Product & Technical FAQ

Attaky is a modular hardware ecosystem designed for people who want ready-to-use builds, configurable hardware, and room to experiment. Some customers use Attaky as a complete device out of the box, while others use it as a starting point for firmware, radio, display, module, or custom build projects.

A Module is a single hardware block — for example the Core, a Power module, or a radio module.

A Complete Build is a fully assembled, ready-to-use product made from several modules joined in a Frame.

A Series is a family of builds aimed at the same purpose, such as off-grid mesh, retro gaming, radio, or on-device AI, and each build comes with firmware for its series.

When you choose a Complete Build, you receive it fully assembled and ready to use. You can also buy individual modules, but you'll need enough technical knowledge to assemble and set them up yourself.

Every Attaky order includes a USB-C–to–USB-C cable, a USB-A–to–USB-C adapter, a protective wrap cloth, and protective packaging.

Radio and Mesh builds also include the antenna they need. Your product page lists exactly what comes with your build.

There are 7 live modules today, with more in the works, and a growing range of complete builds across our series. Each product page lists exactly which modules a build includes.

No. A Complete Build works out of the box. Attaky is also made for people who want to go further — you can install different firmware, swap modules, and customize your build whenever you're ready, using the Documentation site.

Attaky is designed in Vancouver, Canada. We also work with our production team in China. Depending on production capacity, inventory location, and shipping route, your order may ship from Vancouver or from China. The same standard operating procedures, production checks, and quality standards apply no matter where your package ships from.

Yes. Attaky products are made to order. Ceramic White builds usually take 14–28 days before shipping, other colorways take 20–40 days before shipping, and Studio Config or Lab Access builds take around 40 days before shipping.

This FAQ gives a quick overview. For full shipping timelines, tracking expectations, prepaid duties and taxes, order changes, returns, and product issue support, please read our Shipping & Returns page.

Yes. You can keep using the device while it charges through the Core's USB-C port.

Battery life depends on the firmware you run and how you use the device, including screen brightness, radio activity, and other features, so we don't quote a single number. The battery is a 1000 mAh rechargeable cell, and you can use the device while it charges.

The Core runs on an ESP32 and supports Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Low Energy. Whether a particular feature uses Wi-Fi or Bluetooth depends on the firmware you're running.

Builds with the standard Core have a 2.0-inch color display.

Builds that include the Media I/O module have a microSD card slot — for example, retro gaming firmware uses it for game files. Supported cards and limits depend on the firmware; see the Documentation site.

Attaky is modular, so builds can be reconfigured. Which modules fit your build, and how to swap them safely, are covered on the Documentation site. Unsupported combinations can create reliability or safety issues, so please check there first.

No. A build uses one Expand module at a time — the Expand module is what adds radio, audio, or similar capabilities. You can change which Expand module you use, but not run two at once. See the Documentation site for compatibility.

Not always. Some module combinations are electrically possible but not officially supported as a build. The compatibility guidance on the Documentation site shows which combinations we support.

For basic setup, controls, everyday use, safety guidance, and product-specific instructions for a Complete Build, please visit our User Manual site.

For module-level assembly, hardware compatibility, firmware flashing, custom builds, development details, and advanced troubleshooting, please visit our Documentation site.

If you purchase a Complete Build, yes. It ships fully assembled with firmware suited to its Series, so you can begin using it after basic setup. Please see the User Manual for product-specific instructions.

If you purchase individual Modules to assemble your own build, you will need to complete the hardware setup and flash compatible firmware yourself. Please use the Documentation site for assembly, compatibility, and firmware-flashing instructions.

Assembly, teardown, custom builds, module installation, and advanced hardware changes should be done using the Documentation site. Attaky products are modular and configurable, but unsupported modifications can create reliability or safety issues.

Firmware flashing instructions are available on the Documentation site and, where applicable, through the Firmware Store. Please make sure the firmware you install matches your exact hardware version, module, region, and intended use.

What firmware a build can run depends on its modules. For example, retro gaming firmware needs the Media I/O module, and mesh firmware needs the LoRa module. The Firmware Store shows the firmware available for your build and modules, with the most detailed, up-to-date compatibility for each one; the Documentation site covers how installing and switching firmware works.

You can update or reinstall firmware at any time with a USB-C data cable and a desktop Chrome or Edge browser, through the Firmware Store. Step-by-step instructions are on the Documentation site.

Usually yes. As long as the firmware matches your exact hardware and modules, you can reinstall an earlier or different official build. See the Documentation site for version and rollback details.

Some Attaky products may support community firmware, custom firmware, or open-source firmware ports. Use these carefully and check the Documentation first. Community builds, beta firmware, and unsupported firmware may behave differently from official builds and may not be suitable for every device or configuration.

