The Olympus Project: Part 34 “Final Assembly”

With everything soldered in place, it is time to start the final assembly of the avionics bay.

The Battery

The first component to be installed is the battery. The battery has two sets of wires coming from it. The charging cable has a 3-pin connector and is attached to the shorter wire set, while the power cable has a 2-pin connector but contains the longer set of wires.

When inserting the battery, both connectors will not fit through the opening at the same time. Begin by inserting the charging cable and make sure it is completely through the opening.

Next insert the power cable through the opening. Once both cables and connectors are through the opening, push the battery forward into the avionics bay.

Nano & microSD Card Module Placement

The final assembly process begins by connecting the microSD card module to the Nano. With the two connected, begin to insert the entire assembly into the A-PAM housing. In the picture below you can see where the microSD module has been slid forward, with the Nano about halfway into the A-PAM housing. The sensor housing is to the rear as the cable lengths allow it to move out of the way while working on the A-PAM components. You can also see the battery cables are extended fully through the front of the housing.

Continue to move the Nano and the microSD card module forward until the USB connection of the Nano is completely within the opening. The front of the microSD board should be flush against the inside of the forward bulkhead. The LED status lamp should slid into position along with the Nano. When moving this assembly take your time, making sure the LED lamp and the Nano both move forward at the same time.

Attaching the Sensor Housing

With all of the components secured in the A-PAM housing, it is time to attach the sensor package. The picture below shows the two components being lined up. You will need to work the wires into the sensor housing as you bring the two housing together. Once lined up insert two screws to secure the two housing together.

Attach the Payload Adapter

The final part that needs to be attached is the Payload Adapter. There are two screws that attach it to sensor housing. Make sure that these screws are secure, as this is what attaches the entire payload assembly to the recovery system. The picture to the right shows the completed assembly.