The NavX is what we mainly use to have field centric drive. We specifically use the NavX2 Micro. It's essentially a gyroscope and accelerometer combined — or as their website puts it, a "second-generation 9-axis inertial/magnetic sensor and motion processor."
We found that the NavX can get disoriented and sometimes needs to be recalibrated. If that's what you're trying to do, you're in the right place!
NavX Diagram
This is the NavX. The two buttons on the side are RST (Reset) and CAL (Calibrate). The lights on the bottom show the status of the NavX.
NavX Calibration
To calibrate the NavX you'll need to download the NavX UI. Go to pdocs.kauailabs.com/navx-micro/software/navx-ui/ and click the large purple download button on the right.
It should start downloading a .zip file. Wait for it to finish, then unzip it and run the setup.exe file. If Windows warns you about running the file, ignore it. Follow the instructions on screen to install the software — allow it to install the Driver as well!
After the software has installed, launch it. If you don't know how to find it, check this page on how to launch files with no shortcut. You should launch the NavX UI as an administrator.
When the software launches, plug the NavX into one of the USB-A ports. The software should automatically detect it, and you'll see an arrow/plane graphic appear that moves when you move the NavX.
If the NavX isn't properly calibrated, the arrow will move weirdly. Try keeping it still and turning it forward on one face — if the arrow tilts oddly, it's most likely improperly calibrated.
Uncalibrated NavX:
Calibrated NavX:
How to Calibrate
- Keep the NavX still. Preferably brace it against a 90 degree angle somewhere, but holding it facing your laptop also works.
- Hold down the "CAL" button and press the "RST" button.
- Hold it down until the calibration light turns off.
- You'll see it disconnect and reconnect to your laptop — just wait for the CAL light to turn off and you're set!
