Install Windows 7 Driver

If you are running Windows 7 you need to install this driver.

If you are on Mac, Win 10+ or Linux it is not require! Skip this step

Download Arduino IDE

You will need to use the Desktop IDE. Make sure you are running the latest version.

Install SoftDevice onto SinoBit

Arduino assumes there's a 'softdevice' radio already installed. If you used MicroPython with your sinobit, that softdevice was erased.

Reinstalling it is easy, simply follow the instructions at Sandeep Mistry's instructions. When selecting the programmer, I had success using CMSIS-DAP. I made a point of resetting it to USPTinyISP when the SoftDevice flashing was complete.

Add NRF5x Board Support

The microbit uses the nRF51 which is not 'natively' supported. But its easy to add support!

Select Board and Upload

Select BBC micro:bit from the Boards menu.

Set SoftDevice to S110.

And set the Port to the microbit

Download the Sino:bit library and install as described on the Adafruit Libraries page.

And create a new sketch with this blink demo.

#include <sinobit.h>

Sinobit matrix = Sinobit();

void setup() {
  Serial.begin(9600);
  Serial.println("Sinobit is ready!");

  matrix.begin();
  delay(100);
  matrix.clearScreen();
}

void loop() {
  Serial.println("blink!");
  
  // set a pixel
  matrix.drawPixel(0, 0, 1);
  matrix.writeScreen();
  delay(500);
  
  // clear a pixel!
  matrix.drawPixel(0, 0, 0);
  matrix.writeScreen();
  delay(500);
}

#include <sinobit.h>

Sinobit matrix = Sinobit();

void setup() {
  Serial.begin(9600);
  Serial.println("Sinobit is ready!");

  matrix.begin();
  delay(100);
  matrix.clearScreen();
}

void loop() {
  Serial.println("blink!");
  
  // set a pixel
  matrix.drawPixel(0, 0, 1);
  matrix.writeScreen();
  delay(500);
  
  // clear a pixel!
  matrix.drawPixel(0, 0, 0);
  matrix.writeScreen();
  delay(500);
}

Click Upload!

If you get a warning about openocd - approve access so it can upload the code

You should see the top left LED blinking!