Custom Raspberry Pi 500, Rasp Pi 400 inspired.

[JKnightandKARR]

I want to make a custom ver of the Raspberry Pi 400, Raspberry Pi 500 unless I find a better name, only replacing the Raspberry Pi 4, 4Gb with a Raspberry 5, 8Gb, which I got the w/active cooling option.

I found an RGB keyboard, it's by RedDragon and it's the K556 RGB, I have a wired Steel Series mouse. I am going to put the Pi 5 into the middle of the case, and use 3 USB Ext cables and one Ethernet Ext cable, and a GPIO extender, most likely won't ever use that, but never know. I have an old aluminum full cookie sheet from work I am going to make the case out of, hopefully by cutting it out in 1 pc and just bending it. Also will add at least 2 sets of GPIO ports, 1 in case of a hat use and another if I need access to pins while using a hat.  I found a way to expand the GPIO port, GPIO Expander

 



  Right now, been figuring out the best material to make the base under the keyboard with.  Thought 3d printer, but would have to make in like 3 parts n glue together, also thinking of like sheets of thin balsa wood or other thin wood.  Then I need to make a quick PCB for the GPIOs, 2 ports, so can use hat in one, and still have unused pins accessed on other port.

I got a Red Dragon Devarajas keyboard https://redragonshop.com/products/devarajas-k556 from Micro Center for like $20, how good can it be right??...... downloaded software onto my desktop, and plugged it in to check the lighting options....... BIG MISTAKE!!!!! As NOW my Raspberry Pi 5 needs a new keyboard, cause I will be having WAY too much fun playing with the lighting, which includes effects like pushing a key and colored ripples go out to the edges of the keyboard! lol So going to look for options that will give me control of the RGB lighting from the keyboard or from Linux. lol

Edit: I just figured out that it HAS BOTH software and keyboard control of the LEDS! So going to get a 2nd one for it!

Well 2nd keyboard in hand, however, i am having issues taking it appart to move the cable, it it could, so will have to make keyboard slide into the case and have a small top at the very top, so a cable isn't sticking out just to go back inside. Will also use the 6 side holes for its screws to secure keyboard to the case, just need to get longer screws.

[JKnightandKARR]

  Small update,  After looking at a video on the keyboard, there are 3 screws on each side, as well as several on top, which is why I couldn't remove the case, so I need to remove all the keys, and then I can disassemble it to relocate the cord, and fill that hole.  I can make the new case addition out of something and screw it to the bottoms before putting the top back on, so that helps alot.  Still thinking on what to make the case with...

[JKnightandKARR]

I now have some metal to make a case with, so starting soon!

[Chris Savage]

How's this project coming along? I need to get the photos up for my R-Pi 5 Computer System. I also found the code for the Pass Counter Demo, so I should be able to get that going. But, thought I would see where your project was at. 

I know...being a newlywed, you've probably got other things on your mind right now. 

[JKnightandKARR]

I got metal for it, nothing else beem busy with wedding stuff abd right now my desk project.

[Chris Savage]

I got metal for it, nothing else beem busy with wedding stuff abd right now my desk project.

I understand.

[JKnightandKARR]

Well, here is Ver 1 of the case.  So far all I've done is map out the case and raise up the keyboard 30mm to make plenty of room for inside airflow, which I need to figure out a plan for that...  Probably going to make the case longer to add stuff behind the very top row of keys for an RGB JKnight logo, GPIO ports, not sure what else.

[JKnightandKARR]

I got some poater board and foamboard to try and mock up the case for this.

[Chris Savage]

I got some poater board and foamboard to try and mock up the case for this.

Have you seen this Raspberry Pi 500 review?

[JKnightandKARR]

No I had not even looked at anything Raspberry Pi since i got the 5. Interesting. Makes me want to rethink my design n add a built in monitor.