[ 3 / biz / cgl / ck / diy / fa / ic / jp / lit / sci / vr / vt ] [ index / top / reports ] [ become a patron ] [ status ]
2023-11: Warosu is now out of extended maintenance.

/diy/ - Do It Yourself

View post   
File: 2.92 MB, 4600x2600, Commodore-64-Computer-FL.jpg [View same] [iqdb] [saucenao] [google]
1220546 No.1220546 [Reply] [Original]

So, I'd like some help designing a case to fit a raspberry pi, the case has to be large enough to hold the computer, some extension cables with bracket mounts for USB, HDMI, RJ45 etc. .
It also needs to be able to hold a Unicomp keyboard and possibly a small power supply (No bigger than maybe 4-8 AA battery holders in size, can probably fit on the outside of the case somewhere if space isn't permitted)
It also would need to be durable/weatherproof, my first idea was wood as it's the easiest to work with, but not very durable, I have no welding equipment either so I don't know about metal, and I have no experience with plastic.
My only references for the actual design of it are something like the Commodore 64, and the Fuze case that someone made for the pi that looks similar but I don't want the breadboard on top, and I want an actual nice keyboard.

Might be a tall order to ask of /diy/ but any help is appreciated.

>> No.1220560

>>1220546
Here's a quick sketch of kinda what I'd imagined, ports would obviously have to be on the back of the case.
I'd probably also get a few hinge joints so it can be opened, and maybe some sliding doors to cover the ports later but this is it so far

>> No.1220563
File: 16 KB, 819x460, Quick design sketch.png [View same] [iqdb] [saucenao] [google]
1220563

>>1220560
forgot the pic

>> No.1221137

>>1220563

What is a unicomp keyboard?

>> No.1221167

>>1221137
There's probably enough room in the keyboard for all that stuff.

>> No.1221168

>>1220546
clear plastic boxes hot glue to the underside of keyboard

>> No.1221370

>>1221167
I'd considered that, I just didn't want to hack up a nice keyboard.
also not sure if the keyboard could fit all the usb and display extension cables with bracket mounts.
The model RasPi i'd be using is Model B
756-8308 it looks to be 3.4x0.8x2.2" so I guess that'd fit?

>> No.1221379
File: 257 KB, 589x752, shot_of_black.png [View same] [iqdb] [saucenao] [google]
1221379

>>1221370
>I just didn't want to hack up a nice keyboard.

hacking up nice shit is the path to righteousness or utter failure. You have to take the risk, anon. At the very least you will learn something.

at the best, you learn how to do better. at the worst, you learn that maybe you should not be trying shit like this.

go for it.

>> No.1221401
File: 47 KB, 640x480, Revised design.png [View same] [iqdb] [saucenao] [google]
1221401

>>1221168
this is one option I guess. I could mount it to the bottom and just make a box underneath and velcro the keyboard to the edges of the box by making a small inset, I kinda like this idea

>> No.1221434
File: 14 KB, 887x480, Detailed box design.png [View same] [iqdb] [saucenao] [google]
1221434

>>1221401
more detailed rendition of the box aformentioned

>> No.1221458
File: 169 KB, 960x540, Box Render 1.png [View same] [iqdb] [saucenao] [google]
1221458

>>1221434
Here's a quick 3D render of what I'd imagine it looking like

>> No.1221512

I've been contemplating the same thing, and making a cover that holds the keyboard onto the top of a mostly open topped box is a good route to go. Also, skip the garbage batteries, just cannibalize a cellphone battery bank. The Pi would make sense upside down for orientation, so the entire bottom side is removable and all parts are easily accessed if replacements are needed.
Have you considered a 2.5" external drive? Storage would be easy that route. Put some USB extension cables in there, and hot glue the female ends just within a couple of holes in front of the keyboard for front I/O. Mine will have a flip down too for a laptop screen I salvaged, the control board's are cheap on eBay, but you can stuff an HDMI cable inside for convenience.

>> No.1221516

>>1220546
Fill a box with mono foam and then carve your case out esse

>> No.1221583

>>1221512
yeah the AA battery thing was just a temporary placeholder mostly, also in the above drawing
>>1221401
I'd forgotten to include the power switch, and I may end up using the bottom of the keyboard to mount it, making mounts to the case would be harder and not look as nice/work as well.
An external drive isn't a bad idea to have inside the case, but I think a large SD card (I've got a 16GB one sitting here) would be more than enough for what I need it to do, and maybe I'll just hold onto the external drive for safekeeping.
The computer is just gonna run the default OS or if there's ARM support Tiny Core the most it will do is VI editing, maybe some light browsing and SSH.
Storage isn't a bad idea either, I could probably fit some small cables in there, which would be handy.
I like the USB, RJ45 etc. extension cords as that adds a layer of durability, since if they get damaged they can just be replaced, rather than trying to replace a port.
Lastly in regards to >>1221434
L-brackets and screws have been dumped, just gonna miter the corners to 45 degrees and use wood glue, that way the result looks cleaner and gives me more leeway to sand the edges.
gonna hit up the lumber yard for some scrap wood and get some materials to work with as the only furniture grade particle board I can find is in 8x4' sheets and that's far too much plus it's arounf $60 and I'm looking to spend no more than $200 on the project $100 for the keyboard, $35 for the computer, maybe $20-25 for the portable power and close to $50 for materials (I have stain and glue and such so it's not factored in), but now that extension cords have come into play I need to add $20 bucks to that for the RJ45 and the double USB(just gonna use a car mount) so I might as well make the budget $250 hard limited.
Appreciate the help /diy/nosaurs!