PC Mount
This page describes how to create the PC mount unit. To complete this section, you need:
- Intel NUC (Parts List, ID 3), SSD (ID 4), and RAM (ID 5)
- 3D printed NUC case (Parts List, ID 10) (body case, top lid, and button)
- Antenna socket (Parts List, ID 7)
- 6dbi antenna (Parts List, ID 6)
- Screws for NUC case mounting (Parts List, ID 17)
- USB 3.0 cable for ZR-300 (Parts List, ID 19)
- Tear down the Intel NUC as we need to only pull out the PCB part. To do this, unplug two WiFi antenna connectors (gray and black) and unscrew two black screws. You also need to remove a thin steel plate and sponge from the mini-HDMI socket as shown in the bottom-right figure below.
Why is this modification needed even though the Intel NUC provides a nice housing? There are two reasons: (1) There is no way to mount an off-the-shelf NUC on a drone except by using velcro, double-sided tape, or blue tags and (2) high-gain WiFi antennas will be mounted for better reception and longer flight coverage. If these are not your concerns, please use the NUC case as it is.
- Insert the NUC into the case. First, mount two WiFi antenna sockets (Parts List, ID 7) into the case and place four screws (Parts List, ID 17) at the bottom of the case for mounting the case and drone. Then, insert the board into the case. Note that it is easy to align and find the right direction with visual cues but the face where two USB and power connectors are must be inserted first.
Once all I/O ports and the power connector are aligned properly, tighten up the case and NUC using 4 screws (Parts List, ID 17) for all corners. Note that some force might be needed to screw the first time since there are no taps inside the 3D printed case. Screwing/unscrewing will be easier after that. Finally, mount the case and drone using 4 screws (Parts List, ID 17) as shown in the bottom-left figure. We need a 2mm hex tool to tighten them up.
Two 6dBi antennas (Parts List, ID 6) can be installed as shown on the top-right figure.
Next, place the 3D printed switch on the top right of the NUC and cover the case with the top lid.
For tightening the lid, you need 4 screws (Parts List, ID 17). Note that there are no taps on the case; you need to force-tighten the screws.
Now, you can connect the VI-sensor to the NUC using the USB 3.0 cable that comes with the sensor (Parts List, ID 19), as shown below.
We would like to thank Dr. Taylor from ASL in providing 3D cad models of NUC computer.