The navX-2 Micro is the greatest sensor for orientation in competitive robots. navX2-Micro is a second-generation 9-axis inertial/magnetic sensor and motion processor. Designed for plug-n-play installation onto robots such as those used in the WorldSkills Robotics, FIRST Technology Challenge (FTC) and the FIRST Robotics Challenge (FRC), navX2-Micro helps build better robots by adding sophisticated navigation capabilities. Significant improvements over the classic navX-Micro allow for more accuracy, decreased yaw drift, and faster boot time. navX-2 Micro includes software algorithms for enhanced sensor calibration as well as KalmanFilter-based data fusion combining gyro, accelerometer, and magnetometer data into a 9-axis heading and high-quality magnetometer calibration including magnetic disturbance detection.
In addition to being an Inertial Measurement Unit, navX-Micro capabilities are referred to within the aerospace industry as an “Attitude/Heading Reference System” (AHRS). Kauailabs brings this high-tech AHRS capability to FIRST teams – to use, learn, and explore. navX-Micro is a key component of Kauailabs’ ongoing efforts to make state-of-the-art navigation technologies used in drones and autonomous vehicles (e.g., the Google Car) available to robotics students and enthusiasts as low-cost, open-source products.
Improvements over navX "Classic":
navX2-Micro features a new set of IMU & Magnetometer sensors with superior sensor specifications to those on the MPU-9250 sensor. This board has a faster 180Mhz microcontroller and an optimized startup time at 5 seconds versus 15 seconds. In addition, it has a completely new Kalman Filter-based Sensor Fusion algorithm running internally at a blazing fast 416Hz.
RoboRIO Installation
It's recommended to connect to the RoboRIO using a USB Mini-B type (Male) to USB A type (Male) connector, navX-Micro can receive both power and also communicate with the RoboRIO. This preferred installation method allows the navX-Micro circuit board to be placed up to 6 meters away from the RoboRIO.
IMPORTANT NOTE: To avoid having the navX-Micro reset due to a RoboRIO brownout, connecting the navX-Micro to the RoboRIO via USB is highly recommended.
