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xNAV650-Ouster Adapter Enclosure

PCB Design • 3D Modeling • Enclosure Design • GPS/LiDAR Integration

Overview

Custom adapter enclosure designed to interface xNAV650 GPS/INS system with Ouster LiDAR sensors. The project includes complete PCB design, 3D-printable enclosure with precise mounting specifications, and comprehensive assembly documentation. Features integrated power regulation, signal conditioning, and PPS synchronization for precise time-stamped LiDAR point clouds.

This design demonstrates practical embedded systems integration, mechanical CAD skills, and understanding of high-precision sensor synchronization requirements for autonomous vehicle applications.

Interactive 3D Visualization

View Controls

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External Dimensions
90×60×30mm
Material
ABS/PETG
PCB Space
65×45mm
Mounting
4× M3 Standoffs
Connectors
Micro-D 15, DC Jack
Ventilation
Side Slots

Detailed Dimensions

IMPORTANT: All dimensions in millimeters. Tolerance: ±0.5mm for 3D printing, ±0.2mm for CNC machining.

Main Enclosure (Bottom Part)

Element Dim X Dim Y Dim Z Notes
External dimensions 90mm 60mm 20mm Wall thickness 2mm
Internal space 86mm 56mm 18mm Clear working space
PCB standoffs 60mm spacing 40mm spacing 10mm height M3 holes, 4 pieces
Micro-D hole - 20mm 10mm Left side, centered
DC Jack hole - Ø8mm - Left side, 10mm from top
Cable output 20mm - 8mm Rear wall, centered
LED hole - Ø5.5mm - Front wall, upper right

Lid (Top Part)

Element Dimension Notes
External dimensions 90×60×10mm Wall thickness 2mm
Mounting groove 86×56×2mm Fits bottom part
Screw holes 4× M3 Corners, 5mm from edge
Vent slots 6× (1×15mm) Sides, for heat dissipation

Drilling Template

NOTE: If using off-the-shelf enclosure (Hammond 1591XXSSBK), use coordinates below to mark holes before drilling.

Drilling Instructions

Preparation

Print or draw template at 1:1 scale. Secure with tape to enclosure. Use center punch to mark hole centers before drilling.

Drilling Holes

DC Jack (Ø8mm): Drill from outside to inside. Start with 3mm pilot, then gradually increase (5mm, 6mm, 8mm).
LED (Ø5.5mm): 5.5mm hole, press-fit LED with holder.
Micro-D 15: Best cut with sharp knife or use file to shape.

Cable Opening

For Ouster wires: drill 6mm hole, then expand with file to 8×20mm rectangle. Use rubber grommet for cable protection.

M3 Mounting Holes

Ø3.2mm drill for free M3 screw passage. For threading in plastic, use Ø2.5mm and tap M3 thread.

Finishing

Remove all burrs with file or sandpaper. Clean enclosure from debris. Check fit of all connectors before assembly.

Hole Reference Table

Hole Position Size Tool
DC Jack (J3) Left wall, X=0, Y=30mm, Z=20mm Ø8mm 8mm drill bit
Micro-D 15 (J1) Left wall, X=0, Y=30mm, Z=10mm 20×10mm rect Knife/file
LED (green) Front wall, X=75mm, Y=5mm Ø5.5mm 5.5mm drill
Ouster cables Rear wall, X=45mm, Z=15mm 20×8mm rect 6mm drill + file
Ventilation (6×) Lid sides, evenly spaced 1×15mm slots Drill + file/mill
Lid mount (4×) Corners, 5mm from edge Ø3.2mm 3.2mm drill

Complete Assembly Instructions

Enclosure Preparation

If 3D printing: clean supports, smooth surfaces with P400-P800 sandpaper. If using off-the-shelf: drill all holes according to template from "Drilling" tab.

PCB Standoff Installation

Screw 4× M3 standoffs (10mm height) to enclosure bottom in 60×40mm pattern. Use M3×6mm screws from outside. Ensure alignment with PCB holes.

Connector Installation

J3 (DC Jack): Insert from outside, tighten nut from inside.
J1 (Micro-D): Mount connector in hole, secure with screws (if has mounting ears).
LED: Press-fit LED in Ø5.5mm hole, secure with drop of hot glue.

PCB Installation

Connect wires from J1 and J3 to corresponding PCB points (check electrical schematic). Place PCB on standoffs and secure with M3×6mm screws. Don't overtighten!

