What is P-Bit?
P-Bit is an environmental educational mini-computer designed for learning by doing. It helps observe, measure and interpret the environment visually and interactively.
Use the buttons to navigate through the 18 official screens.
Equipment Anatomy
Get to know your P-Bit's vital organs. Inputs to capture data and outputs to communicate with you.
DHT / Light / Mic
Integrated sensors for temperature, air humidity, luminosity and ambient sound.
J6 Port / DS18
External inputs for soil moisture probe (capacitive) and waterproof temperature sensor.
LED / Screen / Sound
Color LCD screen, status RGB LED and internal buzzer for sound alerts and Bluetooth (BLE).
First Power On
When you connect your P-Bit via USB-C, you will see the circular language selector.
- Choose: Turn the encoder to see Spanish, Catalan or English.
- Confirm: Press to enter the system. P-Bit will remember this forever.
🌡️ Air Temperature
Shows ambient heat with tank-style visual representation. Shares unit (°C/°F) with the DS18B20 probe.
Threshold Logic
Configuration: Enter the menu (long click) to adjust the Low Limit and High Limit. P-Bit will warn you if the air goes out of this range.
💧 Air Humidity
Shows relative humidity (%) of the environment through a precision digital sensor.
Limits: You can set "Dry" and "Very Humid" thresholds. P-Bit will automatically interpret if the environment is comfortable for humans or plants.
☀️ Light (Dual Visualization)
Classifies light automatically: Penumbra, Indoor, Bright or Solar.
Data Modes
LUX
% LOG
RAW ADC
Adjust the threshold calibration from the menu to adapt it to your classroom or greenhouse.
🎤 Ambient Sound
Measures sound pressure level captured by the integrated microphone.
Calibration: You can define what is "Silence", "Normal" and "High". Ideal for acoustic well-being projects in school.
🌱 Soil Moisture (J6 Port)
Converts the probe's analog value into a precise relative percentage.
Calibration Simulator
This process ensures that "0%" is dry air and "100%" is pure water, allowing accurate readings in stony, clayey or compost soils.
🧊 DS18B20 Probe (External Temperature)
Waterproof sensor for measuring temperature in liquids or deep substrates.
⚙️ System and Automated Sleep
Manages global device behavior and power saving.
Working Modes
- Active: P-Bit measures, broadcasts Bluetooth at 60 FPS and shows data on screen.
- Visible Sleep (ZZZ): Turns off the screen to save power, but keeps reading sensors and sending data. Wake it up by turning or pressing the button.
- Blocking Menu: When you open a menu, sleep is disabled so it doesn't interrupt you while configuring.
Sleep Timer
Sleep is automatically blocked if a menu is open or if the Timer is running.
⏲️ Timer
Dual function: Upward Stopwatch or Countdown.
Hold down to enter the time selector (HH:MM:SS). Ideal for controlling the duration of your STEAM experiments.
🔔 Alert System
P-Bit uses a universal color code to communicate critical states without needing to read text.
Low / Cold Condition
Optimal Status
Warning / Limit
Critical / High Alert
Learning with Data (STEAM)
P-Bit helps transform subjective observations into objective evidence.
Hydric Stress
Compare the light/soil diary. Identify the exact point where the plant needs help.
School Microclimates
Map temperature differences between the hallway, the window and the dark corner.
Troubleshooting
| "No sensor" | Check the black cable in J6. It must make a firm 'click'. |
| Doesn't enter Menu | Hold down for exactly 1.2 seconds without turning. |
| Strange Soil Data | Soil varies by salts and compaction. Recalibrate! |
| Black Screen | Visible Sleep ZZZ active. Turn or press to wake up. |