FAQ

Griduino > FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Software • Assembly • Troubleshooting • Ordering • Shipping • Warranty

Software

  • Do I need a computer? What type?
    Griduino is a computer and runs standalone.
    You’ll need a computer with a USB port to load a program into Griduino.
    The Arduino processor (Feather M4 Express) is packaged in the kit as it came from the factory, containing a simple Blink test program. After assembly, you’ll download our pre-compiled Griduino binary image. This requires a USB connection to a Windows computer. We provide detailed instructions to install the binary image.
  • How do I install a pre-compiled binary image?
    New firmware is announced on the Griduino email group – please subscribe. You can download new binary images from our GitHub downloads folder. Installation instructions are in our Programming page. Basically, you’ll attach a USB cable to connect your computer to Griduino, double-click the Reset button with a toothpick through an access hole, then drag’n drop the image to the ‘FeatherBoot’ drive.
  • Does Griduino software run on anything besides an Arduino?
    Griduino software is designed and tested only on Adafruit’s Feather M4 Express SAMD51. This is free software in an open-source project and you have everything you need to adapt it for other processors and platforms. In short, the GNU General Public License allows you to read, study, and modify the source code. You can distribute the original or modified source code as long as the license remains intact.
  • What are the software license terms?
    The complete Griduino source code is offered on GitHub with the GNU General Public License giving you permission to copy, distribute or modify the source code.  This license guarantees your freedom to copy, distribute, share and modify the source code. The license ensures it remains free software for all its users.
    Please note the name “Griduino” is trademarked.

Assembling the Kit

  • What’s included in the kit?
    Griduino kits come with all the parts listed on the product page, including a custom printed circuit board, custom case, electronics, components, connectors, speaker and hardware. A button battery for the real-time clock is included.
    Not included: Tools for assembly, such as soldering irons, solder, pliers, etc. A power supply, USB cable, or long speaker cable is not included.
  • How much skill is needed?
    Read the Griduino / docs / Assembly instructions to see exactly what is involved. Our kit is pretty easy to solder, involving almost all through-hole assembly. It does require attention to detail to get the parts in the right place and orientation. Basic hand tools and a small soldering pencil are needed.
  • I don’t think I have the skill/tools to build this kit, can you sell me a prebuilt kit? How much will it cost for me to buy a fully built device?
    Yes, we sell a mostly assembled kit and all the soldering and programming is done. You’ll need to figure out how to provide power and optionally connect a speaker.
  • Why are there no printed instructions?
    Detailed documentation is online via GitHub. This ensures you always have the latest information and allows us to provide large full color images and easily update the instructions.
  • I’m missing a part.
    If something is missing from your order please double check before contacting us. Some of the smaller items are easy to overlook and actually everything in the kit is pretty small.
    Components are packaged in anti-static bags, each with a printed list of parts. Use the printed cards to find where a part should be.
    We work hard to get all the orders right but there could be a few rare occurrences where we might have missed an item. If this is your case, please contact us (include your order number) and we will help you in any way we can.
    All parts are standard components currently available from multiple sources. The DigiKey part numbers are listed in the BOM.
    The screws for the case are the easiest to miss. They’re in a separate unlabeled bag. The PCB and display are shipped inside the plastic case for protection.

Troubleshooting

  • How long does it take to build?
    Our experience has been that 4 hours is typically enough time to assemble and test a Griduino kit when done at a relaxed pace.
  • Display is backlit but nothing displayed
    Check the jumpers on the back of the TFT display board. Solder IM1, IM2 and IM3. Do not solder IM0.
  • Won’t power up at all
    Connect USB power and test the Feather M4 Express using the assembly instructions.
  • Works fine powered from USB but won’t power up from +12v jack
    Check the polarity of the three diodes in the power supply section.

  • Is there a voice announcement? I don’t know Morse code.
    This is a future feature, as of December 2020. Our goal is to add voice announcement when crossing a gridline.

  • How should I mount it?
    Vehicle: Most dashboard mounts that serve cellphones and GPS navigation devices are great candidates for holding Griduino in place. Our favorite system is the Scoshe Magic Mount which features a good magnetic system where you can easily swap in a variety of devices.
    Desktop: A very basic adjustable desktop stand is included in the kit.

