What is Kickstarter?
Kickstarter is a launchpad for creators to raise funds for the initial production of their invention. Backers (that’s you!) can support the creator by pre-ordering the product at a discounted price.
Last updated: March 09, 2021 15:03
What does it mean to back a project (pledge)?
When you back a project, you’re pre-ordering the product. That means you’ll get it once it’s produced. Besides getting the product itself, you’re also joining a community. Follow along the production process, take part in important surveys and give the creator valuable feedback.
Last updated: March 09, 2021 15:03
Why it costs $60 for international shipping?
The international shipping cost is painful. We tried our best to negotiate with FedEx, UPS and DHL. After the best discount we can get (37% OFF with DHL), it’s still $61.50 per package from California.
Last updated: March 09, 2021 15:03
Are Nixie tubes still in production?
No. Last batch of nixie tubes were produced in early 90s. All the nixie tubes in the market are vintage stock. We are one of the largest nixie tubes collectors in the world. But the quantity is still very limited. So Retio is truly a limited edition product. It can’t be produced more once nixie tubes are exhausted.
Last updated: March 09, 2021 15:03
How is the battery life of Retio?
Retio is embedded with 6800mAh battery that supports 6 hours playback + display time, which means the speaker, the nixie tubes and bluetooth/radio are all ON. If it’s only for the clock, the battery lasts for approximately 16 hours.
Last updated: March 09, 2021 15:03
Can we change the battery if it's dead?
Yes! We use two 18650 batteries to make it replaceable. 18650 is one of the most commonly used rechargeable batteries in the market. You can easily find it in local electronic store or on Amazon.
Last updated: March 09, 2021 15:03
Why the MSRP is $399?
Retio is handmade in California with the highest standard for material and quality, which considerably increases the cost, but also sets it apart from others. For the products handmade with wood and brass are very different from those in mass production with plastic. The cost-to-volume effect is very minimum.
Nixie tubes are vintage stock, so they are limited. This also limits the production capacity. For example, this is another KS project made with nixie tubes, which is priced at $420 Kickstarter price: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/2026004943/niwa-nixie-tube-watch.
Most commonly, nixie tubes are made into clocks. But most of the nixie clocks on the market are powered by DC 12V wall bricks. Retio comes with an internal battery, USB-C charging with sophisticated power management(nixie tubes need to be powered by 170VDC).
Last but not least, Retio requires advanced fabrication process to achieve its unique design. For example, the two walnut legs for Retio needs a special procedure to fabricate and install. All together with above stated, and high-end speaker with DSP, Bluetooth, FM/AM, these all add up to the value and uniqueness of Retio. The MSRP $399 is carefully calculated and the discounted Kickstarter special price is definitely worth every buck.
Last updated: March 09, 2021 15:22
What is the lifespan of Nixie tubes?
The lifespan of Nixie tubes is from 100,000 to 200,000 hours. Depending on brands, origins, year of manufacture and models, their lifespan varies. Based on our experience, they usually work happily for more than 10 years.
Last updated: March 23, 2021 11:58
What is BackerKit?
BackerKit is a service that crowdfunded project creators use to keep track of hundreds to tens of thousands of backers—from shipping details, pledge levels, preferences and quantities, whether they have paid or had their card declined, special notes, and everything in between!
The BackerKit software and support team is independent from the campaign’s project team—BackerKit does not handle the actual reward shipping. For more information about the preparation or delivery status of your rewards, please check the project's updates page.
How does BackerKit work?
After the campaign ends, the project creator will send you an email with a unique link to your survey. You can check out a walkthrough of the process here.
I never received my invitation. How do I complete the survey?
The most common reasons for not receiving a survey email is that you may be checking an email inbox different from the email address you used to sign up with Kickstarter, Indiegogo or Tilt Pro account, or it may be caught in your spam filter.
Confirm that the email address you are searching matches the email address tied to your Kickstarter, Indiegogo, or Tilt Pro account. If that doesn’t work, then try checking your spam, junk or promotions folders. You can also search for "backerkit” in your inbox.
To resend the survey to yourself, visit the project page and input the email address associated with your Kickstarter, Indiegogo or Tilt Pro account.
How do I update my shipping address?
BackerKit allows you to update your shipping address until the shipping addresses are locked by the project creator. To update your address, go back to your BackerKit survey by inputting your email here.
When will my order be shipped, charged or locked?
That is handled directly by the project creator. BackerKit functions independently of the project itself, so we do not have control of their physical shipping timeline. If you want to check on the project’s status, we recommend reading over the project's updates page.
I completed the survey, but haven't received my rewards yet. When will they arrive?
As BackerKit does not actually handle any rewards or shipping, the best way to stay updated on the shipping timeline would be to check out the project's updates page.