Download UM-3 CubeSat Kit User Manual

User Manual
The USB chip uses almost as much power as the Flight MCU! Isn't
that wasteful?
The USB interface is designed so that it is only powered when
connected to an external host (e.g. a laptop PC). At all other times
the USB interface consumes no power.
Why aren't any MHX transceiver status indicators available to the
Flight MCU or on the CubeSat System Bus connector?
All of the MHX transceiver's status information can be gleaned by
reading from its internal registers. Therefore these signals are
unnecessary. They are attached to LEDs on the Development
Board as a visual aid.
I prefer to use my own radio. How can I integrate it into the
CubeSat Kit?
The simplest approach is probably to package your radio in the
same form as the MHX transceiver, so that it can be plugged into
the MHX transceiver sockets. You can then choose to control the
radio from the Flight MCU, or externally via the CubeSat System
Bus. Note that the MHX transceiver socket is supplied with +5V
power from +5V_SW.
Can I use the USB-to-serial converter's serial memory chip for
purposes other than USB configuration?
No, it is not intended for general-purpose use.
Shouldn't I be concerned with the MHX transceiver's cable
sticking out of the side of the CubeSat Kit?
Not really. The MHX transceiver is quite large compared to the
CubeSat, and we felt that this was the best installation location for
it. The cable is still within the CubeSat specifications regarding
items protruding above the CubeSat sides. We recommend you use
some mechanical means to ensure that the cable will stay
connected to the transceiver. The fact that it is exposed to space is
not cause for worry.
UM-3 CubeSat Kit User Manual
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