There are a host of tiny plug-top computers available for the experimenter who requires an all-in-one mains-powered computing platform without the annoyance of a full-sized PC or similar. But among the various models there has always been something missing, a plug-top Raspberry Pi. To address that gap in the market, [N-O-D-E] has created a fusion of Pi and plug using the official Raspberry Pi PSU accessory and a Raspberry Pi Zero, with a UUGear Zero4U USB hub sandwiched between the two.
It’s a pretty straightforward and simple build, the back of the PSU is formed into a flat surface with a bit of Sugru, then the power cable is stripped back to its wires which are then connected to the power pins on the USB hub. The hub is then attached to the Sugru — he doesn’t say how, but we suspect double-sided tape — and the Pi is mounted on top of the hub. Pogo pins make the required connections to the pads on the underside of the computer, so it can be removed and replaced at will.
The result is a useful addition to your Pi arsenal, one that could be used for a host of little stand-alone devices. It could use a cover, however we suspect a 3D printer owner could create themselves one with relative ease. The full description is shown in the video below the break.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dfg4g3YuvnY
Fitting Raspberry Pis into small spaces is a favorite theme, we’ve had a Zero in a projector and another in a USB stick. Perhaps it’s the miniature Pi 2 laptop that takes the prize though.
First Raspberry Pi USB switch of the year, congrats. Best of HaD meets RF noise and ugly putty, a win!
When I saw “plug-top” I pictured a compute stick like the Android ones that plug into an HDMI port.
This is creative. It’d be great if it used the power lines for data transmission, like those Ethernet over powerline systems or whatever X10 did back in the day. Good for quick and simple IoT projects.
it reminds me of the SheevaPlug from a few years back.
Kind of reminds me of the Guruplugs back in the day.
Sticky tape and no enclosure? Not sure I’d like to hook that up to my mains.
To be fair, the PSU part which has the mains is in its own enclosure, and that’s undisturbed.
Needs a layer of tin foil, then a coat of plasti-dip.
Why not take is a step further and use the electrical box in the wall as your enclosure?
Why not a step further still and attach to a clip on throwie induction coil you lob at the utility wire on the free side of the meter :-D