Simple Raspberry Pi Portable

This is a very simple instructable that will show you how to put together a little portable Raspberry Pi. Watch the video for visual instructions:Video

Step 1: Parts and Tools

A Raspberry Pi

This could be any raspberry pi, but I chose the Raspberry Pi 2. If you use the Raspberry Pi 2, B+, or A+, than you will also need a micro SD card. For older Raspberry Pi models, you will need an SD card.

-Portable USB Power supply

-Project Enclosure:Could be anything you like, so long as everything still fits inside. Use your imagination

-4-40 Round Head screws and boltsSimple Raspberry Pi Portable

-Adafruits 2.8″ Capacitive Touchscreen PiTFT (NOTE: Could be any of Adafruits PiTFT series, I just chose this model)

-Keyboard and mouse

Tools

-Dremel with cutoff and sanding bit

-Drill with 7/64 or 1/8 drill bit

-Flathead Screwdriver

Step 2: Making the cut

First, you need to measure.Now, I'm not the strictest on measurements, but you need to measure and cut the hole for your screen. If the screen does not fit snugly, than take the dremel and sand or cut the edges so that it fits nice and tight. You then need to take you screen and insert it into the hole and attach your raspberry pi to the screen. Look and make some eyeball measurements around the ports on the sides.Remove everything from inside then cut those pieces out. This step is pretty simple

SAFETY NOTE: Make sure when cutting plastic that you are wearing eye protection and are in a well ventilated area. When cutting plastic with a dremel, the dremel will melt the plastic and cause fumes to arise that can cause major headaches(I can speak from experience ), so make sure that you are in a ventilated area.

Step 3: Drill The Mounting Holes

After you have made all the cuts you need to insert the screen in the hole and put some tape on it to hold it in place will we drill the holes. An important note, the holes on the PITFT are to small for 4-40 screws to pass through them, so when you you drill the holes, the drill bit will have to drill through the pcb, but it is OK to drill though it. Once you have drilled the holes using the screen as a template, you can move on to the next step.Simple Raspberry Pi Portable schematic

Step 4: Time to Put It All Together

Insert the screen and run the 4-40 screws through the case and PCB. Then put nuts on and tighten them with a screwdriver. After you have done that, place the Raspberry Pi on the PiTFT. Now, if your screws were to long, like mine were, that is OK, as long as the Pi and TFT have a good connection than your good. Then put the back plate on and tighten the screw that came with your enclosure. And ta da, you have your own little portable Raspberry Pi.

Have Fun Building

 

Source: Simple Raspberry Pi Portable


About The Author

Ibrar Ayyub

I am an experienced technical writer holding a Master's degree in computer science from BZU Multan, Pakistan University. With a background spanning various industries, particularly in home automation and engineering, I have honed my skills in crafting clear and concise content. Proficient in leveraging infographics and diagrams, I strive to simplify complex concepts for readers. My strength lies in thorough research and presenting information in a structured and logical format.

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