What is the Cytron Reka:Bit?
The Cytron Reka:Bit is an expansion board designed specifically for the micro:bit. It packs an array of connection options, including motors, servos, and Grove connectors.
In many ways, the Reka:Bit is comparable to the Robo Pico board we reviewed back in 2022. It’s a little more basic in that it doesn’t include a Cortex M0 chip, but it does support a wider range of sensors and actuators. It also boasts onboard WS2812B NeoPixels for immediate visual effects, which is always nice.
Setting up the Reka:Bit is a breeze. Much like any other micro:bit add-on, it connects to the device via an edge connector, and power can be supplied via a DC barrel jack or a Y-splitter USB lead.
All you need to do is download the Reka:Bit extension from the micro:bit website and follow the steps in the installation wizard. It really couldn’t be simpler.
Programming the Reka:Bit is just as straightforward. You can use the MakeCode blocks editor to create and run projects, which is ideal if you’re unfamiliar with JavaScript or MicroPython. Naturally, the Reka:Bit also supports the same range of programming languages as the micro:bit itself.
In terms of use cases, the Reka:Bit is surprisingly versatile. It’s a good starting point for young makers who are interested in getting into robotics, but it also lends itself well to more general electronic projects. The board supports motor control, servos, and Grove connectors, which means you can build everything from simple robots to LED-based projects like a spectrum analyser.
With this in mind, it’s easy to see why the Reka:Bit is so popular among educators, parents, and makerspaces. It offers a user-friendly experience that’s ideal for beginners and children who aren’t yet confident enough to dive headfirst into more complex electronics.
That said, more experienced users may find the Reka:Bit a tad too simple. In that case, we’d recommend opting for the Robo Pico instead. It’s a similar concept but has a more powerful Cortex M0 chip on board and is capable of more advanced robotics.
Reka:Bit review conclusion
As the name suggests, Cytron has designed the Reka:Bit with kids in mind. Its focus on simplicity encourages users to take their first steps into coding and build simple projects with minimal additional components.
Our main gripe with Reka:Bit is that it can feel a little too limiting at times. For example, you won’t be able to build anything particularly complex with it, and it’s not compatible with Raspberry Pi. With that said, this is all by design, and it’s entirely intentional that Reka:Bit encourages users to learn from their mistakes and develop problem-solving skills.
Ultimately, Reka:Bit’s simplicity is what makes it so appealing. It’s a solid foundation for young learners to explore and gain confidence in their abilities. It’s also a lot of fun for kids, whereas more experienced users may find it a tad too basic.
The Reka:Bit is available from Cytron and Amazon UK (affiliate links) for £45.