Ordering and Billing

  • Is it in stock? Will my purchase be back-ordered?
    Our current inventory level of complete kits is always shown on the order page. If we are out of stock, it will not accept your order. If this happens to you, please contact us to learn about our current lead time.
  • Can I build my own Griduino without buying a kit?
    We sincerely encourage people to do so. This is an open-source and open-hardware project. All you really need to get started is the PCB. All other parts are standard items from Adafruit, DigiKey, Polycase and others. Everything required is listed in Griduino / Hardware / Bill of Materials including part numbers and approximate prices.
  • Can I cancel my order?
    Yes, if so, please email us as soon as possible. If your order has not shipped, then you’ll get a full refund. If it has already shipped, then mail it back upon arrival for a full refund. We advise that all returned products should be sent with insurance cover as we cannot be responsible for items that are lost or damaged in transit. We will only send your refund payment after we receive your returned goods.
  • What payment methods do you accept?
    PayPal which, in turn, accepts all major credit cards.
  • Do you accept purchase orders, such as from schools or universities?
    No.
  • Why isn’t sales tax added during checkout?
    The price already includes sales tax and, well, it’s complicated. We are based in Washington State which uses destination-based taxing. The amount to collect depends on where you (not us) live. To simplify the website programming, we compute and handle our sales tax collection after the sale, and submit tax due in our quarterly tax filing to the state.
  • Can I buy a fully assembled Griduino?
    Yes, we sell a mostly assembled kit where all the soldering and programming is finished.
  • Are you a business or a hobby?
    Can we call it a ‘professional hobby’? We started this project in November 2019 to create a driver’s aid for our own ham radio roving. The features turned out so well that, starting in November 2020, we opened this business and website to make it available to everyone. After we recoup our development costs, then it’s technically a ‘business’ which operates under our LLC company.
  • Why does it cost so much?
    For the sake of understanding the pricing, the individual parts prices are listed in Griduino / Hardware / Bill of Materials. As of November 2020, the complete BOM totals up to about $150. Of this, $110 are the Adafruit breakout boards and other digital electronics chips.
    Many people have found that our Griduino kit package is well worth the savings in time and effort to ordering parts. By having everything together, you can begin assembly right away.

Shipping

  • What does shipping cost?
    Shipping prices are based on US Postal Service rates from Seattle 98155 to your own Zip code. The standard kit package is 8” x 6” x 2½” and weighs just less than 1 pound.
  • Do you ship overseas?
    Sorry, we only ship to USA and Canada at this time (Dec 2020).
  • I’m tracking my order and it hasn’t moved.
    There are a few reasons why your package might not be moving:
    1. Your package is waiting to clear the Canadian border:
    If you live in Canada, our experience has been that most packages spend a week in limbo at he border. After that, the USPS tracking number is no longer updated, and no new information will be available. If you are seeing the package delayed by more than ten days, try to contact your Canadian post office or contact us to see if we can help.
    2. Your package was dropped off to your local postal service:
    Occasionally, UPS and USPS will stop tracking the package after dropping it off to your local postal service. You should try to track the package through your local postal service’s website.
    3. Your package was lost:
    If your package hasn’t moved in more than 10 days, first contact the shipping carrier to see why it hasn’t moved. If the package was indeed lost, contact us with your order number and we will work with the shipping carrier to file a claim.
  • Can I pick it up in person and save the entire shipping cost?
    Yes. If you are near Seattle then contact us directly to arrange pick-up.
  • Can you ship by DHL? FedEx? UPS?
    Sorry, we only support US Postal Service Ground shipments at this time.
  • Can I get a shipping discount for a bulk order?
    We love to fill bulk orders. If you order 10 or more Griduino kits, contact us directly for discounts.
  • Will the Griduino package fit in my mailbox?
    Each “complete kit” order arrives in a padded sturdy cardboard box with exterior dimensions 8″ x 6” x 2.5” and weighs slightly less than 1 pound. This easily fits into the standard USPS No.1 tunnel-shaped curbside mailbox. If you have a curbside locking mailbox, it will probably not fit into the “locked mailbox” slot which is typically only 1.75 inches high.
    Each “PCB and case” order arrives in a bubble-pack mailing envelope that will fit into any mailbox slot of 1.5″ or more, including a locking mailbox.
  • Do you ship to my country?
    We will ship only to USA and Canada.

Warranty & Returns


  • Does Griduino come with a warranty?
    The parts, components and electronics is warrantied to the original purchaser for the first 60 days from the date of shipment. We will replace any missing or defective parts. Further, see our Return Policy below.
    The software is open-source and provided under the GPL v3 license. It is not warrantied.
  • What is the return policy?
    The original purchaser may return their Griduino kit in the warranty period (60 days) for any reason and in any state of assembly. Please contact us in advance with your shipment tracking number to ensure arrival. The buyer is responsible for the return’s packaging and shipping. Include all parts. After we receive it, we’ll refund the purchase price minus %15.
  • How to contact us for replacement parts?
    If your kit is missing anything, please contact us directly for replacements. See our Contact page.
    If you experience other problems, the Griduino support group is an excellent place to ask questions. If you need anything more, contact us and we will attempt to resolve the problem directly with you.