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Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Backyard Brains’ Spiker:bit is an expansion board for the BBC micro:bit that lets students and makers use electrode-recorded body signals—especially muscle activity (EMG)—as inputs for coded projects. It can trigger a servo, game, light, or other micro:bit response; it is not a general-purpose brain-control device or a medical monitor.
What Spiker:bit does
Spiker:bit connects to a BBC micro:bit and an electrode cable. The electrodes record electrical activity from the body, and code uses the resulting signal values to trigger an output. Backyard Brains describes it as a body-machine interface (BMI) and also uses brain-computer interface (BCI) terminology. In the most straightforward beginner projects, the signal is EMG: electrical activity produced by muscles.
That distinction matters. EMG measures muscle activity; ECG or EKG concerns the heart’s electrical activity and timing; EEG refers to brain rhythms. The official project catalog also describes eye-blink activity as EOG. A project that responds to a muscle contraction is not, by that fact alone, directly reading thoughts or providing clinical brain control.
What you need to get started
- One Spiker:bit board.
- A compatible BBC micro:bit, version 1 or 2. The micro:bit is sold separately unless a clearly identified bundle includes it.
- The Backyard Brains orange electrode cable.
- Three large muscle electrodes, as listed in the getting-started instructions.
- Two AA batteries for the Spiker:bit board, plus a computer connection for programming and setup.
The documentation says to connect the micro:bit to a computer by USB to power it and upload code; wireless programming is also described as an alternative. Follow the current vendor instructions for the exact connection and power arrangement for your project.
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- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
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- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
How the signal becomes a project input
- Connect the hardware. Fit the micro:bit into the Spiker:bit edge connector, connect the orange electrode cable, and attach the electrodes according to Backyard Brains’ instructions.
- Install the software extension. In Microsoft MakeCode, add the Spiker:bit extension as directed in the official documentation.
- Place the electrodes and check the signal. For an introductory EMG project, the vendor’s example path uses electrodes on a forearm muscle and asks the user to flex that muscle.
- Set a threshold in your code. The program checks the signal values and compares them with a threshold. Adjusting that threshold helps determine when a contraction should count as an input.
- Choose an output. Code can respond by controlling a servo or triggering another micro:bit project action. The documentation identifies a servo output on PIN 0 and also lists GPIO/Grove expansion connections.
MakeCode supports block-based programming as well as JavaScript and Python pathways. The product page lists example pathways for all three; check the current software interface and documentation for the available extension and examples.
Projects and what they demonstrate
Backyard Brains’ catalog includes projects such as a muscle-controlled DIY neuroprosthetic-hand demonstration, Spiker-Man web flinger, Muscle Maze, MyoTyper, The Snooze Smacker, Dino Jump, and Cowboy Duel. Other listed examples include HeartBit, Blink:Bit, Neuro:Talk, NeuroConducting Baton, and BeatBite. These illustrate different ways to use body signals as inputs in coded projects; the catalog is not evidence that every project has been independently validated.
Rank #2
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- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
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- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
The hand project should be understood as a maker demonstration, not a clinical prosthesis or a substitute for assistive medical technology. The product and documentation establish an educational project platform, not clinical performance, signal accuracy, latency, or suitability for an assistive device.
Signal modes and an important documentation caveat
Backyard Brains’ hardware overview names EMG, ECG, and EEG modes, while its technical-specification table lists EMG and ECG recording modes. Those sections do not align fully, so the available documentation does not establish a detailed EEG capability claim. Treat Spiker:bit primarily as a way to control micro:bit projects with body-signal inputs, and consult the current documentation or schematic for mode-specific details.
The Tool Desk
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- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Spiker:bit or Human SpikerBox?
| Reader’s goal | Product direction in Backyard Brains’ materials | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Use body signals to control a coded device or classroom invention | Spiker:bit with a BBC micro:bit | Micro:bit, cable, electrodes, power, and any actuator parts required by the chosen project |
| Record and study EMG waveforms | Human SpikerBox | Its current recording setup and software requirements; those details are not specified in the Spiker:bit product information cited here |
| Build an older Arduino EMG/EEG experiment | The project hub separates older Arduino experiments from its current Spiker:bit/micro:bit projects | The exact project instructions, microcontroller, and required parts |
The product page points readers interested in waveform-focused EMG recording toward Human SpikerBox, while positioning Spiker:bit for controlling micro:bit projects.
Buying options and package contents
On October 4, 2026, Backyard Brains’ product listing displayed the individual Spiker:bit at $99.99 and marked it in stock. The listing says the package contains one Spiker:bit board, one electrode cable, and disposable electrode stickers; it also describes MakeCode, JavaScript, and Python example pathways. The BBC micro:bit is separate unless an explicitly identified bundle includes one. Price and availability can change, so confirm the live listing before ordering.
Rank #4
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The vendor’s getting-started list calls for three BYB Large Muscle Electrodes, one BYB Orange Electrode Cable, one Spiker:bit, and one micro:bit. Check the kit contents against that list before starting, especially if you are buying a board-only package or already have some components.
The Spiker:bit Classroom 10-Pack listing displayed $899.99 and in-stock status on October 4, 2026. It is presented for classroom use and likewise says the micro:bit is sold separately unless the bundle specifies otherwise. Verify current price, availability, and the exact contents with the seller.
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Is it a medical device?
No. Backyard Brains’ official FAQ says Spiker:bit is not for diagnosis, treatment, or medical monitoring. Use it as an educational and maker platform, not to assess a health condition or make medical decisions.
What the evidence does—and does not—show
Backyard Brains’ product pages and documentation describe the hardware, setup, and example uses; they are vendor sources rather than independent performance evaluations. The reviewed materials do not provide an independent accuracy benchmark, named learning-outcome study, or clinical suitability assessment. A Kickstarter campaign in 2025 reported 292 backers and $51,439 pledged during its July 22–August 21 funding period; those historical campaign figures do not establish educational efficacy or product performance.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
