CodeCell C6 Drive

CodeCell comes with well explained tutorials and multiple examples. All tutorials can be found here: CodeCell Tutorials.

To install the CodeCell library, go to 'Sketch > Include Library > Manage Libraries' - the 'Library Manager' should open up. Just type "CodeCell" and click 'Install' to download the latest version of the CodeCell library.

We are continuously updating and adding new features to this library, so make sure you're using the latest version. To quickly get familiar with this library, go to 'File > Examples > CodeCell,' where you'll find multiple examples you can use and modify for your projects. We recommend starting with the 'GettingStarted' example, which contains just a few lines of code but explains all the sensing functionalities available with CodeCell.

The CodeCell C6 Drive includes dual H-bridge drivers for powering DC motors, buzzers, and actuators (like the CoilPad or FlatFlap) – no extra motor boards required! Each driver can theoretically support up to 1.8A, but the actual limits depend on the CodeCell's power management chip: up to 1500 mA when powered by a LiPo battery, and up to 450 mA when powered through USB. With a LiPo battery, this means each driver can provide around 750 mA.

It’s important to keep these limits in mind when designing robots. For example, our ProtoBot uses this same module to drive four N20 motors. At certain loads, this could exceed the current limits, so we limit the current to 90% in software to stay within safe operating levels.

The new CodeCell C6 supports both RTC-timer and interrupt-triggered sleep wake-ups. Here are the available options and their typical sleep currents:

• RTC-timer Triggered Wakeup: around 40uA in Sleep Mode
• Proximity Interrupt Wakeup: around 425uA in Sleep Mode
• Darkness Interrupt Wakeup: around 290uA in Sleep Mode
• Brightness Interrupt Wakeup: around 290uA in Sleep Mode
• Tap Interrupt Wakeup: around 820uA in Sleep Mode

You can select a wake-up source depending on your project’s needs and the desired battery life. If long battery life is the main priority, the RTC-timer wake-up source is the most efficient option (≈40 uA), since it put both sensors into sleep mode. If your project requires light- or tap-based wake-ups, you can enable those instead, though they come with higher sleep current.

To estimate battery life, divide your battery capacity by the average current draw of your project:
Battery Life (hours) = Capacity (mAh) ÷ Current (mA)

For example, a 170 mAh battery with RTC-wakeup could theoretically last about 6 months in standby. In practice, this value will be lower because active usage and wake-up checks needs to be also factored in.

CodeCell can be shipped using all our available shipping methods. However, if you choose the 170mAh LiPo battery option, it must ship via FedEx due to regulations. This may increase your cart total, but it’s express and reliable. You can also add other items to the same shipment to make the most of it. We appreciate your understanding 😊

CodeCell is suitable for anyone curious about electronics! It comes with well-explained Arduino examples that make it easy for kids and teenagers to get started. For children under 12, we recommend that any soldering is done under proper adult supervision and guidance. Please also note that the package includes small parts, such as screws, so care should be taken when handling them.

Yes, you can flash CodeCell with MicroPython since it’s based on the ESP32-C6, which supports MicroPython just like other ESP32-based boards. However, please note that our official CodeCell library is written in C++, designed for use with the Arduino IDE. If you plan to use MicroPython, you may need to write custom drivers to interface with the onboard sensors and peripherals

Some ESP32 development boards include both a RST (Reset) button and a BOOT button to manually put the device into programming mode. However, the ESP32-C6, such as the one on the CodeCell module, can automatically enter boot mode through the serial interface when using the Arduino IDE. This means the CodeCell doesn't need dedicated RST or BOOT buttons, which allowed us to make it as small as it is.

In the rare case that your CodeCell freezes or encounters an exception (causing it to continuously reset), you can manually force it into boot mode to reflash the firmware. To do this, simply follow these steps:

• Connect a wire between the SCL pin and the GND pin.
• Unplug the USB and switch off the battery (if connected).
• Reconnect the USB port.
• Reprogram your CodeCell with new code - make sure your code doesn't contain the bug that created the issue.
• Remove the shorted wire between the SCL pin and the GND pin. Power your battery back on if connected.

Following these steps will restore your CodeCell back to life.

The optional advanced IMU sensor is a pricey upgrade, but we believe it's well worth the investment! It upgrades the CodeCell’s capabilities with an integrated 3-axis accelerometer, 3-axis gyroscope, and 3-axis magnetometer. The BNO085’s advanced sensor fusion algorithms combine data from these sensors to accurately determine motion data, such as:

• Angular Rotational Reading (Roll, Pitch, Yaw)
• Motion State (e.g., On Table, Stationary, Motion)
• Motion Activity (e.g., Driving, Walking, Running)
• Accelerometer Readings
• Gyro Reading
• Magnetometer Reading
• Gravity Reading
• Linear Acceleration Reading
• Tap Detection
• Step Counter