Some Attaky firmware is written in-house, and some firmware is adapted from open-source projects. A short store-level summary is available on our Open Source Licenses page, and the full current list of firmware ports, source links, upstream projects, and license details is available on our Documentation site.

Mesh builds currently ship configured for 915 MHz for North America.

Other frequencies, such as 868 MHz, are planned through an antenna change on the same hardware. Some frequencies, such as 433 MHz, would need different radio hardware, not just a different antenna.

Always match your firmware region and antenna to your location and local rules.

No. The FM/AM Radio receives standard analog FM and AM broadcasts. It does not support HD Radio or DRM digital broadcasts.

No. The FM/AM Radio is a receiver only — it does not transmit.

The FM/AM Radio uses a removable, telescoping antenna with a standard screw-on SMA connector, so it can be replaced. Other antennas, such as the LoRa whip, are matched to the radio and shouldn't be swapped for a different type. Check the Documentation site before changing any antenna.

Charge the device first. A completely flat battery may not boot immediately. After charging, hold the power button for about two seconds instead of doing a quick press. If your device or battery module has a battery switch, make sure the battery is switched on.

Charge through the Core’s USB-C port using a working USB-C cable and a normal USB power source. If your device includes a battery module with its own USB-C port, note that the battery module’s USB-C port may only work while the device is off. Try another cable and power source if charging does not begin.

Use a USB-C cable that supports data transfer, not a charge-only cable. Use Chrome or Edge on a desktop computer, and close any other app that may already be connected to the device. If the device still is not detected, check the firmware flashing guide on the Documentation site.

Extend the telescoping antenna fully if your product includes one. Try moving near a window, away from large metal objects, electronics, walls, vehicles, or other sources of interference. Reception depends on antenna position, location, firmware settings, environment, and local signal conditions.

Check the volume setting in your firmware. Audio plays through the built-in speaker where supported. If you are using custom firmware or a specific app mode, check that firmware’s documentation for audio behavior and settings.

Make sure your firmware matches your hardware. Many features, including tuning, playback, radio behavior, display behavior, or module support, come from the firmware. If a feature does not work as expected, check the firmware-specific Documentation first.

Firmware can change device behavior, available features, settings, compatibility, or UI. Make sure you are using firmware intended for your exact hardware version and region. For advanced firmware questions, flashing steps, rollback options, or known issues, please use the Documentation site.

Attaky products are made to order. Ceramic White builds usually take 14–28 days before shipping, other colorways take 20–40 days before shipping, and Studio Config or Lab Access builds take around 40 days before shipping. Production time and shipping time are separate.

If your order ships from Vancouver, shipments normally leave once per week on Monday. If Monday is a holiday, shipments usually move to Tuesday or the next available business day. After a Vancouver shipment leaves our side, local carrier tracking usually starts showing activity within 2–3 business days, and delivery is usually around 5–8 business days depending on your location. If you are on the U.S. East Coast or in a more remote area, delivery can take longer and is often at least around 8 business days.

If your order ships from China, the package normally goes through carrier screening first. This usually takes around 3 business days before tracking is issued. After tracking is issued, delivery is usually around 7–15 business days for the U.S., Canada, and Europe, around 5 business days for Asia including Southeast Asia, South Korea, and Japan, and around 15–20 business days for other supported destinations. During holidays, peak seasons, customs delays, or random customs inspections, the full shipping timeline can sometimes reach 25–30 days.

Attaky is designed in Vancouver, Canada, and we also work with our production team in China. Depending on production capacity, inventory location, and shipping route, your order may ship from Vancouver or from China.

No matter where your package ships from, the same Attaky standard operating procedures, production checks, and quality standards apply. A package shipping from China does not mean it is a different version or lower standard. It simply means that the fastest and most efficient fulfillment route for your order is through our production team there.

Yes. Standard shipping is included with Attaky orders. Our supported shipping routes are also set up with prepaid duties and taxes where applicable, so you should not receive a surprise tax or duty charge on arrival.

Optional shipping add-ons, such as signature-required delivery where available, may require an extra charge. If you live in an area where packages are often stolen, or if you would like signature-required delivery, please contact us before placing your order. This can usually be added for an extra charge, typically around $10 USD, depending on the route and carrier.

Tracking may not show immediately, especially for consolidated or bulk shipping routes. We use these routes for some international shipments, especially U.S. orders, to help reduce cross-border cost and tariff impact where possible.

For Vancouver shipments, local carrier tracking usually starts showing activity within 2–3 business days after the package leaves our side. For China shipments, the package normally goes through carrier screening first, which usually takes around 3 business days before tracking is issued.

