Assembly Guide - Revision history

151.240.45.35 at 04:10, 24 March 2026

2026-03-24T04:10:36Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 04:10, 24 March 2026
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	== Before You Begin ==		== Before You Begin ==
	Before assembling a trunkCam, make sure you have all the parts necessary. ~~For the bill of materials~~, ~~see [[BOM]]~~.		Before assembling a trunkCam, make sure you have all the parts necessary. You can either get a trunkCam kit, which comes with everything you need, or you can buy and print your own parts for a DIY build.

	== Assembly Instructions ==		== Assembly Instructions ==

151.240.45.24: /* Before You Begin */

2026-03-24T04:09:36Z

Before You Begin

← Older revision		Revision as of 04:09, 24 March 2026
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	== Before You Begin ==		== Before You Begin ==
	Before assembling a ~~Dipstick~~, make sure you have all the parts necessary. For the bill of materials, see BOM.		Before assembling a trunkCam, make sure you have all the parts necessary. For the bill of materials, see [[BOM]].

	== Assembly Instructions ==		== Assembly Instructions ==

Kotachi: Changed the parts image format and added pictures for the instructions

2026-03-11T19:35:54Z

Changed the parts image format and added pictures for the instructions

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:35, 11 March 2026
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	=== Parts ===		=== Parts ===
	[[File:Labeled dipstick.jpg\|~~thumb~~]]		[[File:Labeled dipstick.jpg\|center\|frameless\|711x711px]]

	=== '''3D printed parts''' ===		=== '''3D printed parts''' ===
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	* M4x10mm Thumb screw x 2		* M4x10mm Thumb screw x 2
	* M4x40mm axle bolt x 1		* M4x40mm axle bolt x 1
	* ~~Machine~~ screw		* 1/4"-20 screw x 1
	'''Additional parts'''		'''Additional parts'''

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	=== Instructions ===		=== Instructions ===

