I recently discovered something called a Raspberry Pi, a $35 credit card sized computer. Managed to get a hold of a few before they sold out again. Then I thought, ok I have some now what can I build with them. Well the idea came while at work and I'd passed some Pelican cases, idea! I'll build my own ruggedized computer.
So I built a proof of concept, just to see if I could do it. I loaded it up a few PDF manuals. Gave it a GPS and WiFi (maybe a 3G connection later) It runs off a 8,000 mAh battery and can use it for about a full day and change.
There are alot of things I'm going to change now.
- Wiring is a mess in this version
- Replace the 4.3" screen with a 7" that is powered off USB instead of a 12V battery pack.
- Replace the battery with a custom 16,000 mAh (minimum, might go higher)
Raspberry Pi: Raspberry Pi - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The board itself draws: 3.5 Watts
Powered USB Hub (4 ports): ~ 4 Watts
USB Battery Pack 8,000 mAh wired to accept DC12V for recharging from my solar batteries, and a portable solar charger.
The screen right now is a 4.3" car monitor so I had to find a DC12V battery pack (3,500 mAh). Sadly adding the 7" screen is going to prove more complicated to add cause I need to use a custom kernel for it to work on the Raspberry Pi.
Also since it's in a Pelican case it can take one hell of a beating.
Here is a picture of what it looks like now. Haven't decided once I finish this thing if I should sell them. What do you guys think?
So I built a proof of concept, just to see if I could do it. I loaded it up a few PDF manuals. Gave it a GPS and WiFi (maybe a 3G connection later) It runs off a 8,000 mAh battery and can use it for about a full day and change.
There are alot of things I'm going to change now.
- Wiring is a mess in this version
- Replace the 4.3" screen with a 7" that is powered off USB instead of a 12V battery pack.
- Replace the battery with a custom 16,000 mAh (minimum, might go higher)
Raspberry Pi: Raspberry Pi - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The board itself draws: 3.5 Watts
Powered USB Hub (4 ports): ~ 4 Watts
USB Battery Pack 8,000 mAh wired to accept DC12V for recharging from my solar batteries, and a portable solar charger.
The screen right now is a 4.3" car monitor so I had to find a DC12V battery pack (3,500 mAh). Sadly adding the 7" screen is going to prove more complicated to add cause I need to use a custom kernel for it to work on the Raspberry Pi.
Also since it's in a Pelican case it can take one hell of a beating.
Here is a picture of what it looks like now. Haven't decided once I finish this thing if I should sell them. What do you guys think?
