Difference between revisions of "Frequently Asked Questions"

From Microduino Wiki
Jump to: navigation, search
(Created page with "Below are frequently asked questions and possible solutions to the problem. =Setup= ==I am having problem setting up the software!== =Microduino Series= ==Microduino CoreUS...")
 
(→‎Android)
 
(86 intermediate revisions by 2 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
−
Below are frequently asked questions and possible solutions to the problem.  
+
Below are frequently asked questions and possible solutions to the problem.
 +
=Shipping=
 +
<blockquote>Hello, do you ship to my country?</blockquote>
 +
Yes, we do! We ship worldwide.
 +
<blockquote>When will my order arrive?</blockquote>
 +
*Processing time takes about 2 working days.
 +
*DHL shipping takes about 3-7 working days. Expected delivery is 5-9 working days once an order is placed.
 +
*E-packet shipping takes 10-15 working days. Expected delivery is 12-17 working days once an order is placed.
  
−
=Setup=
+
=Orders=
−
==I am having problem setting up the software!==
+
<blockquote>Did you receive my order?</blockquote>
 +
Please '''[[#Contact Us / Additional Support|contact us]]''' with an order number, full name, address, etc and we will get back to you shortly.
 +
<blockquote>I would like to purchase a large amount of modules!</blockquote>
 +
Thank you for your interest in Microduino! For large orders please send an e-mail to: sales -at- microduino.cc
 +
 
 +
=Inventory=
 +
<blockquote>Is '''X''' product in stock?</blockquote>
 +
Usually when the product is not select-able. It is out of stock.
 +
<blockquote>When will '''X''' product be in stock?</blockquote>
 +
Please '''[[#Contact Us / Additional Support|contact us]]''' with the product and variant (if applicable).
 +
 
 +
=Software=
 +
<blockquote>I am having problems with the software or I can't upload to my board!</blockquote>
 +
*Please download the latest software at: https://microduino.cc/download
 +
*Follow the setup guide for your system:
 +
<div style="float:left">
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="width: 250px; margin-right: 1em;"
 +
! <big>Getting Started</big>
 +
|- style="height: 250px;"
 +
| <center>[[File:microduinoGettingStart-ForWindows.jpg|link=Getting_started:_Windows|175px]]
 +
<hr> [[File:microduinoGettingStart-ForMAC.jpg|link=Getting_started:_Mac|175px]] </center>
 +
|}
 +
</div>
 +
 
 +
{{Clickable headed image table box clear}}
 +
 
 +
<blockquote>I don't want to install your custom IDE! Can't I just use Arduino's Board Manager?!?</blockquote>
 +
The Board Manager for Microduino Boards are still being tested for compatibility with libraries and examples provided by us. If you wish to to help test. Please visit this page: '''[[Installing Microduino Boards Using Arduino Boards Manager]]'''
 +
 
 +
==Mac==
 +
<blockquote>My Mac crashes after I installed the software from the USB and when I plug in the yellow battery brick!</blockquote>
 +
The software on the USB may be outdated with an old driver that causes this. Please download the latest software and follow the setup guide as linked above this issue.
 +
 
 +
=Itty Bitty City=
 +
<blockquote>Where is the sketch / program for the Santa Sled indiegogo bonus?</blockquote>
 +
The Santa Sled project uses the same sketch / program as the Smart Car.
 +
<blockquote>The manual I got in my Itty Bitty City kit is in Chinese. Is there an English version?</blockquote>
 +
The English version can be downloaded here as a PDF: '''https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/microduino-pictures/download/download/IttyBittyCity_English.pdf'''
 +
<blockquote>Help! One or more of the sensors, LEDs, buttons, etc that are connected to my the Sensor Hub are not working or acting weirdly!</blockquote>
 +
Please see the '''[[#Sensors / Sensor Hub|Sensors / Sensor Hub]]''' section.
 +
<blockquote>I am having problems uploading! I get something that looks like this... <br>
 +
'''avrdude: stk500_recv(): programmer is not responding'''
 +
 
 +
'''avrdude: stk500_getsync() attempt 1 of 10: not in sync: resp=0xab'''
 +
 
 +
...
 +
</blockquote>
 +
This means that the software is having problems communicating with the programmer.
 +
*Downloaded the latest software and follow the getting started guide for your platform <big>'''[[#Software|here]]'''</big>.
 +
*Select the correct board, processor and port.
 +
**Go to '''Tools > Board'''  and select '''Microduino/mCookie-Core (328p)'''
 +
**Go to '''Tools > Processor''' and select '''Atmega328P16M,5V'''
 +
**Go to '''Tools > Port''' and select the available port
 +
*Make sure there is a red LED on your battery module. Press and hold the button on battery module to turn it on. A red LED on the Core module will also turn on.
 +
Attempt to upload again after following the steps above.
 +
<blockquote>What is the Bluetooth Upload module for?</blockquote>
 +
A future Microduino App will use the Bluetooth Upload module to upload sketches / program wirelessly. It is currently in development and will be released in the future.
  
