In this post, we will install the cake pan to the MDF base plate and add the sensor plate assembly.

Tools/supplies needed for this section:
- Adjustable wrench and or pliers
- phillips screwdriver
- drill with 9/32? drill bit
- masking tape

The first thing I did was add some bolts to the sensor mounting holes.

Line-up bolts

This is optional. I did this to help line the pan up with the MDF base.

Line-up bolts with MDF base

If you don’t use bolts, try to center the sensor mounting holes of the pan to the center of the corresponding holes on the MDF base.

Now mask off 1/2″ of your 9/32″ drill bit. This will be used as a guide so we don’t drill deeper than a 1/2″. When the tape hits the pan, stop drilling.

tape on drill bitholes drilled

If you use bolts to line up the pan, remove the bolts, and then screw down the pan to the MDF base using the pan head #12 x 1/2″ tap screws. At this point, you can add the 1/4″ jack and the sensor plate assembly. To add the sensor plate assembly, just insert a rubber-insulated rivet nuts into each of the holes on the plate. Set the plate (with the rivet nuts) over top of the corresponding holes in the cake pan. From the under side of the pan/MDF base insert the pan head #10-32 x 3/4″ machine screws. Do not over tighten. Tighten the screws just enough to get a good bulge in the rivet nut. We are wanting it to be just tight enough so the sensor plate can not come off.

with sensor platewith sensor plate close-up

Notice in the above picture I added 2 more mounting screws to the pan. This has been updated in the templates before I uploaded them to the templates page.

In the next post we will tackle the foam sensor couplings.