Ouster Cable Routing

Thread 3 wires (green, white, black) through rear wall opening. Solder to PCB per schematic. Install rubber grommet in hole for cable protection.

Pre-Closure Testing

⚠️ CRITICAL! Before closing enclosure:
1. Connect 12V power, verify LED lights
2. Multimeter check: 5V at LM7805 output
3. Verify LM7805 heatsink temp (max 60°C)
4. Ensure all connections are solid

Enclosure Closure

Place lid, ensure groove fits properly. Secure with 4× M3×12mm screws at corners. If lid won't close, check for protruding components.

Sealing (Optional)

For outdoor use: apply thin silicone bead around lid perimeter before screwing. Use clear acetylene silicone. Allow 24h cure before use.

Final Verification

Connect xNAV650 and Ouster. Power on. Verify:
• LED illuminated (green light)
• Ouster receives NMEA signal (check web interface)
• PPS synchronizes correctly
• Enclosure doesn't overheat (max 50°C)

✅ COMPLETE! Your xNAV650-Ouster adapter is ready for deployment. Remember to calibrate Ouster after first boot.

Enclosure Options - What to Choose?

Option 1: Off-the-Shelf Enclosure

Hammond 1591XXSSBK (Recommended for Beginners)

  • Dimensions: 85×56×25mm (perfect fit)
  • Material: ABS, black, IP54
  • Pros: Professional look, easy drilling, weatherproof
  • Cons: Requires drilling holes
  • Price: ~$8-12 USD
  • Lead time: 1-3 days (shipping)
  • Suppliers: Mouser, DigiKey, Farnell

Option 2: 3D Printed (Advanced)

Custom 3D Printed Enclosure

  • Material: PETG (recommended) or ABS
  • Layer height: 0.2mm
  • Infill: 30-50%
  • Pros: Perfect fit, holes pre-made, customizable
  • Cons: Requires 3D printer access, longer print time
  • Price: ~$2-5 (filament) or $15-25 (service)
  • Lead time: 4-6 hours (print) + 2-3 days (service)
  • Services: Shapeways, Sculpteo, local makerspaces

Option 3: Industrial Enclosure

Standard IP65 Electrical Box

  • Dimensions: 100×68×50mm (slightly larger but robust)
  • Material: PC/ABS, gray
  • Pros: Very durable, IP65 rated, good cooling
  • Cons: Larger than needed, heavier
  • Price: ~$5-10 USD
  • Use case: Harsh environments (outdoor, industrial)

Comparison Matrix

Criteria Hammond 1591XX 3D Print (PETG) IP65 Box
💰 Cost $8-12 $2-25 $5-10
⏱️ Lead Time 1-3 days 4-6h (self) / 2-3d (service) Immediate (stock)
🔧 Difficulty Medium (drilling) Easy (pre-made holes) Medium (drilling)
🌧️ Waterproof IP54 (with gasket) IP20-40 (needs sealing) IP65 (factory)
✨ Appearance Professional Varies by print Industrial
📝 Customization Low Full (logos, text) Low
🏆 Recommendation ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐
🎯 OUR RECOMMENDATION: For first prototype, use Hammond 1591XXSSBK - easy machining, professional look, good price. For production runs, order 3D prints with STL files (available below).

3D Print Settings (PETG)

Parameter Value Notes
Material PETG Alternative: ABS (needs heated bed)
Nozzle temp 230-240°C For PETG, depends on filament
Bed temp 70-80°C Important for adhesion
Layer height 0.2mm Sweet spot speed/quality
Infill 30-40% Sufficient strength
Infill pattern Gyroid or Grid Best for mechanical strength
Print speed 40-50mm/s Slower = better quality
Supports YES For side wall holes
Brim/Raft Brim 5mm Prevents warping
Cooling 50-75% For PETG not too much!
Print time 4-6h Depends on printer

📥 Download 3D Print Files

Ready-to-print models in multiple formats

Compatible with: Cura, PrusaSlicer, Simplify3D, FreeCAD, Fusion 360

Technical Highlights

Skills Demonstrated

Application Use Case

This adapter enables precise time-synchronized LiDAR point clouds for autonomous vehicle mapping and SLAM applications. The xNAV650 GPS/INS provides accurate positioning and timing via PPS signal, which synchronizes Ouster LiDAR measurements to GPS time. This ensures consistent timestamps across sensor modalities, critical for sensor fusion and mapping accuracy.

The design is optimized for robotic platforms requiring reliable outdoor operation, with consideration for vibration, thermal management, and weatherproofing.

Links & Resources