ZSA Moonlander x Navigator Trackball

This mod allow a perfect integration of ZSA Navigator in right thumb cluster of your Moonlander.

Why to choose this mod

• No cables tangling around (we use the flat ribbon cable included in your Moonlander)
• No firmware modding needed. Just enable Navigator in Oryx.
• Beginner soldering skills should be enough.

BOM

• Original Top Navigator shell
• Original Navigator PCB (no modification of the board needed)
• 3 Original Navigator screws
• Original Moonlander FCP cable protector (the white rubber thing)
• Original Moonlander FCP cable
• Original Moonlander screws to secure the thumb cluster to the main board
• 1 TRRS male connector (Local electronic parts supplier)
• 1 FCP 16p 0.5mm (found at Aliexpress)
• 4 wires (about 28G) (Local electronic parts supplier)
• 2 M3 inserts (I used the ones from CNCKitchen)
• Soldering iron
• Hacksaw
• Sanding paper (optional)

Instructions

PCB

You need to cut the FCP board to the smallest size possible (don’t fear to cut backside tracks, we won’t use them). I used a hacksaw.

Solder wires as shown (tip is positive pin16, base is negative pin1, near tip is SDA pin10, near base is SCL pin9). If you mess up something (as I done…), don’t worry, ZSA protected everything very well. It should (YMMV) works again when you fix it.

Print

Print the provided files with default settings. The base file need a filament with strong layer to layer adhesion because we screw in it. I use Sunlu PLA+, but other brands may be good enough too (Prusa PLA don’t works).

Disassembly

Remove the right thumb cluster of your Moonlander as stated in ZSA doc.

Some parts are needed for this mod (see BOM). Keep everything in case you want to revert to ZSA original thumb cluster (spoiler, you won’t).

Grab your Navigator and unscrew the 3 screws from the top shell. Some parts are needed for this mod (see BOM).

Assembly

Using your soldering station, put the two inserts in the top part as in the picture. They will allow to secure our mod to the Moonlander.

Grab your Navigator top shell and the washers.

Push the Navigator shell in the top shell as in the picture (it will only fit when you found the good angle). And put the lens washer.

Next put the PCB washers.

Gently fit everything as in the pictures below.

Take care to have the FCP connector the closest possible to the printed case (see picture). If needed, go back to your bench and sand the edge, so you can get it closer.

Prepare the bottom printed part: Fit the ribbon protector (Original ZSA) as in the picture.

Put the backcover over your top assembly, reverse the whole thing carefully and ure Navigator screws to secure everything.

Next, attach your new thumb cluster to your Moonlander as shown in ZSA doc.

WARNING, the ribbon cable is very sensitive and break easily, take your time.

I may improve cable and soldering hiding in the future…

Your done!

Flash your firmware with Navigator enabled and enjoy!

Sources

Blender file available upon request (file need cleaning at the moment).