RTK Express suddenly unable to power on for more than about 5 seconds...

Kits
1

Hi, I’m hoping a moderator can help!

My newish RTK Express (only in use for about a week) can no longer power up for more than a few seconds. I have posted a video here:

https://vimeo.com/855204673/c1a80f687f

Basically, after showing the firmware version, it shuts down. Here are a few things I tried:

  • Using the kit-supplied USB-C power adapter

  • Using an Apple USB-C power adapter.

  • Opening up the unit and removing the internal battery (… it is fully charged, but tried this in case there was a strange interaction).

Something I noticed is the chips inside seem to be emitting all sorts of wild (but quiet) high-frenquency audible sounds. Perhaps this is normal, but mentioning in case it is not.

Any assistance would be greatly appreciated, thanks!

2

It sounds like the voltage regulator may have failed; was it purchased from us? If so, head to www.sparkfun.com/returns and we’ll get you squared away

3

TS-Russell:
… was it purchased from us?

Thanks for the reply, but it was purchased from Digikey. How should I proceed?

4

Bump, any assitance please from SparkFun moderators?

5

File for return/exchange with digi-key

6

Unfortunately the 90-day return window from Digikey has passed, so I need to be able to do this directly through SparkFun. Can you please assist @TS-Russell ?

7

I did notice your firmware is way out of date. Have you tried attaching a serial terminal to it to see what you get? (aka terra term ect via usb cable)

8

At the time of posting the video, it was the latest firmware. But the problem is that I cannot even get it to stay on long enough to update the firmware, so I’m really stuck!

@TS-Russell what can I do? Digi-key says it’s too late to return :frowning:

9

@TS-Russell help!?