| FAQ |
What equipment / skills / experience do I need to build a kit?
It is assumed you have some basic knowledge of electronics as well as practical soldering and construction experience with similar kits. You will need access to a soldering iron, tools, solder etc. A basic multimeter is also useful, though not essential, for post assembly checks and troubleshooting. You will also need to be able to source and assemble the additional parts not supplied with the kit.
As stated elsewhere, power supplies are not included so you will need to obtain one, or have access to a suitable power supply before you can test or use the assembled kit.
Parts packed in the pink or foil plastic anti static bags are sensitive to ESD (electro static discharge), don't remove them until needed and take ESD handling precautions when you do.
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Complete kits include the parts listed in the 'kit contents' link which can be found on the shop page. Project pages include images of the pre-production boards and the exact component values and specification supplied with the kit may vary to those in the images. The information, and schematics on the project page will be relevant to the kit currently being sold.
Power supplies are not included with any of the kits, nor are we able to we supply them. The project pages contain information on suitable power supplies for use with a particular project.
When supplied with either the PCB or as part of a complete kit, the PIC micro will be programmed with the latest available code for the project.
All the PCB's are high quality FR4 laminate with silk screen, solder resist and RoHS compliant OSP finish to the copper.
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Where can I get a suitable power supply?
Power supplies are not included with any of the kits, nor are we able to we supply them. The project pages contain information on suitable power supplies for use with a particular project. In general a switch-mode type regulated power supply is required.
In the United Kingdom Rapid Electronics sell a range of switch mode plug-top style power supplies.
Suggested power supplies available from Rapid Electronics are shown below. Outside the UK you will be able to by similar power supplies to these from local electronics stores. Also worth checking e-Bay.
http://www.rapidonline.com/Electrical-Power/Power-Supplies/Plug-In-PSUs
- LED Cube project either of these:
15W PSU 5V DC 2.5AMP RC Part # 85-2900
5V 1.5A MINI PLUGTOP SW MODE PSU RC Part # 85-2955
- PWM LED chaser and UFO LED chasers
5W SWITCH MODE PLUGTOP PSU 9V 550MA RC Part # 85-2926
UFO LED chaser will also work from a 9Volt PP3 battery.
- F1 Gantry Race Start Lights
15W MINIPLUG TOP PSU 12V DC1.2AMP (RC) Part # 85-2902****
Why is there no documentation or instructions with the kit?
Kits are supplied without printed documentation since full project and construction details are available on the respective project pages.
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How do I know what the components are / where do they go?
Hopefully you already have some basic electronics knowledge. If you're a bit rusty on what the components are, a component identification guide document can be downloaded here
Please have a good read of the project web page, particularly the schematic diagram and construction photos before and during assembly.
Each kit has an assembly reference image PDF file that can be downloaded from the 'PCB's Kits and Bundles' page.
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The kit should contain the parts listed on the shop page. If you receive the kit and find any parts listed are missing please contact us by email and we will get replacements sent out to you as soon as possible.
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If you receive a kit and find any damaged parts or packing please contact us by email, including a photograph of the damage if possible, to arrange for exchange / replacement at our discretion. Please do not attempt to assemble the kit if there is any damage.
We want happy customers so if you are having problems getting a kit to work please do contact us and we will try to assist you in getting it working.
Unfortunately we cannot replace the kit or parts once they have been used since it is possible that parts supplied in working condition have been damaged during handling and assembly. For example excess heat while soldering, incorrect installation, static discharge if not assembled using effective ESD precautions or incorrect power supply voltages.
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I've accidentally erased a code protected PIC?
If this happens we can reprogram the PIC for £4.99 including return postage. We will only do this when you have provided proof of purchase and the erased part has been returned to us at your expense. Please contact us to arrange the return.
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