	# Twist the tensioning cap onto the flexible spine, leave it at the tip		# Twist the tensioning cap onto the flexible spine, leave it at the tip. [[File:Twisting.jpg\|frameless\|512x512px]]
	# From the bottom, thread the Dyneema cord through the two holes of the flexible spine.		# From the bottom, thread the Dyneema cord through the two holes of the flexible spine.[[File:Threading.jpg\|frameless\|512x512px]]
	# Tie a double or triple knot at ~~the~~ end of ~~each string~~.		# Tie a double or triple knot at each end of the Dyneema cord to keep it in place.[[File:Knot tie.jpg\|frameless\|512x512px]]
	# Insert the endoscope into the flexible spine, from bottom to top. Keep the camera sticking out by an inch.		# Insert the endoscope into the flexible spine, from bottom to top. Keep the camera sticking out by an inch.[[File:Endoscope.jpg\|frameless\|512x512px]]
	# Attach the camera clamp body to the top of the flexible spine using one M4x10mm bolt ~~and one~~ M4x16mm bolt.		# Snip excess Dyneema cord but leave 2mm so the knots stay tied.[[File:Snipping.jpg\|frameless\|512x512px]]
	# Hold the endoscope flush or 1mm inset using the camera clamp swing arm and screw in place using a M4x10mm bolt.		# Attach the camera clamp body to the top of the flexible spine using one M4x10mm bolt. [[File:Camera clamp body.jpg\|frameless\|512x512px]]
	# Drop the loop end of the Dynema cord and the USB end of the endoscope down the top of the PVC tube, the end with the tab.		# Use a M4x16mm bolt to attach both the camera clamp swing arm and clamp body to the flexible spine.[[File:Clamp swing arm 1.jpg\|frameless\|512x512px]]
	# Line the flat side of the flexible spine with the tab and insert into the tube. Hold the threaded collar in place using a thumb screw.		# Hold the endoscope flush or 1mm inset using the camera clamp swing arm and screw in place using a M4x10mm bolt.[[File:Camera clamp arm2.jpg\|frameless\|683x683px]]
	# Take the capstan cap and insert the ~~machine~~ screw from the inside of the flat section.		# Drop the loop end of the Dynema cord and the USB end of the endoscope down the top of the PVC tube, the end with the tab.[[File:Drop cord.jpg\|frameless\|384x384px]] [[File:Drop usb cable.jpg\|frameless\|512x512px]]
	# Take the phone mount and attach it to the screw. Use a screwdriver through the opposite side to tighten.		# Line the flat side of the flexible spine with the tab and insert into the tube. Hold the threaded collar in place using a thumb screw.[[File:Tensioningcap screw.jpg\|frameless\|512x512px]]
	# Attach the capstan cap to the bottom of the PVC tube and hold in place using a thumb screw.		# Take the capstan cap and insert the 1/4"-20 screw from the inside of the flat section.[[File:1-4-20screw1.jpg\|frameless\|512x512px]]. [[File:1-4-20screw2.jpg\|frameless\|384x384px]]
	# Loop the Dyneema cord around the capstan, then add subsequent loops alternating from the left and right side to keep the capstan centered. Make 5 loops total (4 additional loops from the initial), and ensure they overlap minimally.		# Take the phone mount and attach it to the screw. Use a screwdriver through the opposite side to tighten. [[File:Attachphonemount.jpg\|frameless\|512x512px]]
			# Attach the capstan cap to the bottom of the PVC tube and hold in place using a thumb screw.[[File:Capstancapscrew.jpg\|frameless\|512x512px]]
			# Loop the Dyneema cord around the capstan, then add subsequent loops alternating from the left and right side to keep the capstan centered. Make 5 loops total (4 additional loops from the initial), and ensure they overlap minimally.[[File:Capstan initial loop.jpg\|frameless\|512x512px]]
	# Slide the capstan handle onto the capstan, and secure using 4 M4x10mm bolts.		# Slide the capstan handle onto the capstan, and secure using 4 M4x10mm bolts.
	# Slide the capstan into the capstan cap, and secure using 1 M4x40mm bolt.		# Slide the capstan into the capstan cap, and secure using 1 M4x40mm bolt.
	# To deploy, turn the tensioning cap until turning the capstan handle 180º corresponds to 180º range of motion of the endoscope.		# To deploy, turn the tensioning cap until turning the capstan handle 180º corresponds to 180º range of motion of the endoscope.

Kotachi: Added a photo of all the parts pre-assembly and updated the instructions

2026-03-10T22:35:02Z

Added a photo of all the parts pre-assembly and updated the instructions

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:35, 10 March 2026
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	=== Parts ===		=== Parts ===
			[[File:Labeled dipstick.jpg\|thumb]]

	=== '''3D printed parts''' ===		=== '''3D printed parts''' ===
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	* M4x10mm Thumb screw x 2		* M4x10mm Thumb screw x 2
	* M4x40mm axle bolt x 1		* M4x40mm axle bolt x 1
			* Machine screw
	'''Additional parts'''		'''Additional parts'''

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	=== Instructions ===		=== Instructions ===

