Opening / disassembling RAE

wintermute

Hello!

First of all, I'd like to say that I love this project and all the work put into it. It's amazing!
I got my RAE on Friday, and I'd like to ask - how should I proceed to open my RAE to have access to the PCBs, etc?
I couldn't find any instruction and there are no screws visible. Is the enclosure glued?

Thank you!

Mike

Looks like the entire bottom inside of the light ring is a label …

Step files are at the bottom of this page …
https://github.com/luxonis/depthai-hardware/tree/master/DM3370_RAE#3d-files

wintermute

I see! I really wonder what's the reasoning to make the screws that inaccessible.
I guess with some heat I'll be able to unglue this plate to expose the screws.

Thank you!

Mike

wintermute … You could try and press a screw driver through the label into the bolt holes (in the 4 corners) … but I do not know without destroying the label.

wintermute

The label seems to be quite thick, I think it would be quite destructive indeed.

wintermute

Yep, that's a good idea! I'll draw a cutting template to share.

Mike

Reposting deleted message … still getting use to this message chat … seems edit and delete/restore only work for a few minutes after message is created.

"A sharp knife could cut diagonally the 4 label corners cleanly off … exposing the bolt holes."

wintermute

I managed to open my RAE by cutting the edges of the label/bottom plate to expose the screws.

One note is that below the label it's the same translucent plastic as the border/edges (which the LEDs shine through) so cutting the bottom label will change the way the LEDs glow on the floor and that may not be desirable (it's quite simple to mask it out again but just bringing it up).

RAE construction seems pretty solid:
- screws are screwed on the metal case, so you should be able to open/close RAE many times without any issues (just don't over-tighten the screws as it's aluminium).
- wires inside are well attached and not hanging around

I had RAE running around my house a little bit and it grabbed a lot of hair/dust on the wheels, so opening RAE may be a necessary maintenance step.

Mike

wintermute … Yes I noticed the dog hair mounting up on the wheels already.

How many mm from the corners down the sides did you start the diagonal cut from ?

wintermute

8mm horizontal, 7mm vertical.

Mike

wintermute … Are you able to take a photo of how it changed the light from the base ? … maybe a top down photo ?

wintermute

I have not turned it on yet since I cut the bottom label/plate. I'm just assuming it changes, but it may not be noticeable.
Next time I turn it on I'll post an update.

sskorol

I wonder if anyone wants to record a video for the others who want to access the internals.

brianlmerritt

Looking at the material after cutting, each square can be put back in place but might not stick very well.

brianlmerritt

With the corners cut

Remove the base screws and carefully remove this wire

Then remove this wire

I think this is as far as I want to go today…

brianlmerritt

I was thinking about drilling a few holes in the top lid, but the 4 LED side strips plus 5 cameras plus motors plus speaker would need disconnecting - may think before I proceed 🙂

Motor / wheel assemblies (each) have 2 more screws mounting them to the lid.

brianlmerritt

#RAE is still working fine, and to be honest I am going to leave the corners off as the LEDs don't appear any different. I may well remove LED connections later and see if it affects the boot / running. Note one corner LED is now off, but I hadn't checked it before so might have been broken before or not. Your mileage may vary!!

Mike

brianlmerritt … a good set of photos ! … good to know it is easy to clean the dog hair from the wheels …

Mike

brianlmerritt … Did you notice if the wheels are held on both sides ? … IE: if some kid stands on Rae will the axels just bend ? … and from then on will drive like some hiphop lowrider ?

Mike

As posted on another thread … most of the excess heat is caused by the LEDs … they can be turned off.

brianlmerritt

Mike Not sure any small robot would withstand a kid jumping on it, but def not a good idea for the RAE although I guess you buy another pololu style motor with encoders, wheel and bracket and can get easy access to fix it.