The navX2-MXP circuit board contains sensitive circuitry, and should be handled carefully.
An enclosure is recommended to protect the navX2-MXP circuit board from excessive handling, “swarf”, electro-static discharge (ESD) and other elements that could potentially damage the navX2-MXP circuitry. The enclosure can also help prevent accidental shorts to ground which may occur on the MXP Expansion I/O pins.
NOTE: The enclosure discussed below is compatible with both the “Generation 2” navX2-MXP as well as the “Classic” navX-MXP circuit board.
Build vs. Buy
Those who prefer to print the enclosure using their personal 3D printer, an enclosure design file (in STL format) is available in the “enclosure” directory of the latest build.
Those who prefer to purchase the enclosure can order it from Shapeways (which takes approximately 2 weeks to deliver), or at the Kauai Labs store if you’re in a hurry. The price including shipping will be approximately $20, depending upon the type of material used.
Design Files
The enclosure design files include:
- navx-mxp.skp: Sketchup 3D Design File for the navX2-MXP / navX-MXP circuit boards
- navx-mxp-roborio-lid_v4.skp: Sketchup 3D Design File for a lid-style enclosure for the navX2-MXP / navX-MXP circuit boards. Note that the design file scale is 1000X actual size, so will need to be scaled down by a factor of 1000 before printing.
- navx-mxp-roborio-lid_v4_scaleddown.stl: STL Format File for 3d printing the lid-style enclosure for the navX2-MXP / navX-MXP circuit boards. This file contents have been scaled to their actual size.
Printing and Customizing the Enclosure
The Sketchup (.skp) files can be edited using Sketchup Make. Then, the files can be exported to a STL format using the Sketchup STL Import/Export extension. Finally, these exported STL format files can be opened and 3d-printed using netfabb.
Securing the Enclosure
The Lid Enclosure can be secured to the RoboRIO by two #4-40 1/4″ screws. This will secure not only the Lid, but will also secure the navX2-MXP circuit board.
Note that when using the Lid Enclosure, the required screw length is typically longer than the default screws which are included with navX2-MXP.
