Recently, I updated the CT sensor post with the current test and power measurements done on bench. In this post, I will run through the enclosure design process. The enclosure design is intentionally made simple and really is used to conceal any hazardous voltages that the user might touch accidentally.
For the enclosure design, I used AutoDesk Inventor Fusion and using it is quite intuitive. I started by measuring the dimensions of the CC3200 Launchpad with the outdoor sensor module connected. From the measurements, I sketched the base in Fusion, adjust the base sketch with an offset to draw the wall. Once the base was sketched, I applied the extrude on the drawn planes, this immediately resulted to be the shell of the enclosure. Examining the CC3200 Launchpad board, the PCBoard is actually raised from the base because of the female 20-pin connector. To prevent the Launchpad from tipping and have it more stable, the walls were extended to provide some sort of a rise. Below is a screenshot of the modeled enclosure.
The next part of the enclosure is a frame for the solar panel. Again the process was mostly the same, that is, measure the solar panel, use the dimensions to sketch the base and extrude. To be able to mount the solar panel, I added a few screw holes. See model below.
The files were then saved and exported in STL format ready for printing.
Solar panel frame being printed (above). Printed enclosure (below).
Then assembly and installation.
Btw, I drilled a few holes for the CT sensor and solar panel wires, a couple more holes on each side for airflow to the humidity and temperature sensor (currently not fitted in these pictures).
Then installed inside the meter box.
The wiring inside the box is already in spaghetti state, and was hard to route the cable safely.
I will leave this box collect some data for a day or two while I will be working on the other parts of the project.
Lastly, how I wish I incorporated in the design a quick way to reset the system. Taking the top assembly off tends to be quite challenging as the box is too tight.
Next post, I will share some Sierra Wireless AirVantage helper libraries that you might find useful.
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