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picture.
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The onboard camera (already with the lens removed. Humberto didn't give
me the time to take a picture in original state.
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First idea for the trigger: recover the solenoid of this old doorbell.
But it resulted way too weak. |
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So we had to roll our own. After quite a few experiments, this was
the result.
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Another view, with its anchor. |
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The battery compartment was just below the trigger button, the ideal
place to mount the trigger coil. The coil form is just visible.
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The camera contained some unexpected things, like this transistor circuit,
apparently to detect the end of the film roll, and to rewind. |
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The hybrid combination of many different modules forced us to plan
a variety of power supplies, each with different requirements for
current and capacity.
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To avoid large temperature differences between cells, each battery block
was rigidly glued together with hot glue. |
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General view of the the beacon and the controller.
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Detail of the RF part. The 'weird' things are RF inductors, reinforced
with drops of hot glue to avoid problems with vibrations (falls!). |
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Otra vista de la baliza.
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The prototype of the image generator for Slow Scan Television
(SSTV). |
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This was the image record in the EPROM
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Starting the construction of the payload. No time for printed circuit
boards! |
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Idem, solder side.
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After making most of the connections... Though it doesn't look too
reliable, this technique never failed me! |
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Foto sensor: translated, a photocell from an old calculator.
This is a low budget project... A BNC connected permits comparing sizes
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Preparation of the foam block. The marking is the place where each module
will be placed. This is relatively high density foam, for its mechanical
resistance, and much better quality. |
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Idem, un poco mas de cerca.
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The compartments for the electronic modules where 'opened up' by just
approximating a heat source: Large holes with a small butane flame,
and fine adjustments with a soldering iron (without touching). This
space will receive the beacon. |
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One of the battery compartments.
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General view of the cuts, almost ready... |
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The beacon (with its shielding), with the antenna output. Above the
breacon, the SSTV image generator.
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The excessive weight, even after cutting out large parts, forced us
to cut corners, literally, from the outside of the foam block. |
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We even shaped the exterior form to adjust itself to the contents. This
is where the camera is located.
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Final touch: the design of the label, inviting whoever finds the payload
to return it as soon as possible |