 
=Microduino Series=
 
=Microduino Series=
 +
<blockquote>It is difficult to separate the Microduino modules!</blockquote>
 +
Please be careful when separating the modules. If done too forcefully it can damage the pins. With the modules disconnected from power. It is recommended to use a flat head screw driver to lever each side a little bit at a time until the modules are easily separable.
 +
==Dimensions and Specifications==
 +
<blockquote>What are the dimensions of the Microduino modules?</blockquote>
 +
Most of the Microduino modules are a standardize size according to the '''[[Description_of_Upin27_Specification|Microduino upin27 specification]]'''. Although, there are some modules that have different dimensions.
 +
<blockquote>What do the pins on the Microduino modules do?</blockquote>
 +
The pin descriptions can be seen at the '''[[Description_of_Upin27_Specification|Microduino upin27 specification]]'''.
 
==Microduino CoreUSB==
 
==Microduino CoreUSB==
−
*I am having problems uploading to or programming my Microduino CoreUSB!
+
<blockquote>I am having problems uploading to or programming my Microduino CoreUSB!</blockquote>
−
** This is an issue that can occur with the CoreUSB. Please visit '''[[CoreUSB Not Uploading Issue]]''' for a possible fix.
+
This is an issue that can occur with the CoreUSB. Please visit '''[[CoreUSB Not Uploading Issue]]''' for a possible fix.
  
 
=mCookie Series=
 
=mCookie Series=
−
*I am having problems uploading to or programming my mCookie CoreUSB!
+
==Dimensions and Specifications==
−
** This is an issue that can occur with the CoreUSB. Please visit '''[[CoreUSB Not Uploading Issue]]''' for a possible fix.
+
<blockquote>What are the dimensions of the mCookie modules?</blockquote>
 +
Most of the mCookie modules are a standardized size. Please refer to this image: https://wiki.microduino.cc/index.php/File:MCookie_Dimensions.png. Although, there are some modules that have different dimensions.
 +
<blockquote>What do the pins on the mCookie modules do?</blockquote>
 +
The pin descriptions can be seen at the '''[[Description_of_Upin27_Specification|Microduino upin27 specification]]'''.
 +
 
 +
==mCookie CoreUSB==
 +
<blockquote>I am having problems uploading to or programming my mCookie CoreUSB!</blockquote>
 +
This is an issue that can occur with the CoreUSB. Please visit '''[[CoreUSB Not Uploading Issue]]''' for a possible fix.
 +
 
 +
=Sensors / Sensor Hub=
 +
<blockquote>My sensors are having problems or not working!</blockquote>
 +
*The sensor cables can be an issue if improperly inserted, which results in damaging them.
 +
**Try another sensor cable and please be careful when inserting the sensor cables to the [[sensor hub]] and the [[sensor]]. It is recommended when inserting the sensor cable to press on the plastic housing instead of the wires.
 +
*'''For mCookie Series''':
 +
**The connections between the pins on the boards can be bad. The connection points could be dirty with dirt or oil.
 +
***Try to clean the circular contact pads and springy pins CAREFULLY and GENTLY with a clean paper towel dampened with rubbing alcohol.
 +
**Defective contact pads or defective springy pins.
 +
***Visually inspect the contact pads and spring pins for any defects such as damage, stuck, or just looks wrong.
 +
 
 +
=mLight Application=
 +
==Android==
 +
<blockquote>Why can't I find the Microduino Bluetooth module with the mLight application for Android?</blockquote>
 +
The mLight application hasn't been updated for Android version 6 (Marshmellow) and above. This Android version requires applications to ask for permissions to use features such as Bluetooth. Since, the application has not been updated for this Android version you will have to manually give permissions to the mLight application.
 +
 
