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Chapter 9: Final Check and Tests

Final Check for Electronics

The final check for the electronics in the integration process involves running the same flat sat test code to ensure everything is communicating with each other when stacked in the satellite. A fully assembled structure is required for this test:

  1. Plug in the Micro USB Cable

  2. Check Switch States

    • Make sure the feet switches and RFB Switch are not depressed. The satellite should be on before continuing (this can be verified by probing the 3.3V pin on the top of the flight computer).

  3. Open a Serial Terminal Connection to the Satellite

  4. Run Flat Sat Test

    • Type the command: import flatsattest.

  5. Observe Results

    • The following set of results should appear.

Troubleshooting

If the expected results do not appear, here are some additional steps to flush out commmon issues. | Issue | Steps | |-------|-------| | LED Driver Issues | 1. Load the I2Ctest.py file into the “PYSQUARED” Directory.
2. Type import i2ctest into the terminal.
3. If the readout does not return an I2C address at 0x56, the LED Driver is not working, and the battery board should be replaced. | | I2C Multiplexer Issues | 1. Repeat the steps for the LED Driver issue (1 to 3).
2. If the readout does not return an I2C address at 0x72, the I2C multiplexer is not working, and the battery board should be replaced. | | Solar Board Sensor Issues | 1. Load the Solartest.py file into the “PYSQUARED” Directory.
2. Type import solartest into the terminal.
3. Check I2C addresses for Temperature sensor, Light sensor, or Motor driver.
4. If any sensors are not working, check the solder joints and reflow if necessary.
5. If resoldering does not resolve the issue, the solar board may need to be replaced. | | Power Monitor Issues | 1. Repeat the steps for the LED Driver issue (1 to 3).
2. If the readout does not return I2C addresses at 0x40 and/or 0x4F, the power monitors are not working, and the battery board should be replaced. |

...

One Final Jig Test

It is important that the satellite is as square as possible so that it will properly fit into its deployer. Just as before, slide the satellite through the Jig.

Vibration Test

To qualify for space, the satellite will need to complete a random vibration test, so that it may ride on the rocket. Check with your flight provider for more information about vibration testing.

Long Range Communications Test

To ensure the satellite is operating properly, it is important to see if the satellite can be heard from at distances greater than 50km.

Thermal Vacuum Chamber Test

To obtain an accurate idea of how the satellite will perform in space, the satellite should be exposed to extreme temperature shifts and vacuum environments.

Congratulations!

You have just completed the integration of your satellite!