Have you ever wondered how blockchain and cryptocurrency actually work? With the micro:coin project, you can explore the fundamentals of decentralized digital currency—right on a micro:bit. Designed as an educational tool, micro:coin brings complex concepts like mining, blocks, and blockchain validation into a hands-on, interactive experience that’s both fun and instructive.
Whether you're a student, educator, or tech enthusiast, this guide will walk you through how micro:coin simulates real-world cryptocurrency mechanics using simple gestures and radio communication between devices.
How Does micro:coin Work?
At its core, micro:coin is a simulation of a blockchain network built for the BBC micro:bit. Each micro:bit acts as a node in the network, capable of creating, validating, and sharing blocks—just like in real cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin.
The process of generating a new coin is called mining. On the micro:bit, mining is triggered by shaking the device. When you shake it, the micro:bit attempts to add a new block to the chain. Thanks to a bit of simulated randomness (a 30% success rate), not every shake results in a successful mine—mirroring the computational challenge in real blockchain systems.
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Once a block is successfully mined:
- It's assigned a unique hash, based on the previous block’s data.
- The new block is broadcasted over radio signals to nearby micro:bits.
- Other devices receive the block, verify its integrity, and update their own copy of the blockchain.
This decentralized validation ensures that all participants maintain a consistent and tamper-resistant record—just like in actual blockchain networks.
Understanding Blocks, Chains, and Hashing
A blockchain is essentially a growing list of records (blocks) linked together using cryptography. Each block contains:
- A timestamp
- Transaction data (in this case, who mined the coin)
- The cryptographic hash of the previous block
This hash connection is what makes blockchain secure. If someone tried to alter an earlier block, its hash would change—breaking the link with all subsequent blocks. Detecting such tampering becomes easy, which is why blockchain is often described as immutable.
In micro:coin, each successfully mined block represents one coin. The chain grows as more users mine and share their blocks wirelessly. This creates a live, dynamic network where learning happens through doing.
Getting Started with Mining
Ready to start mining? Here's how to interact with your micro:bit:
- Shake the micro:bit → Attempt to mine a new coin
- Press Button A → View how many coins you’ve mined
- Press Button B → See the total length of the blockchain
On screen, you’ll see visual feedback:
- 💎 A diamond icon means you successfully mined a coin!
- 😴 An asleep face means no coin this time—try again!
At startup, the micro:bit displays instructions: A=COINS B=CHAIN SHAKE=MINE, so you never forget how to play.
Secure Your Digital Assets
Just like real cryptocurrencies, your mined coins need protection. You can build a secure micro:bit wallet to store and manage your coins. This not only keeps your digital assets safe but also teaches foundational concepts in digital identity and encryption.
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Behind the Code: How Blockchain Runs on micro:bit
The magic behind micro:coin comes from the radio-blockchain extension for MakeCode. This package enables micro:bits to communicate via radio and synchronize their blockchain data in real time.
Setting Up the Extension
Before editing the code:
- Open the MakeCode editor for micro:bit
- Click Advanced, then Extensions
- Search for “blockchain” and install radio-blockchain by Microsoft
Core Code Explained
// Shaking triggers mining
input.onGesture(Gesture.Shake, function () {
led.stopAnimation()
basic.clearScreen()
basic.pause(200)
if (randint(0, 2) == 0) { // 30% chance
blockchain.addBlock(1)
basic.showIcon(IconNames.Diamond)
} else {
basic.showIcon(IconNames.Asleep)
}
})
// Show personal coin count
input.onButtonPressed(Button.A, function () {
led.stopAnimation()
let coins = blockchain.valuesFrom(blockchain.id()).length
basic.showNumber(coins)
basic.showString("COINS")
})
// Show total blockchain length
input.onButtonPressed(Button.B, function () {
led.stopAnimation()
basic.showNumber(blockchain.length())
basic.showString("BLOCKS")
})
// Display instructions at start
basic.showString("A=COINS B=CHAIN SHAKE=MINE")This code uses event-driven programming to respond to user input and radio messages. The blockchain.addBlock(1) function call creates a new transaction, computes its hash, and broadcasts it across the network.
Educational Value of micro:coin
micro:coin isn’t just a game—it’s a powerful teaching tool. It introduces key concepts including:
- Decentralization: No central authority controls the chain.
- Consensus: All devices agree on the valid state of the blockchain.
- Cryptography: Hashing ensures data integrity.
- Networking: Radio communication mimics peer-to-peer networks.
Teachers can use this project in classrooms to demonstrate computer science principles in action, making abstract topics tangible and engaging.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is micro:coin?
micro:coin is an educational simulation that demonstrates how blockchain technology works using BBC micro:bit devices. It allows users to "mine" digital coins and share them across a wireless network.
Can I transfer coins between micro:bits?
Yes! Using radio communication, mined blocks are automatically shared with nearby micro:bits. Each device validates and updates its blockchain accordingly.
Is this real cryptocurrency?
No. micro:coin is a learning tool and does not have monetary value. However, it accurately models core blockchain mechanisms like hashing, decentralization, and consensus.
Do I need multiple micro:bits to use micro:coin?
While you can mine alone, the full experience requires multiple devices to simulate a real network where blocks are shared and validated.
How secure is the micro:coin blockchain?
It's secure for educational purposes. The system uses cryptographic hashing similar to real blockchains, though it's simplified for performance on microcontrollers.
Where can I find the source code?
The full source is available on GitHub in the pxt-radio-blockchain repository, particularly in the main.ts file.
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Final Thoughts
micro:coin offers a brilliant entry point into the world of blockchain and decentralized systems. By turning abstract ideas into something you can hold in your hand and shake to mine, it makes learning interactive, memorable, and fun.
As interest in Web3, crypto wallets, and decentralized apps grows, tools like micro:coin help bridge the gap between theory and practice—preparing the next generation of innovators.
Whether you're teaching coding in school or exploring blockchain on your own, micro:coin proves that powerful ideas can start small.
Core Keywords: blockchain, cryptocurrency, mining, micro:bit, decentralized network, hash, radio communication, educational technology