	# ~~Slide~~ the ~~end of PVC tube without~~ the ~~tab inside into the capstone collar~~, ~~and hold~~ it ~~in place using~~ the ~~thumb screw.~~		# Twist the tensioning cap onto the flexible spine, leave it at the tip
	# ~~Take~~ the Dyneema cord ~~and feed~~ the two ~~ends through~~ the flexible spine~~, from the inside towards the tip~~.		# From the bottom, thread the Dyneema cord through the two holes of the flexible spine.
	# Tie a double knot at the end of ~~both strings~~		# Tie a double or triple knot at the end of each string.
	# Insert the endoscope into the flexible spine, from bottom to top.		# Insert the endoscope into the flexible spine, from bottom to top. Keep the camera sticking out by an inch.
	# Drop the loop end of the ~~Dyneema~~ cord and the USB end of the endoscope down the ~~naked end~~ of the PVC tube with the tab ~~inside. Align the flexible spine to the tab and slide it in, making sure the extra ends of the string and endoscope head stay sticking out of the spine~~.		# Attach the camera clamp body to the top of the flexible spine using one M4x10mm bolt and one M4x16mm bolt.
	# ~~Twist~~ the ~~threaded collar onto the end~~ of the flexible spine and ~~continue rotating until it reaches the end of~~ the ~~PVC~~ tube. Hold in place using a thumb screw.		# Hold the endoscope flush or 1mm inset using the camera clamp swing arm and screw in place using a M4x10mm bolt.
	# Take the ~~loop of the Dyneema cord~~ and ~~wrap it around~~ the ~~capstone. Twist~~ the ~~loop 3 times so that there are 4 loops around~~ the ~~capstone~~.		# Drop the loop end of the Dynema cord and the USB end of the endoscope down the top of the PVC tube, the end with the tab.
	# ~~Hold~~ the ~~capstone in place using~~ the ~~big~~ screw through the ~~center~~.		# Line the flat side of the flexible spine with the tab and insert into the tube. Hold the threaded collar in place using a thumb screw.
	# ~~Using 4 short M4 screws, attach~~ the ~~capstone knob~~ to the ~~capstone.~~		# Take the capstan cap and insert the machine screw from the inside of the flat section.
	~~# Rotate the threaded collar until half of the flexible spine sticks out~~ of the PVC tube.		# Take the phone mount and attach it to the screw. Use a screwdriver through the opposite side to tighten.
	# ~~Tie two overhand knots on each free end of~~ the Dyneema cord ~~to hold it in place.~~		# Attach the capstan cap to the bottom of the PVC tube and hold in place using a thumb screw.
	~~# Place~~ the ~~bottom of~~ the ~~tentacle cap on~~ the ~~top of~~ the ~~tentacle~~, ~~hold in place using a short~~ and ~~long M4 screw~~.		# Loop the Dyneema cord around the capstan, then add subsequent loops alternating from the left and right side to keep the capstan centered. Make 5 loops total (4 additional loops from the initial), and ensure they overlap minimally.
	# ~~Connect~~ the ~~endoscope to a phone~~, ~~ensure that the orientation of the camera matches the direction the tentacle bends. Twist to adjust~~.		# Slide the capstan handle onto the capstan, and secure using 4 M4x10mm bolts.
	# ~~Holding~~ the ~~endoscope head flush to~~ the ~~tentacle~~ cap, secure ~~the tentacle cap top~~ using ~~a short M4 screw~~.		# Slide the capstan into the capstan cap, and secure using 1 M4x40mm bolt.
	# ~~Rotate~~ the ~~threaded collar~~ until the ~~flexible spine is fully extended, or is sufficiently tensioned.~~		# To deploy, turn the tensioning cap until turning the capstan handle 180º corresponds to 180º range of motion of the endoscope.
	~~# Ensure that the knob can rotate~~ 180º ~~and~~ corresponds to a 180º range of motion of the ~~tentacle.~~
	~~# Screw in the phone mount to the capstone collar~~.

96.253.14.20: /* Parts Required */

2026-03-05T21:49:25Z

Parts Required

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:49, 5 March 2026
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	Notes:		Notes:

	=== Parts ~~Required~~ ===		=== Parts ===

	* ~~Capstone~~		=== '''3D printed parts''' ===
	* ~~Capstone collar~~
	* ~~Capstone knob~~		* Capstan
	* ~~Threaded collar~~		* Capstan Handle
	* ~~PVC tube~~		* Capstan Cap
	* ~~Endoscope~~		* Tensioning Cap
	* ~~Dyneema cord~~		* Flexible spine
	* ~~Flexible spine (tentacle)~~		* Camera Clamp Body
	* ~~Tentacle cap bottom~~		* Camera Clamp Swing Arm
	* ~~Tentacle cap top~~		'''Hardware'''
			* M4x10mm bolt x 6
			* M4x16mm bolt x 1
			* M4x10mm Thumb screw x 2
			* M4x40mm axle bolt x 1
			'''Additional parts'''