 +
Follow the steps below:
 +
# Make sure mLight is installed.
 +
# Go to '''Settings''' on your phone
 +
# Under '''Device'''... Go to '''Apps'''.
 +
# This will list all your installed apps. Look for the '''mLight''' app. Select that.
 +
# Select the '''Permissions'''. There should be two permissions that you can enable. Enable both '''Location''' and '''Microphone''' permissions.
 +
# Hit back. Then go to the mLight app and scan. You should be able to discover Microduino as a device now.
 +
 
 +
=Sketches / Programs=
 +
<blockquote>I am having problems uploading sketches / examples that use the RTC module!</blockquote>
 +
There is an issue with the incorrect and outdated software library included in the Microduino software package. To fix it, please follow the guide below:
 +
#Download the correct library file from here: https://wiki.microduino.cc/images/9/90/Rtc_pcf8563.zip
 +
#In the Microduino IDE go to Sketch->Add .ZIP library...
 +
#Navigate to the downloaded file and select the "Rtc_pcf8563.zip". Then click Choose on the bottom right.
 +
#Now the IDE should use the correct library version and should be able to compile the program.
 +
 
 +
=Contact Us / Additional Support=
 +
<blockquote>This useless page didn't answer my question!</blockquote>
 +
Feel free to contact us on:
 +
*'''Intercom''' (the chat box on the bottom right of the main website: https://www.microduino.cc)
 +
*'''E-mail''': support -at- microduino.cc
 +
'''Note''': We can only provide support for questions related directly to Microduino products.
 +
 
 +
=Miscellaneous=
 +
<blockquote>Why does it takes so long for a response back on the chat or e-mail?</blockquote>
 +
*Our regular business hours are on weekdays between 9 AM and 5 PM pacific time. Current time: https://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/usa/california.
 +
*Inquiries that are after hours or on the weekend will be slow. Please be patient for our response. Thank you!
 +
<blockquote>How do I emoji?</blockquote>
 +
Open the Intercom chat box and click on the smiley face. From there you can select an emoji to send to us.

Latest revision as of 23:56, 6 February 2017

Below are frequently asked questions and possible solutions to the problem.

Shipping

Hello, do you ship to my country?

Yes, we do! We ship worldwide.

When will my order arrive?
  • Processing time takes about 2 working days.
  • DHL shipping takes about 3-7 working days. Expected delivery is 5-9 working days once an order is placed.
  • E-packet shipping takes 10-15 working days. Expected delivery is 12-17 working days once an order is placed.

Orders

Did you receive my order?

Please contact us with an order number, full name, address, etc and we will get back to you shortly.

I would like to purchase a large amount of modules!

Thank you for your interest in Microduino! For large orders please send an e-mail to: sales -at- microduino.cc

Inventory

Is X product in stock?

Usually when the product is not select-able. It is out of stock.

When will X product be in stock?

Please contact us with the product and variant (if applicable).

Software

I am having problems with the software or I can't upload to my board!
Getting Started
MicroduinoGettingStart-ForWindows.jpg
MicroduinoGettingStart-ForMAC.jpg
I don't want to install your custom IDE! Can't I just use Arduino's Board Manager?!?

The Board Manager for Microduino Boards are still being tested for compatibility with libraries and examples provided by us. If you wish to to help test. Please visit this page: Installing Microduino Boards Using Arduino Boards Manager

Mac

My Mac crashes after I installed the software from the USB and when I plug in the yellow battery brick!

The software on the USB may be outdated with an old driver that causes this. Please download the latest software and follow the setup guide as linked above this issue.

Itty Bitty City

Where is the sketch / program for the Santa Sled indiegogo bonus?

The Santa Sled project uses the same sketch / program as the Smart Car.

The manual I got in my Itty Bitty City kit is in Chinese. Is there an English version?

The English version can be downloaded here as a PDF: https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/microduino-pictures/download/download/IttyBittyCity_English.pdf

Help! One or more of the sensors, LEDs, buttons, etc that are connected to my the Sensor Hub are not working or acting weirdly!

Please see the Sensors / Sensor Hub section.

I am having problems uploading! I get something that looks like this...

avrdude: stk500_recv(): programmer is not responding

avrdude: stk500_getsync() attempt 1 of 10: not in sync: resp=0xab

...

This means that the software is having problems communicating with the programmer.

