This tutorial will guide you through the process of assembling the FLOW. If you don't have a part mentioned here or the part you have differs from the one used here then just skip the explanation of that part and continue with the rest of the tutorial. It is also assumed that you know what you are doing and have some experience in this field.

As a general note please be careful when assembling the FLOW since most of the parts are fragile by them selves and are designed to be used either inside the FLOW enclosure or with care and love. Take your time when assembling this device, don't rush and read this instructions at least once before commencing your own assembly.

If you wish to simply select the features you want and leave the assembly to us, then you can purchase the FLOW DIY which can be customized in our shop.

LCD Assembly

Before you can assemble any of the FLOW modules you have to prepare the LCD assembly. Generally speaking you need to connect the LCD Module to the LCD

Step 1

Make sure you have the components required for this assembly in front of you and that they are clean.

Step 2

Press the LCD FLEX cable into the LCD connector on the module as shown on fig2. Make sure that the LCD cable is pressed as far as it can be into the connector, you can use your finger nail to do this. Be as gentle as possible so that you don't damage the LCD cable and none of the pins are left unconnected.

Step 3

After the LCD cable is fitted into the Connector, secure the connector by pressing the Latch down, until it snaps and stays closed as shown on fig3

Battery Module & LCD Assembly

The FLOW Motherboard is fitted on top of the Battery module if we are facing the back side of the LCD. So before the Motherboard can be fitted into our assembly we firstly have to place and secure the battery module on the LCD.

Note:The enclosure for the FLOW should include the 6 screws for securing it and all the necessary components for the FLOW assembly, such as the Strong Tolerance Double Face.

Step 1

Make sure you have the LCD Assembly (covered in the previous chapter) and the Battery Module before you proceed. Also make sure that they are both clean.

Step 2

Pre-fit the Battery Module on the LCD before placement as shown on fig2 without removing the protection layer from the Double Face. The Battery Module should have the same dimensions in Width as the LCD, which would make the fitting and alignment easy. For the Y alignment use the FLOW motherboard and without connecting the 3 headers, align the motherboard in such a way that the "Square Angle" on the top side (near the Camera) aligns with the LCD edge as shown on fig3. For the best possible alignment snap the LCD Module to the motherboard. Having the LCD module connected to the Motherboard ensures that the Motherboard is in the correct alignment.

Step 3

After you have ensured that everything aligns correctly, secure the Battery module onto the LCD with the 4 Double Face pieces which should be included with the enclosure. If everything is placed correctly then you should have the Battery Module fitted as shown on fig4

You can remove the Motherboard after the Battery module has been assembled and fitted onto the LCD since there is some preparation needed to be done to the Motherboard before it is placed into our assembly.

Motherboard Assembly

Before we can place the motherboard onto our LCD & Battery assembly we firstly have to place the Main components onto the motherboard and assemble those components as well. If you have purchased one of our GSM or GSM & GPS or 3G & GPS modules then you should have the required antennas since they are included with individual modules based on their capabilities.

Step 1

As for every part of this assembly, make sure that you have everything you need and that all the parts are clean and undamaged.

Step 2

Start by attaching the GSM antenna to your module. The antenna should be included with the module and have the mating cable for it. Attach it in the proper alignment as shown on fig2. It is important that the antenna is facing the correct orientation as shown on fig3 in order for it to fit into the FLOW enclosure.

Step 3

If you have GPS capabilities on the module you have selected for the FLOW then the Active GPS Patch antenna should be included with your module with the appropriate connector. Attach the GPS antenna as shown on fig5 and make sure that the cable which is coming out of the connector is facing the correct orientation.

Step 4

Connect the Overo platform of your choosing to the motherboard. Before snapping the Computer-On-Module, be sure you have it in the correct orientation as shown on fig6. The Memory card slot should be facing away from the center of the motherboard, towards the outside of the assembly.

Step 5

Place and fit firmly the GSM/GPS module onto the motherboard as shown on fig7. Be careful not to stress the motherboard while fitting the module, you can prevent this by holding the motherboard firmly on the opposite side while fitting the module on the other. Everything should be aligned and fitted firmly at this time.

If you plan on using the secondary Memory slot which is available on the Motherboard and is located beneath the Sim slot then this is a good time to slide the card in. If you do not do this now then you will have to move the battery module away from the slot in order to access this area.

Final Assembly of Modules

Now that we have assembled all the essential parts for the FLOW, it is time to put it all together before we fit everything inside the enclosure. Have your assemblies close by since we shall combine them all in this part of the tutorial.

Step 1

You probably already know what this step is all about but we shall never get tired of saying it since it is a crucial part of any electronic assembly and even if it seems not so important now, it will in the future. Make sure that you have all the assemblies which were covered in previous sections of this tutorial and that they are clean and undamaged.

Step 2

We shall start from the Battery Module & LCD assembly which is shown on fig2. Place 4 pieces of Double Sided tape onto the LCD as you see fit, we recommend that these should be placed one on each corner of the remaining LCD space except for the Top Right corner of the LCD. Instead place that piece of tape below the LCD Module header since you shall be attaching the LCD module later on and some pressure shall be required. Carefully place the assembled motherboard on top of the LCD/Battery assembly and press firmly (but gently) where the 3 10pin headers are located. These headers should snap into place as soon as some pressure is applied. The Motherboard should fit as shown on fig3.

Step 3

Gently press down the LCD Module (which is connected to the LCD) until it snaps into place. When positioned correctly, the connected module should look as on fig4.

Step 4

Turn the FLOW assembly around and make sure that everything is connected firmly and securely. Remove the adhesive protection layer from the bottom of the Vibrator motor which is attached to the Battery Module and place it as shown on fig6.