I started off the CAD by implementing all the parts I knew I already had, such as the Pixhawk, Raspberry Pi, and batteries. Using Onshape, I was able to find public models of both the Pixhawk and Pi.

Next, in order to prevent the electronics from jumbling around inside of the drone, I created two 3D printed pieces that would keep the 2 devices and batteries in one single, compact unit. I may or may not have taken a little inspiration from online examples for this part, I won’t lie, but why change a design if it's known to work? You know what they say, "Don't reinvent the wheel".

Finally, after assembling all the individual components, I had to design an effective enclosure for all of the electronics. As I had seen many drone designs use these clear acrylic tubes to seal their electronics off from the water, I decided to look on Amazon for options. I found a 10” long, 100mm OD (outer diameter), and 95 ID (inner diameter) tube for a very affordable price. 

I would also have to create end caps for the tube that would be strong enough to keep water out. Luckily, the people online had also already figured out interesting methods for designing such end caps. The design that I decided to try involved essentially creating a 3D printed shell of an end cap, then filling it in with a liquid epoxy or similar substance that would fill in all the microscopic gaps in the 3D print. Furthermore, by creating small channels on one of the end caps, this method would also allow for wires to be routed through the end caps while staying water tight.

So, here it is, the preliminary design for the electronics tube.