http://flitetest.com/articles/wide-angle-lens-modification-for-hubsan-x4-h107d
I followed the process from the videos as close as I could but found some discrepancies that forced me to consider other options.
The original square camera housing was very well adhered to the circuit board where the image sensor lives. I had to cut it off with a razor blade and I didn't see any double sided tape. Looked more like it was glued down. I did my best to try to avoid cutting any components or the circuit board.
The only adhesive I had on hand that I thought would work was DAP 100% silicone for windows and doors. I used a toothpick and applied a very thin bead along the bottom edge of the new wide angle housing and stuck it to the hubsan video circuit board. 24 hours later it was still not dry so I gave up on that and bought some DEVCON 5 minute epoxy, which according to the internets is OK for potting electronics.
I removed the housing, wiped off the silicone, and reapplied with epoxy. I then used a permanent marker to black out the epoxy and prevent as much light from creeping in around the sealed seam. Only at this time did I think about plugging in a battery to see if it worked. Lo and behold, no video. Everything else works with my hubsan x4 107d, and the screen flickers as if it is making a video connection when you first bind to plane, but screen stays black.
Help me understand what I did wrong. Was it the silicone? I read somewhere that it may release a mild acid as it cures which could have etched the circuit board. Or was I too aggressive with the blade when I cut the housing off the first time, and maybe scraped or cut something? Or finally was it the permanent marker or epoxy?
I have a replacement board coming and I am undecided as to whether I should try again more carefully or just leave it stock so I can at least fly FPV. I don't want to order a second replacement board...
I followed the process from the videos as close as I could but found some discrepancies that forced me to consider other options.
The original square camera housing was very well adhered to the circuit board where the image sensor lives. I had to cut it off with a razor blade and I didn't see any double sided tape. Looked more like it was glued down. I did my best to try to avoid cutting any components or the circuit board.
The only adhesive I had on hand that I thought would work was DAP 100% silicone for windows and doors. I used a toothpick and applied a very thin bead along the bottom edge of the new wide angle housing and stuck it to the hubsan video circuit board. 24 hours later it was still not dry so I gave up on that and bought some DEVCON 5 minute epoxy, which according to the internets is OK for potting electronics.
I removed the housing, wiped off the silicone, and reapplied with epoxy. I then used a permanent marker to black out the epoxy and prevent as much light from creeping in around the sealed seam. Only at this time did I think about plugging in a battery to see if it worked. Lo and behold, no video. Everything else works with my hubsan x4 107d, and the screen flickers as if it is making a video connection when you first bind to plane, but screen stays black.
Help me understand what I did wrong. Was it the silicone? I read somewhere that it may release a mild acid as it cures which could have etched the circuit board. Or was I too aggressive with the blade when I cut the housing off the first time, and maybe scraped or cut something? Or finally was it the permanent marker or epoxy?
I have a replacement board coming and I am undecided as to whether I should try again more carefully or just leave it stock so I can at least fly FPV. I don't want to order a second replacement board...