			*1.25" Diameter PVC tube
			*Endoscope
			*105" 1mm diameter Dyneema cord
	* Phone mount		* Phone mount
	* M4 short screw x 6
	* M4 long screw x 1
	* Thumb screw x 2
	* Big screw x 1

	=== Instructions ===		=== Instructions ===

	# Slide the end of PVC tube without the tab inside into the capstone collar, and hold it in place using the thumb screw.		# Slide the end of PVC tube without the tab inside into the capstone collar, and hold it in place using the thumb screw.
	# Take the Dyneema cord and feed the two ends through the flexible spine, from the ~~bottom to~~ the ~~top~~. ~~Keep around 5 inches of extra string coming out~~ at ~~each~~ end.		# Take the Dyneema cord and feed the two ends through the flexible spine, from the inside towards the tip.
			# Tie a double knot at the end of both strings
	# Insert the endoscope into the flexible spine, from bottom to top.		# Insert the endoscope into the flexible spine, from bottom to top.
	# Drop the loop end of the Dyneema cord and the USB end of the endoscope down the naked end of the PVC tube with the tab inside. Align the flexible spine to the tab and slide it in, making sure the extra ends of the string and endoscope head stay sticking out of the spine.		# Drop the loop end of the Dyneema cord and the USB end of the endoscope down the naked end of the PVC tube with the tab inside. Align the flexible spine to the tab and slide it in, making sure the extra ends of the string and endoscope head stay sticking out of the spine.

172.56.112.8: First version of assembly, included materials list and word instructions

2026-03-04T22:57:33Z

First version of assembly, included materials list and word instructions

New page

== Before You Begin ==
Before assembling a Dipstick, make sure you have all the parts necessary. For the bill of materials, see BOM.

== Assembly Instructions ==
Overall this should take under an hour.

Notes:

=== Parts Required ===

* Capstone
* Capstone collar
* Capstone knob
* Threaded collar
* PVC tube
* Endoscope
* Dyneema cord
* Flexible spine (tentacle)
* Tentacle cap bottom
* Tentacle cap top
* Phone mount
* M4 short screw x 6
* M4 long screw x 1
* Thumb screw x 2
* Big screw x 1

=== Instructions ===

# Slide the end of PVC tube without the tab inside into the capstone collar, and hold it in place using the thumb screw.
# Take the Dyneema cord and feed the two ends through the flexible spine, from the bottom to the top. Keep around 5 inches of extra string coming out at each end.
# Insert the endoscope into the flexible spine, from bottom to top.
# Drop the loop end of the Dyneema cord and the USB end of the endoscope down the naked end of the PVC tube with the tab inside. Align the flexible spine to the tab and slide it in, making sure the extra ends of the string and endoscope head stay sticking out of the spine.
# Twist the threaded collar onto the end of the flexible spine and continue rotating until it reaches the end of the PVC tube. Hold in place using a thumb screw.
# Take the loop of the Dyneema cord and wrap it around the capstone. Twist the loop 3 times so that there are 4 loops around the capstone.
# Hold the capstone in place using the big screw through the center.
# Using 4 short M4 screws, attach the capstone knob to the capstone.
# Rotate the threaded collar until half of the flexible spine sticks out of the PVC tube.
# Tie two overhand knots on each free end of the Dyneema cord to hold it in place.
# Place the bottom of the tentacle cap on the top of the tentacle, hold in place using a short and long M4 screw.
# Connect the endoscope to a phone, ensure that the orientation of the camera matches the direction the tentacle bends. Twist to adjust.
# Holding the endoscope head flush to the tentacle cap, secure the tentacle cap top using a short M4 screw.
# Rotate the threaded collar until the flexible spine is fully extended, or is sufficiently tensioned.
# Ensure that the knob can rotate 180º and corresponds to a 180º range of motion of the tentacle.
# Screw in the phone mount to the capstone collar.