  • Downloaded the latest software and follow the getting started guide for your platform here.
  • Select the correct board, processor and port.
    • Go to Tools > Board and select Microduino/mCookie-Core (328p)
    • Go to Tools > Processor and select Atmega328P16M,5V
    • Go to Tools > Port and select the available port
  • Make sure there is a red LED on your battery module. Press and hold the button on battery module to turn it on. A red LED on the Core module will also turn on.

Attempt to upload again after following the steps above.

What is the Bluetooth Upload module for?

A future Microduino App will use the Bluetooth Upload module to upload sketches / program wirelessly. It is currently in development and will be released in the future.

Microduino Series

It is difficult to separate the Microduino modules!

Please be careful when separating the modules. If done too forcefully it can damage the pins. With the modules disconnected from power. It is recommended to use a flat head screw driver to lever each side a little bit at a time until the modules are easily separable.

Dimensions and Specifications

What are the dimensions of the Microduino modules?

Most of the Microduino modules are a standardize size according to the Microduino upin27 specification. Although, there are some modules that have different dimensions.

What do the pins on the Microduino modules do?

The pin descriptions can be seen at the Microduino upin27 specification.

Microduino CoreUSB

I am having problems uploading to or programming my Microduino CoreUSB!

This is an issue that can occur with the CoreUSB. Please visit CoreUSB Not Uploading Issue for a possible fix.

mCookie Series

Dimensions and Specifications

What are the dimensions of the mCookie modules?

Most of the mCookie modules are a standardized size. Please refer to this image: https://wiki.microduino.cc/index.php/File:MCookie_Dimensions.png. Although, there are some modules that have different dimensions.

What do the pins on the mCookie modules do?

The pin descriptions can be seen at the Microduino upin27 specification.

mCookie CoreUSB

I am having problems uploading to or programming my mCookie CoreUSB!

This is an issue that can occur with the CoreUSB. Please visit CoreUSB Not Uploading Issue for a possible fix.

Sensors / Sensor Hub

My sensors are having problems or not working!
  • The sensor cables can be an issue if improperly inserted, which results in damaging them.
    • Try another sensor cable and please be careful when inserting the sensor cables to the sensor hub and the sensor. It is recommended when inserting the sensor cable to press on the plastic housing instead of the wires.
  • For mCookie Series:
    • The connections between the pins on the boards can be bad. The connection points could be dirty with dirt or oil.
      • Try to clean the circular contact pads and springy pins CAREFULLY and GENTLY with a clean paper towel dampened with rubbing alcohol.
    • Defective contact pads or defective springy pins.
      • Visually inspect the contact pads and spring pins for any defects such as damage, stuck, or just looks wrong.

mLight Application

Android

Why can't I find the Microduino Bluetooth module with the mLight application for Android?

The mLight application hasn't been updated for Android version 6 (Marshmellow) and above. This Android version requires applications to ask for permissions to use features such as Bluetooth. Since, the application has not been updated for this Android version you will have to manually give permissions to the mLight application.

Follow the steps below:

  1. Make sure mLight is installed.
  2. Go to Settings on your phone
  3. Under Device... Go to Apps.
  4. This will list all your installed apps. Look for the mLight app. Select that.
  5. Select the Permissions. There should be two permissions that you can enable. Enable both Location and Microphone permissions.
  6. Hit back. Then go to the mLight app and scan. You should be able to discover Microduino as a device now.

Sketches / Programs

I am having problems uploading sketches / examples that use the RTC module!

There is an issue with the incorrect and outdated software library included in the Microduino software package. To fix it, please follow the guide below:

  1. Download the correct library file from here: https://wiki.microduino.cc/images/9/90/Rtc_pcf8563.zip
  2. In the Microduino IDE go to Sketch->Add .ZIP library...
  3. Navigate to the downloaded file and select the "Rtc_pcf8563.zip". Then click Choose on the bottom right.
  4. Now the IDE should use the correct library version and should be able to compile the program.

Contact Us / Additional Support

This useless page didn't answer my question!

Feel free to contact us on:

  • Intercom (the chat box on the bottom right of the main website: https://www.microduino.cc)
  • E-mail: support -at- microduino.cc

Note: We can only provide support for questions related directly to Microduino products.

Miscellaneous

Why does it takes so long for a response back on the chat or e-mail?
How do I emoji?

Open the Intercom chat box and click on the smiley face. From there you can select an emoji to send to us.

Retrieved from "https://wiki.microduinoinc.com/index.php?title=Frequently_Asked_Questions&oldid=15687"