Oval Callout: Build your own STEREO model!

Purpose:

�� This document will guide you step by step on how to construct you own STEREO model. The model includes an integrated radio that simulates the instrument S/WAVES on the real STEREO spa Text Box: Tools needed:
� Drill and drill bits
� Wire strippers
� Soldering gun/iron and solder
� Small Phillips-head Screw-driver
� Diagonal cutters

Optional helpful tools:
� Needle-nose pliers cecraft.

Objectives:

�� a) to demonstrate how radio waves are received by the S/WAVES instrument on the STEREO spacecraft.

�� b) to identify the basic components of radio reception.

Rounded Rectangle: Preliminary steps:
Before starting the assembling process, it is necessary to detach the dipole (rabbit-ear) antennas first. It is a simple process. To do this, simply use a Phillips head screwdriver to remove the screw holding the antenna to the plastic base. Once this is removed, the antenna should come out. Repeat this process until you have 3 single anten-nas.

Assembly procedures

�� Rounded Rectangle: 1. Drill 3 holes in the top plate, large enough to fit the antennas. See layout in picture (approximately 1/2� square from 2 corners, �� in from edge on center). Note that the antenna needs to be able to fit in at an angle, requiring a larger hole.
2.

�� Rounded Rectangle: 2. Inset 3 antennas into holes. Use wire or string to attach ends of an-tenna together.

�� Rounded Rectangle: 3. Take off the battery cover of the radio. Notice the two screws here which hold the back cover of the radio on.
4. Open up the radio (3 screws on back) and take off the back cover.
5. Detach the brown wire from the antenna inside the radio. Use the diagonal cutters to do this.

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�� Rounded Rectangle: 9. Replace the back plate of the radio and insert the three screws again.

�� Rounded Rectangle: 10. Use a zip tie and a small piece of paper clip (or alternative) to make sure the power button on the radio is held down. We are creating a switch on the outside of the box for easier use.

�� Rounded Rectangle: 11. Drill a 3/4� hole on one of the small sides of the plastic enclosure. Insert the switch into this hole, and screw in the attachment that comes with the switch (a small black nut).

�� Rounded Rectangle: 12. Solder the 2 power wires (the ones attached to the battery coils) to the two silver prongs of the switch. Put electrical tape over each prong.

�� Rounded Rectangle: 13. Solder the antenna wire to one of the three antennae. You can choose which one you want to wire to.

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�� Rounded Rectangle: 14. Put the radio in the appropriate setting (AM)
15. Attach the top of the enclosure to the base using the screws pro-vided.

�� Rounded Rectangle: 16. Print the STEREO paper model and use tape to secure this to the box.

Your model is completed! You can now use it to pick up radio signals like the S/WAVES instrument is able to. Extent the antennas � on real spacecraft, the antennas are always much bigger than the spacecraft body also!