Linking Your CodeCell to the MicroLink App

The MicroLink app simplifies wireless control for your CodeCell – whether you're building tiny robots, setting up DIY sensors, or experimenting with interactive projects. With buttons, sliders, a joystick, and real-time data streaming, you can control, monitor, and debug your projects directly from your phone – no wires, no hassle.

What is MicroLink?

MicroLink is a Bluetooth mobile app designed to interact with our devices – including the CodeCell. When paired with the MicroLink Arduino library, your CodeCell can:

• Read input from 4 buttons, 3 sliders, and a joystick
• Send live sensor data like battery level, proximity, and heading
• Print messages to the app for debugging or display
• React in real time to control input

This makes MicroLink ideal for remote control, live feedback, and building interactive electronics.

Installing the Library

Install the CodeCell MicroLink library from the Arduino Library Manager. It includes 6 example sketches covering basic sensor feedback, remote control, and motor interaction. 

How It Works

Here’s a quick overview of how your CodeCell communicates with the app:

Initialization

myMicroLink.Init();

This sets up buttons, sliders, joystick, and Bluetooth notifications for battery, proximity, heading, and messages.

Sending Sensor Data

myMicroLink.ShowSensors(battery, proximity, heading);

Only sends when values change, reducing BLE traffic.

Sending Messages

myMicroLink.Print("Hello from CodeCell");

Use this to send debug or status messages. Print() supports strings up to 20 characters. Combine text and variables like this:

sprintf(message, "%u RPM", MotorRPM);
myMicroLink.Print(message);

Reading Controls

Use these functions to read inputs from the app:

myMicroLink.ReadButtonA();   // true if pressed
myMicroLink.ReadButtonB();
myMicroLink.ReadButtonC();
myMicroLink.ReadButtonD();
myMicroLink.ReadSlider1();   // 0–100
myMicroLink.ReadSlider2();
myMicroLink.ReadSlider3();
myMicroLink.ReadJoystickX(); // joystick X axis
myMicroLink.ReadJoystickY(); // joystick Y axis

Once any of these are used in your code, they automatically appear in the MicroLink app.

Example 1 – Motor Control with Sliders

In this example, two DriveCell modules control motors. Two sliders in the app adjust motor speeds. A button flips polarity:

uint8_t slider1 = myMicroLink.ReadSlider1();
uint8_t slider2 = myMicroLink.ReadSlider2();
DriveCell1.Drive(polarity, slider1);
DriveCell2.Drive(polarity, slider2);

Flip polarity with a button press:

if (myMicroLink.ReadButtonA()) {
    polarity = !polarity;
    myMicroLink.Print("Reversing Polarity");
}

Try It Yourself

Once installed, open the Arduino IDE and go to:

File → Examples → CodeCell MicroLink

You’ll find 6 example sketches ready to explore and customize — no advanced setup needed. Start with the examples, explore the controls, and build something fun!

The MicroLink app is currently in open beta on the Google Play Store and will launch on iOS on May 31st. It’s completely free and features a clean, ad-free interface.