So after reading this thread for awhile, and the STC-1000+ thread, the inspiration has finally spilled over and I jumped in. These micro controllers and raspberry Pi's are too damn cool not to play with. So I wanted to build a controller that was compact and clean, as my current old STC-1000 build is a bit slapdash. I am putting everything into a radio shack small black project box, using 1/4 inch stereo audio jacks on the box for my thermocouples, panel mount flush plugs for switches and a reverse PC power inverter style, fused switched male power input. The outer looks of the box I want to look alot like the "black box" build that is super clean. You guys have inspired me so I want to photo log my build to hopefully inspire others.
I have alot of spare parts around so a complete part list would be hard produce but at the end I'll try to put it up. This would not be the "dirt cheap" goal as mentioned frequently by fuzzy, but only because of a few extra connectors, and it may only add up to 30 or so bucks over the cost of the base components. I had plenty of SD cards and NOOBS was super easy (cut and paste on a formated drive!) I had monitors, keyboard, usb, and wifi dongle (although pretty big). I also had plenty of spare connectors, wires, solder, and very importantly plastic spacers (as you will see), from a past life.
I have seen some builds with the RPI outside of the relay/arduino components, but I wanted all components, and the USB connectors for them to all be contained in the box. The outside switch for my main power is an "emergency switch" to shut it all off if I need to, but I don't want to have components visible.
This is my first installment, most of the "guts" getting placed and connected:
First I installed the terminal block and the relays on the metal plate. You need to line up your components with their screw holes and pilot drill to get it lined up properly. I used different length plastic spacers to pull each board off the metal plate to avoid any shorts and to stagger each item, elevating them and making more space to make everything more compact
here are the panel, female side of the 1/4 audio jacks
here is the terminal block under the arduino, it is just narrow enough to avoid all the screw holes from the arduino too
Here is the arduino elevated over the terminal block
Another view
Next I added the RPI on the board, it is the tallest item so it has the longest spacers to rise it above the rest.
Another view
Next I used an old blackberry charger, broke all the plastic off and soldered some leads to the board, to provide power via micro usb to the Pi. I had to drill a small hole in the board, avoiding any electric contacts and shorts of course, to mount it the the back plate. Note I shortened the usb charger cable which was way too long.
Almost everything above
Big ass network adapter
USB on Pi going to Arduino
And finally a temporary dry run to make sure that my connections didn't get disloged:
and my Iphone screen shot immediately after!!!
I have not hooked up the temp sensors of course. Also you must install your raspbian and brewPI software on the devise before all of this! I am waiting on my other connectors to put it into the box and cross my fingers that it all fits. I will have to get a right angle micro USB connector of course, as the crackberry one is too long and won't fit in the box as it sits.
I am going to post up some additional pictures when it is all in the box, and try to get a parts list going. Just glad that it is all working so far.
Cheers all,