Junction Box Construction

DFCscience

The junction box construction steps outlined below will make sure that all your electronics stay safe and dry. Place the Pixhawk, GPS/Compass module, telemetry radio, and RC receiver towards the front and the battery and terminal strip towards the back. The ESCs are positioned under the Pixhawk. If this is your first build, make sure you use a plastic or PVC waterproof box that is easy to open and close. We use this one, from RS Online, but availability appears to vary regionally.

  • Use a step bit to drill holes for the IP68 M16 cable glands
  • Cut a piece of craft plywood to fit into the bottom of the junction box. All the electrical components will be mounted to this base
  • Optional
    • Have your 4 year old assistant decorate the plywood as part of a Corona virus homeschooling STEAM project
  • Cut a 10 cm x 15 cm piece of plywood
  • Place the 10 cm x 15 cm section of plywood over the base near the front of the junction box
  • Use bolts (in this case M5 x 50 mm) and nuts as cheap standoffs (already in my parts box) or purchase M5 stand-offs
  • Drill 4 holes through the 10 cm x 15 cm section of plywood and the base section of plywood
  • Attach the Pixhawk, with the arrow pointing towards the front of the junction box, to the 10 cm x 15 cm piece of plywood using double-sided tape or velcro strips on each corner
  • Assemble the GPS mast that shipped with the Radiolink GPS and Compass module
  • Use double-sided tape to attach the GPS to the top of the mast
  • Place the mast, with GPS attached, inside the junction box. If it does not fit with the lid on, remove the top part of the mast and trim the shaft until it fits
  • Mark the bottom of the GPS mast on the plywood and drill holes. Use the bolts that shipped with the GPS mast to secure it to the base section of plywood at the bottom of the junction box
  • Secure the FrSky X8R and the SiK telemetry radio using double sided tape or zip ties
  • Tape the FrSky X8R receiver wires to the side of the junction box

When you’re finished with junction box construction you can setup your T200 thrusters and ESCs.