Bench Test

This week we've made a lot of progress in bench testing and integrating the components onto the Optics Pod. By far the most challenging part was having multiple cameras work together in harmony in the HD videolink, but thanks to the help of the Open H.D. community devs in the latest Evo release, we got the video stream working smoothly. It took a bit of hardware changes and firmware tweaks to perfect, but we successfully got a picture in picture working with a primary color day and night EO video stream, and a view from the IR thermal camera in the corner. Some quick field tests were done, but we are excited to continue on for more long term outdoor tests of all the components in the near future.

Monitor view of successful wireless transmission of the thermal camera!

What the phone camera captures in low light mode.

What the starlight low light EO captures off the wireless camera feed.

Optic Component Integration

Now that we validated all the components nominal operation, we proceeded with integrating them onto the primary carbon fiber optic frame. The space was pretty tight with the amount of components that had to be packed into such a small space, but as validated virtually in CAD, all the components successfully integrated into the frame. As a quick check before proceeding with permanent fixation into the enclosure, the entire assembly was dry fitted to ensure correct tolerances. We are very excited to take this into the field and see its performance for both day and night!

View of optical components mounted onto primary optic frame.

Fitment check of the enclosure with the optic assembly stack inside.