Payload #2: Payload assembly

John G contemplates the collection of stuff that will become payload #2.


The Stamp II microcontroller after mounting in its box. The 9 pin connector on the left provides attachment for the serial programming cable. The 25 pin connector at right provides access to I/O and power lines.


The radio interface begins to take shape. The blue cylinder on the left is a reed relay that shorts the push-to-talk switch. The mic and speaker are still attached in this photo. They were later removed to attach the resistors and capacitor that form the attenuation network. This allowed one of the Stamps pins to output audio tones to the radio mic connection.




The camera in its mount. Amazing what a little hot glue can do. The frame is scrap pine lumber. The black box with wires is a Futaba radio control servo. The servo control horn is modified so it can press the shutter button on the camera. The camera itself is also hot glued into the frame (it has no tripod mount socket).




The camera frame mounted to the base of the gondola package. The frame was glued to the foam bottom using liquid nails latex adhesive (hot glue melts the foam).


Finished payload with exterior shell sitting behind it. You can still see the camera on the lower level. The upper shelf holds the battery pack, microcontroller module, and most of the wiring harness.


From another angle. The radio sits on the lower level upright with its antenna against the upper shelf.


Reverse angle.