Electronics Bay Construction¶
E-Bay Specifications¶
| Component | Description |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 98mm (4") |
| Design | Single threaded rod (lighter than dual) |
| Access | Wing nut removal, sled slides out |
| Sled | Glued to one bulkhead |
Design Advantages¶
Apogee's e-bay design features:
- Fewer parts = lighter weight
- Faster field setup
- Shorter pre-flight checklist
- Easy electronics access
Assembly Steps¶
1. Bulkhead Preparation¶
- Sand edges of plywood bulkheads
- Remove any laser char
2. Stop Rings¶
- Glue stop rings to inner tube
- These position the sled correctly
3. Threaded Rod Rails¶
- Glue alignment rails for threaded rod
- Ensures straight rod path
4. Sled Assembly¶
- Glue sled plate to bulkhead with single slot
- Add internal fillets for strength
- Pre-drill holes for altimeter mounting
5. Switch Band¶
- Install switch band on coupler tube
- May need to peel inner paper layer if tight fit
- Glue centered on coupler
6. Eyebolt Installation¶
- Install eyebolts on both bulkheads
- These attach to shock cords
7. Final Assembly¶
- Insert sled through coupler
- Secure with washer and wing nut
- Test fit in airframe
Electronics Mounting¶
Altimeter Installation
The sled provides mounting holes for:
- Dual deployment altimeter
- GPS tracker
- Wiring routing between sides
Recommended Altimeters¶
- Featherweight Blue Jay (compact, affordable)
- Missileworks RRC3
- Eggtimer Quantum
- PerfectFlite StratoLogger
Wiring Considerations¶
- Route wires through sled holes
- Keep wiring short to reduce snag risk
- Use CAT5 cable for power runs
- Strategic hot glue to prevent vibration issues
Build Photos¶
Photos to be added during construction