picoTracker FAQs
I just finished assembling my picoTracker, what do I do now?
You will need to install the latest release of the version 2 firmware, please see below on how to do that.
Which firmware version should I use?
For the v2 PCB sets purchased on the xiphonics store please be sure to use the LATEST v2 "ST7789" release firmware (currently version RC3).
Also please make sure to install the latest release of the firmware when you build your picoTracker as there maybe no firmware installed on the PCB or may not be the latest version and could have issues that have been fixed in newer versions of the firmware. See the next answer for how you can install firmware on a newly assembled picoTracker.
How do I install firmware on a newly assembled picoTracker?
Hold down the "bootsel" button (accessed via the small hole on the bottom of the picoTracker) as you turn on the picoTracker and then let go of pressing the "bootsel" button once it's turned on.
You can have the pT plugged into USB while you do this or plug it in after it's turned on and it will mount as a USB drive, most likely labeled "RPI-RPI" or similar.
What if my newly assembled picoTracker is showing a "SDCARD MISSING" warning when I turn it on?
Please check that you:
- have inserted the card correctly (note it goes in with the metal contacts on the sdcard facing up towards you) and that it is inserted into the sdcard slot
- you have a supported card which is formatted with Fat32. We recommend using a sdcard 32GB or smaller as larger ones will almost certainly not have been formatted with Fat32 as Fat32 doesn't support partitions larger than 32GB
What LCD do I need and where can I buy one?
You need a 2.8in HP28008-D (40pin 0.5pitch SPI 320x240 ST7789). These can be purchased from a variety of vendors online. One example vendor is here (the "IPS Screen No Touch" option), but please note we don't recommend or endorse any specific vendors.
What Battery do I need and where can I buy one?
You need a LIP1708 battery. One example vendor is here, but please note we don't recommend or endorse any specific vendors. The main thing you need to ensure is that the battery is not too thick to fit in the case as some vendors are selling batteries with much larger capacities than the original LIP1708 that are stilled labeled with that model number. Ideally the battery thickness should be 8mm or less.
What filament should I use for printing the case?
For best durablity we would suggest ABS though PLA is generally the best in our experience in terms of detail, precision but it has a low melting point, so could bend if left in very hot places like your car in the summer.
Where can I get the case printed if I don't have access to a 3D printer?
We don't specifically recommend them because we haven't used them for 3D printing, but JLCPCB has a 3D print service as does PCBWay.
Which Key switches should I use?
The keypad PCB only supports cherry low profile compatible and kailh low profile choc switches (not choc v2!). Alot of vendors online sell these switches and matching keycaps. To help you get started here are example cherry and kailh vendors but again please note we don't recommend or endorse any specific vendors.
I installed the LCD in to the main PCB but I don't see anything on the screen?
Please follow this check list to try to diagnose the problem:
- Try the procedure to load the latest firmware release, if this works move on to next step. To boot into the usb flashing mode, hold down the button on the bottom of the PCB (near the power switch) while turning on the picoTracker with the power switch. Then insert USB cable connected to your computer and you should see the picoTracker mount on your computer as a USB drive.
- As of firmware v2.0-Beta8, remote UI is enabled by default, so you if you insert a compatible SDCard, you can turn on the pT with plugged in via USB to a computer running a Chrome-based web browser and try to connect to the pT using the remote ui webapp. If you are able to see the remote UI webapp displaying the picoTracker UI, you know that the main PCB is operating and can move on to the next step.
- Check that you have connected the LCD flex cable in the correct orientation. Also check that the flex cable is fully inserted into the connector and is gripped firmly by the connector.
Finally make sure that you are using a compatible LCD model (see previous question above for the required compatible LCD model). - If you still don't see anything displayed on the LCD, please contact us using the "Chat" button in the bottom right corner of this page.