Compact, Portable Pocket-Sized Pi Terminal Impressively Neat
In the realm of DIY technology, creators are constantly pushing the boundaries of what's possible with the Raspberry Pi Zero 2W. One such example comes from Random Alley Cat, who has crafted a sleek handheld Pi terminal that's turning heads in the maker community.
This compact device boasts a Raspberry Pi Zero 2W, a Pimoroni Hyperpixel touchscreen, and an Xbox 360 chatpad keyboard. The power supply comes from an off-the-shelf Pi UPS board and battery, ensuring a steady power source. The handheld terminal also features ventilation holes, a professional 3D-printed case, and access ports on its underside for easy access to the Pi ports.
The design is praised for its tidy internal layout and cable management, thanks to the two-part case: a chassis to securely hold all components and a surrounding shell. The professional finish, practical port access, and ventilation have made this device a standout in the handheld terminal scene.
However, the Linux keyboard experience via the Xbox 360 accessory isn't perfect, according to the creator. Despite this minor issue, the overall design is highly regarded for its usability and aesthetics.
Random Alley Cat has also developed a tiny AllStar node handheld device using the Raspberry Pi Zero 2W. This compact, battery-powered portable node for communications can run overnight on battery power. The setup, which includes the AllScan UCI90 USB communications interface and a K-1 speaker-mic, emphasises portability and audio transmission performance.
Another intriguing project is an upgraded "Ultimate Brick Game" console. By repurposing the shell of a cheap handheld gaming device, this device transforms into a powerful, retro gaming handheld PC. It's equipped with a Raspberry Pi Zero 2W, a TFT screen, and Bluetooth support for external controllers, running RetroPie to emulate games up to the Nintendo 64 era.
These innovative projects showcase the potential of the Pi Zero 2W's small form factor and flexible connectivity in creating practical, professional-looking handheld terminals and devices. Whether you're a fan of retro gaming or portable computing, these DIY projects offer a wealth of inspiration for your next maker project.
[1] Random Alley Cat's handheld Pi terminal: Raspberry Pi Zero 2W + Pimoroni Hyperpixel screen + Xbox 360 chatpad keyboard + 3D-printed case with smart internal chassis and power UPS. [2] Random Alley Cat's AllScan UCI90 tiny AllStar node: Portable comms node using Pi Zero 2W + UCI90 interface + K-1 speaker mic + battery bank. [3] RetroPie handheld console upgrade: Modded no-name gaming handheld case with Pi Zero 2W + TFT screen + Bluetooth controller support to create a portable retro gaming system.
- Random Alley Cat's handheld Pi terminal, comprising a Raspberry Pi Zero 2W, a Pimoroni Hyperpixel screen, an Xbox 360 chatpad keyboard, and a 3D-printed case with a smart internal chassis and power UPS, demonstrates the versatility of the Raspberry Pi Zero 2W in creating smart-home devices and gadgets using technology like Linux.
- Random Alley Cat's AllStar node, a compact, battery-powered portable device utilizing the Raspberry Pi Zero 2W, the AllScan UCI90 USB communications interface, and a K-1 speaker mic, exemplifies the adaptability of such gadgets for diverse applications, such as communications, within the realm of DIY technology.
