How To Make A Kit - alanbjohnston/CubeSatSim GitHub Wiki

CubeSatSim kits are periodically available at the AMSAT Store. The kit allows the assembly of a CubeSatSim without any soldering by just following the last Step 8 instructions.

These instructions allow you to make your own kit so you can then just follow the Kit instructions to complete the CubeSatSim. For the sources of the parts see the BOM: https://CubeSatSim.org/bom You will then have these parts:

Here is a video of this.

Here are the parts you need to put together:

1. Main Board

The Main Board needs to have the Pico programmed and plugged in, RBF plug installed, 3.5mm to 2.5mm jumper installed, and the BME and MPU sensors plugged and soldered if they aren't already.

Here are the steps to program the Pico: https://github.com/alanbjohnston/CubeSatSim/wiki/2.-Software-Install#raspberry-pi-pico-software

Here's how to solder the BME and MPU sensors if they aren't already soldered:

Here's how to install the rest of the parts on the Main Board:

2. Solar Board

The Solar Board just needs to have JST jumper installed on it. If the solar panels don't have a JST wire installed, it needs to be soldered on.

You need to put 10 solar panels with JST wires into a zip lock bag for each kit.

3. Battery Board

The Battery Board needs to have batteries installed, battery clips installed, and the JST jumper installed.

4. Pi Zero 2

The Pi Zero 2 needs to have the programmed micro SD card installed, the Pi Camera installed, the OTG cable plugged in, and the USB sound card plugged into it.

Here are the instructions for installing the Pi Camera: https://github.com/alanbjohnston/CubeSatSim/wiki/7.-Solar-Panels-and-Frame#72-pi-camera-instructions

5. Digikey Parts

You need to prepare a zip lock bag of the Digikey parts for each kit. If you use the Octoparts list, each bag will be individually labeled. If Digikey doesn't have every part in stock, you might need to order from other distributors. Here is the BOM list: https://octopart.com/bom-tool/qmilBDpt

6. Frame

You need to have all four frame parts printed. Make sure all the screw holes are clear - use a small screwdriver to clear them if necessary. In addition, you should print the RBF plug.

7. Solar Panel Mounts

You need to have a piece of velcro or double sided tape to attach the solar panels. I cut the velcro into 6" (15cm) lengths.

8. Packaging

I use a 12"x9"x4" black box (https://www.amazon.com/Hoikwo-Shipping-Corrugated-Cardboard-Packaging/dp/B09DSNGK6Q/) with an AMSAT sticker on it https://www.zazzle.com/amsat_logo_sticker-256012899667172752

The instruction sheet is printed in color on double sided sheet of glossy paper http://cubesatsim.org/download/kit-instructions.pdf

9. Tools

You need a very small Philips screwdriver to assemble the kit. I buy these tiny ones in bulk: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MEDA9KD

If you have done all this, you are ready to assemble the kit!