littleBits i36 Micro Sequencer: What It Does and How to Use It
By Sphero Coding Robots & Kits | PK-12 STEM Education, AI | Published: 2026-10-24
Category: How-to Guides
Learn what the littleBits i36 Micro Sequencer does and how to use it to create repeating sound sequences, control lights, and build interactive projects in the classroom or at home.
Quick answer
The littleBits i36 Micro Sequencer lets you create repeating sequences of up to 8 steps, each with its own pitch or output level, making it ideal for music projects, light shows, or timed animations.
What the i36 Micro Sequencer Does
The i36 Micro Sequencer is a sound and control Bit that stores a sequence of up to 8 steps. Each step can be assigned a different voltage level, which controls the pitch of an oscillator or the brightness of an LED when connected. This makes it a versatile tool for creating melodies, sound effects, or repeating visual patterns without needing to code.
Unlike a simple timer or counter, the sequencer advances through its steps one by one each time it receives a clock signal. You can control the speed using a separate oscillator or a manual button, giving you precise timing for your projects.
When to Use the i36 Over Other Bits
The i36 is the best choice when you need a repeating pattern of distinct notes or levels. For a single repeating tone, a simple oscillator or a timer Bit might be easier. But for a melody or a multi-step light sequence, the i36 saves you from building multiple oscillators or using a microcontroller.
One trade-off: the i36 only stores one sequence at a time. To change the sequence, you must physically adjust each step's dial. For complex or dynamic sequences, a programmable Bit like the Arduino or micro:bit adapter offers more flexibility.
How to use the littleBits i36 Micro Sequencer
- 1. Connect power and output: Attach the i36 Micro Sequencer to a power Bit (like the p1 or p3) and an output Bit such as the i37 oscillator or an LED Bit. The sequencer's output will control the pitch or brightness of the connected Bit. Check that your output Bit is set to a responsive mode (e.g., oscillator on 'pitch' mode) so the voltage changes are audible or visible.
- 2. Set up a clock signal: Connect a clock source to the i36's input. This can be a simple oscillator (like the i37 set to a slow speed) or a button Bit. Each pulse from the clock advances the sequencer to the next step. A common mistake is using a very fast clock. Start with a slow pulse (1–2 Hz) to hear each step clearly, then adjust speed as needed.
- 3. Adjust each step's value: Use the small trimmer dials on the i36 to set a voltage for each of the 8 steps. Turn clockwise for higher voltage (higher pitch or brighter light) and counterclockwise for lower voltage. Label each step with a sticky note or marker if you're building a specific melody. You can always revisit and tweak any step without affecting the others.
- 4. Add a reset or mode control (optional): Some versions of the i36 have a reset input or a mode switch. Connect a button to the reset input to restart the sequence from step 1. Use the mode switch to change between forward and ping-pong (back-and-forth) patterns. If your i36 doesn't have a mode switch, it only runs forward. For a ping-pong effect, you can manually reset the sequence at the right moment using a button.
- 5. Experiment with multiple outputs: Use a splitter Bit (like the fork or a mult) to send the sequencer's output to two different Bits simultaneously. For example, one path to an oscillator for sound and another to an LED for visual feedback. The voltage level is the same for all outputs, so you'll hear and see the same pattern. To have different patterns, you'd need a second i36 or a more advanced controller.
Product facts
- littleBits i36 micro sequencer: The i36 Micro Sequencer has 8 steps, each with a trimmer dial to set the output voltage (0–5V). It requires a clock input to advance through steps. This means you can create an 8-note melody or an 8-step light pattern without any programming, just by turning the dials.
littleBits i36 micro sequencer
