of micro:bit and you create scripts in one of our supported online editors, and then flash them onto your micro:bit, you won’t need to change anything that you’re doing.
What has changed?
The compass (magnetometer) and accelerometer components on the micro:bit have been replaced with a combined device that delivers both functions.
What do I need to do?
Most people won’t have to do anything. Every new hex file you build with the official editors will contain the code it needs to run on any micro:bit
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If you have hex files saved on your computer that use the compass or the acceleromenter (for example, detecting a shake, reading a compass bearing or magnetic field strength) you’ll simply need to upgrade them before you can use them on a newer micro:bit.
To do that, just drag and drop them back into the editor and when you next click Download, the new hex files will contain the updated code!
Why did you make the change?
Unfortunately, the compass component used on the BBC micro:bit is no longer being manufactured.
One of the reasons that the compass is reaching ‘end of life’ is that many new designs are choosing combined magnetometer and accelerator chips, rather than standalone devices. Having reviewed all of the possible replacement compasses we could choose, it’s clear that the best way to make sure we don’t have to make another change again any time soon is to move to one of these combined devices too.
When did the change happen?
The revised device became available in October 2018.
How do I get in contact with questions?
Please contact us on the usual channels with any concerns. If you’re a micro:bit reseller and you have questions about buying micro:bits you can contact Premier Farnell directly.