F.A.Q.
What equipment / skills / experience do I need to build a kit?
We expect you to 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 and solder. Some kits may require additional hook-up wire. A basic multimeter is also useful 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.
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.
A good site to visit if you are new to electronics construction can be found here http://www.kpsec.freeuk.com/index.htm
What's in the kit?
Complete kits include the parts listed in the detailed description for the item on the eShop page. Project pages may 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.
The PIC micro will be programmed with the latest available code for the project at the time of purchase.
All the PCB's are high quality FR4 laminate with silk screen, solder resist and RoHS compliant OSP finish to the copper unless stated otherwise.
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.
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.
I've read the project page and I can't find the answer to my question, what should I do?
Get in touch with us using the Contact form. We'll get back to you and if the answer might benefit others we'll update the project page on the website too.
Missing parts in the kit?
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 and we will get replacements sent out to you as soon as possible.
What if the kit doesn't work?
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. 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.
Our refund or replacement policy does not apply to products which have been subject to misuse (including static discharge), neglect, accident or modification, or which have been soldered or altered during assembly and not capable of being tested.
Why don't you stock more components and parts?
The Picprojects eShop exists to support the Picprojects website. It's not our intention to be a component supplier and therefore we only sell a subset of components and parts used in the kits we sell.F
Firmware updates?
If a code update is released you will be able to download it free-of-charge from the project page and reprogram the original PIC microcontroller supplied with the kit providing you have access to a programmer device.
If you don't have access to a programmer, you can return the original PIC microcontroller to us at your expense and we will reprogram it and return it free-of-charge. Contact us for return address details.
How to contact us?
You can contact us using the Contact form