Case incorporating AdaFruit 16x2 LCD Plate

[stuartw]

I'd definitely be interested in a case that has access to the LCD controls....

[mrlinux2u]

Another update, going to get my 1st samples on wednesday, so should have pics up by thursday at the latest

Case will have a cut-out for the LCD controls.

Cheers

mrlinux2u

[sav25]

I'd be interested in this, depending on rough cost and postage to the UK.

How about a Kickstarter campaign once the design is finalised? You could do something like the guy did with the Pi-Crust...offering different packages...some with the board and case, some just the case, some with a Pi etc. Perhaps you would then get a percentage of the board sales? Just a thought.

I have a standard LCD display bolted 'on' to my internet radio as I have no clean way of cutting holes! Check out my blog below for a picture/video.

[mrlinux2u]

Hi Sav,

Thanks for the interest ,

My 1st prototypes will now be here on thursday, so pics will be online thursday night (hopefully).

The plan is to have these sold via online retailers so I'm not sure of the final price, but since I'm based in the UK (and these will be made in the UK as well) so postage won't be to bad at all.

As for a kickstarter project, proberly not as this isn't my usual way of launching case designs, but it may be something I look at in the future.

Out of interest, how much is too much when it comes to price (texy's case goes for £12)?

Cheers

mrlinux2u

[sav25]

Not sure what texys case looks like, haven't seen it, but for me a case should be under a tenner if it's just plastic. Then again, this is specialist as such compared to generkc cases, so the smaller run will make the price higher and I can appreciate that.

Thing is for me...if I can get a model A for 19 quid, do I want to spend over half that on a case? Maybe that's just me as I like to make crap cases myself out of panels lol

[mrlinux2u]

@sav25

I've attached a pic of texy's case (well my modified one), as for the price you'll be shocked how much the metal stand-offs and other connecting bits cost, but I'll do my best to sell them at an affordable price (can't state how much my other suppliers will charge everyone though).

Cheers

mrlinux2u

[mrlinux2u]

I'm also toying with the idea of making this case compatible with existing Pibow cases

The base will act as a replacement bottom layer for the Pibow, you then use the 1st 3 layers of the Pibow case to secure the RPi and then place the top layer on (the layer with the LCD access).

More to follow if I go ahead with this idea.

Cheers

mrlinux2u

[sav25]

Have you considered plastic/acrylic cylinder spacers and just an Allen key bolt through the spacer? Might make it cheaper and will still look good (maybe even look better for a clean look).

[mrlinux2u]

Here we go (finally)

Shots of the ada-pi case and the Pibow mod (note I need another layer for the pibow version, saying that having a gap will aid in cooling the Pi).

The ada-pi case will need metal supports (can't find plastic spacers long enough, and the metal supports add strength to the design).

Thoughts/comments are welcome

Cheers

mrlinux2u

[mrlinux2u]

Another pic of the ada-pi, this time with the protective film removed so you can see the adafruit LCD motherboard.

Cheers

mrlinux2u

UPDATE!!!

I've just put the 1st prototype on eBay (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/151122082004? ... 1555.l2649) if someone want's to get the 1st of these cases.

[sav25]

Nice work. Looks like you sold it already

Just out of interest, how did you get that made? I'm always looking for a cheap one-off laser cut service but it's just too expensive...any recommendations?

[mrlinux2u]

@sav25

Yep, sold already , I'm taking pre-orders for the production run,,,

As for laser cutting services, I have a supplier down south who starts at £20 for a single sheet (gets cheaper the more you buy), I'll check with him if it's OK to pass his details on.

Cheers

mrlinux2u

[mrlinux2u]

I've also now got a Pibow case mod that holds the AdaFruit LCD, see pics below.

cheers

mrlinux2u

[mrlinux2u]

I've got another sample on eBay (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/151124477175? ... 1555.l2649) for anyone's who's interested.

It's just been used to double check measurements so it's had very little wear and is in excellent condition.

Cheers

mrlinux2u

[ramstrong]

These are fantastic, and I'd love to have one!

I'm trying to make one with wood, but I think 3D printed would be the way to go. PiBow version would be nice. I suggest that you use tall switches plugged with button caps, so that you don't have to do cut outs just to access the buttons. I think Adafruit sells some, although I got mine from Radio Shack.