In some cases, we can see more information from the shipping backend before the local carrier tracking becomes active. Your local carrier tracking usually begins updating after the package clears customs and is handed to the final-mile carrier in your country.

Some pauses are normal during carrier screening, international transit, customs clearance, or handoff to the local carrier. Tracking can also update slowly during holidays, peak seasons, customs delays, or random inspections.

If your local carrier tracking has been active for more than 7 days with no update, please contact us and include your order number. We can check the backend status and help follow up with the shipping provider.

The best way to reach us is to reply directly to your order confirmation email. You can also contact us through the chat box or the Contact Us form. Please always include your order number so we can find your shipment faster.

If you ordered a standard Complete Build and changed your mind before it ships, please contact us as soon as possible. If the order has not entered the final shipping stage, we may be able to update or cancel it.

If your order is a Lab Access build, Studio Config build, or another special custom configuration, please contact us as soon as possible if you need a change. Because these orders may be built specifically for you, changes may not always be possible once production has started.

After an order has shipped, we usually cannot change the shipping address, product configuration, or cancellation status. If you still need help, contact us after delivery and we will review the best available option.

Please contact us before sending anything back. Do not return a product without return instructions, because the return location may depend on your country, order type, and shipping route.

For unopened and unused products in their original condition, we can usually accept a return request within 30 days after delivery. The product must be returned in a condition that allows us to inspect and restock it. Items that have been opened, used, modified, damaged, exposed to liquid, or returned incomplete may not be eligible for a full refund.

For Canadian orders, we will provide return instructions after reviewing your request. For international orders, please email us first so we can confirm the correct process. For U.S. orders, we may use a U.S. forwarding location to avoid unnecessary cross-border return complications. When a U.S. return uses this forwarding location, a $10 USD per item handling fee will be deducted from the refund. If you need us to create a U.S. return shipping label for you, a $7 USD per item label fee will also apply.

Unless the return is caused by a product quality issue, incorrect item, missing item, or our mistake, return shipping costs and return handling fees are the customer’s responsibility. Original shipping fees and paid shipping services may not be refundable unless required by law or caused by our error.

After we receive and inspect the returned item, we will process the approved refund to the original payment method where possible. The time it takes for the refund to appear in your account depends on Shopify, the payment provider, your bank, and your location.

Please contact us as soon as possible. The best way to reach us is to reply directly to your order confirmation email. You can also contact us through the chat box or the Contact Us form. Please always include your order number, and include photos or videos showing the issue whenever possible.

We will review the case and help with the appropriate next step, which may include replacement parts, repair support, replacement, refund, or another solution depending on the situation.

No, not unless a product page or official Documentation page clearly says otherwise. Attaky hardware should be kept dry and away from rain, splashes, spills, condensation, wet bags, damp storage areas, and other sources of moisture. Liquid damage, corrosion, or water exposure may permanently damage the product and may affect return or warranty eligibility.

As a general guideline, use Attaky hardware between 0°C and 40°C, or 32°F and 104°F, unless the product-specific Documentation says otherwise. Avoid leaving the device in hot places such as a parked car, on a dashboard, near a heater, or in direct sunlight for long periods.

If your Attaky product includes a rechargeable lithium battery or battery-powered module, charge it from a normal USB power source using a suitable cable. Do not puncture, crush, bend, open, burn, short-circuit, or physically damage the battery or battery module. If the battery looks swollen, damaged, leaking, unusually hot, or smells unusual, stop using the product and contact us.

Attaky products use a small rechargeable lithium battery. Airlines generally allow devices with a battery this size in carry-on luggage, but rules vary — please check your airline and local regulations before flying.

Store it in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight, and top the battery up to a partial charge every few months. Avoid storing it fully empty, or in hot or humid places.

No. For radio-enabled products, do not transmit without the correct antenna attached or extended as described in the user manual. Transmitting without a suitable antenna can reduce performance and may damage radio hardware.

Yes. For radio-enabled products, make sure your firmware region, frequency settings, antenna type, and hardware version match your location and the product Documentation. Radio rules vary by country and region, and you are responsible for using radio features in a way that follows local requirements.

Clean Attaky hardware gently with a dry, soft cloth. Do not use water, alcohol, strong solvents, abrasive cleaners, or sprays unless the product Documentation clearly says it is safe.

For setup, firmware, compatibility, assembly, flashing, troubleshooting, or custom build questions, please start with our Documentation site. If you need community help or want to discuss builds, firmware, or ideas, please use our Community resources.

For order status, shipping, tracking, returns, refunds, damaged items, missing items, invoices, or address changes before shipment, please reply directly to your order confirmation email, use the chat box, or contact us through the Contact Us page. Please always include your order number.