Tag Archives: magnetometer

Final Tests then a New Case
May 18 2016

Magnetometer Build Status

An update on the build status of the magnetometer. The board has been tested for correct voltages and other parameters. The three sensors have been wired with filter capacitors and connected for some software testing as well. They have not been placed in any permanent housing, and we are investigating best practices for that. We anticipate installation in the fall term once students are back on campus and we regroup.  Some images:

The completed main board

The completed main board

The display board

The display board

The boards and keyboard attached for testing

The boards and keyboard attached for testing

This is the first boot of the system! Success!

This is the first boot of the system! Success!

Final Tests then a New Case

Final Tests then a New Case

First time operations with all three sensors

First time operations with all three sensors

Initial testing of the logging software

Initial testing of the logging software. A lot has to be done to configure this a little better, but it is good to see it in operation.

Resistors
Jan 27 2016

Magnetometer in the Making

Space weather has long been an interest of mine, and of many of the students passing through my astronomy courses. The interaction of the Sun, it solar wind and our Earth’s magnetic field are just fascinating. Living in high latitudes, we sometimes are given the pleasure of seeing some aurora. In collaboration with the University of New Hampshire, we have taken on the building of a 3 axis fluxgate magnetometer. The unit is from a kit which you can check out here at the SAM-III Magnetometer page. If you are not quite so keen on soldering small components (only a few are surface mount), then you can also order a pre-built one…. but it costs more.

Here is our progress to date in photos.

Parts and pieces

Parts and pieces! This will be the magnetometer when it is all put together!

The keyboard

This is the primary user interface: a keyboard of 4 buttons. These are the only surface mount items to worry about.

The keyboard

This is the primary user interface: a keyboard of 4 buttons. These are the only surface mount items to worry about.

Resistors

Soldering the resistors onto the board. Next will come the capacitors and other parts.

Resistors

Resistors and capacitors in place.

Voltage tolerance test

Resistors and capacitors in place along with voltage regulators. Here we are ready to apply power for the first time to see if the boards voltages are within tolerances.