Custom Raspberry Pi 500, Rasp Pi 400 inspired-CODE NAME: GIZMO

[JKnightandKARR]

In this image, the Gizmo and JKnight logos are going to be RGB LED, the keyboard will just drop into the top and will be held in place by 6 screws on the sides, and by ledges in the inside. 

What keyboard will you be using?

The one I have, shown above, is by Redragon and is the Devarajas mechanical gaming keyboard.

[JKnightandKARR]

I outta see if a MicroSD card extender is available to make access easy.

There are microSD breakout boards, such as this one from Adafruit, or this one from SparkFun. Admittedly, the SparkFun unit lacks any meaningful way to mount it, though they both provide level shifting. But I have seen these breakout boards used to relocate a microSD card to the back of an enclosure before.

I wouldn't even know how to use those since the Pi already has a built in card slot on the back. Maybe theres extension cables of some kind?

[JKnightandKARR]

https://jknightandkarr.altervista.org/Computers/G3.png
Well, the 2D plan of sorts is done, so I can lay out all the lines onto an old full-size cookie sheet from work. then just gotta cut out and bend. Probably have to learn brazing to hold it all together. 

[zappman]

...... On the back I've got access to all the normal ports, minus the PCIe, Cam/Disp 0/1 ports, which can be expanded later if I want to use them, I outta see if a MicroSD card extender is available to make access easy. ....

Here is one option that might work:
Adafruit
Round Panel Mount Micro SD Card Extender
Product ID: 6070
$9.50
https://www.adafruit.com/product/6070


Description

If you need to add a panel-mount connection that extends a micro SD card, this Round Panel Mount MicroSD Adapter Plug is the easiest and fastest way to panel-ify your project. The adapter is about 30mm in diameter, so you can drill a hole in your wood, plastic or metal with a common hole-saw or bit, no special shapes or filing required. Un-screw the plastic nut, insert the plug and re-attach. Ta-da! Now you have a microSD extension cable!

It's designed to easily attach to a panel up to 16mm thick (or 0.625"), or as thin as a few mm. Perfect for adding extra storage to your project enclosure! We like this plug in particular for its solid body and 'forgiving' plastic lip that hides the drill hole.

Please note: We did test this with a microSD card reader and it works very well but many devices use the mechanical removal of the card to detect when the media has changed. Since this extender end stays plugged in, there's no way for the host to know you swapped cards. What that means is that if you have an operating system where you cannot 'force' the rescanning of the SD card, it will not realize that its changed. This may be OK, especially if you're using it for, say, a boot SD for Raspberry Pi that you would shut down between swaps, or a 3D printer where you can tell it to reload or reboot.

[Chris Savage]

I wouldn't even know how to use those since the Pi already has a built in card slot on the back. Maybe theres extension cables of some kind?

The way I've seen it done is that the breakout board is mounted in the desired location, and wires from that board go back to solder pads where the original socket was. I know, it's a bit ambitious, but people do it.

[Chris Savage]

Here is one option that might work: Adafruit Round Panel Mount Micro SD Card Extender

Not sure how I missed that while on their site. 

If the CD line is used, that's where the breakout board has the only advantage.

[JKnightandKARR]

...... On the back I've got access to all the normal ports, minus the PCIe, Cam/Disp 0/1 ports, which can be expanded later if I want to use them, I outta see if a MicroSD card extender is available to make access easy. ....

Here is one option that might work:
Adafruit
Round Panel Mount Micro SD Card Extender
Product ID: 6070
$9.50
https://www.adafruit.com/product/6070


Description

If you need to add a panel-mount connection that extends a micro SD card, this Round Panel Mount MicroSD Adapter Plug is the easiest and fastest way to panel-ify your project. The adapter is about 30mm in diameter, so you can drill a hole in your wood, plastic or metal with a common hole-saw or bit, no special shapes or filing required. Un-screw the plastic nut, insert the plug and re-attach. Ta-da! Now you have a microSD extension cable!

It's designed to easily attach to a panel up to 16mm thick (or 0.625"), or as thin as a few mm. Perfect for adding extra storage to your project enclosure! We like this plug in particular for its solid body and 'forgiving' plastic lip that hides the drill hole.

Please note: We did test this with a microSD card reader and it works very well but many devices use the mechanical removal of the card to detect when the media has changed. Since this extender end stays plugged in, there's no way for the host to know you swapped cards. What that means is that if you have an operating system where you cannot 'force' the rescanning of the SD card, it will not realize that its changed. This may be OK, especially if you're using it for, say, a boot SD for Raspberry Pi that you would shut down between swaps, or a 3D printer where you can tell it to reload or reboot.

Thanks!

[JKnightandKARR]

I wouldn't even know how to use those since the Pi already has a built in card slot on the back. Maybe theres extension cables of some kind?

The way I've seen it done is that the breakout board is mounted in the desired location, and wires from that board go back to solder pads where the original socket was. I know, it's a bit ambitious, but people do it.

After my New 3DS XL issue... changed case n didn't work after, think I'll pass on that thanks. Lol

[JKnightandKARR]

First views of what my Gizmo is goinh to look like. Looks pretty good.

[granz]

Nice, Joe.

[JKnightandKARR]

Nice, Joe.

It don't fit perfectly, but there's always an adjustment possible. The very top, where the lighting n GPIO is, might need it.

[JKnightandKARR]

Well....... cutting a piece of aluminum with tin snips is far from easy... or working out as expected.... all else fails, will try 3d printing a case...

3 pcs plastic vs trimming, bending, making holes, and brazing jobs...

[granz]

Do you, at least, have a sheet metal break? Missing that would make things much more difficult. I have seen people make their own jury-rigged break, but that would be a bit difficult too.

[JKnightandKARR]

Created a 3-part model for the case, I've got keyboard supports built in, and all parts are 3mm thick, not inc the 6mm thick supports.  I just have to lay out all the holes for cables, ports, and the upper text, which I have to try and figure out how todo.

[JKnightandKARR]

Do you, at least, have a sheet metal break? Missing that would make things much more difficult. I have seen people make their own jury-rigged break, but that would be a bit difficult too.

Sadly, no.... I do have an old bed frame that I can cut up to make a makeshift one.