Modified 2022-02-19
I saw the Penkesu tooted about recently, and I really like the idea. I've been tempted by tiny computers for a long time now, but I've not found one that was available, performant enough, etc. to really put the effort into getting. Plus I've also wanted to try making my own keyboard for a while, which is a key (ha!) part of this build. So, I've ordered some PCBs and I'm gathering resources here as I work towards building this tiny computer.
It's based on a Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W, but I suspect it could use almost any small enough Single Board Computer, although I suspect a 4 wouldn't last long on battery power!
Marvel at this glamour shot from the originator's (penk) github!
A friend is letting me "babysit" their 3d printer, otherwise getting this case made would be a right pain.
Bill of materials
Plus some other bits mentioned in the build guide...
Note: These are all sourced from the UK by preference, as that's where I am.
Display
- Waveshare 7.9inch Capacitive Touch Screen £68 🛖
- Right Angle adapter HDMI £5.70 🛖
- Mini HDMI adapter £5.70 🛖
- 20cm Ribbon Cable £1.70 - Out of stock 🛖
Case
- Gameboy Advance SP Hinges £3.67 🏪
- M2 Inserts £4.50 🏪
- M2 bolts £2.52 🏪
Electronics
- Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W £13.50 - Out of stock 🛖
- Some power manager
- Adafruit PowerBoost 1000C £17.40 🛖 (suggested)
- LipoPiZero+ Low-Profile Mobile Power pHAT £24 🛖 (has Real Time Clock and voltage monitor and can initiate soft shutdown)
- Battery
- 2000mAh Li-Po battery £13.50 🏴☠️
- 4500mAh 606090 £18 A
- Lithium LED Safety Vest (BigClive Video) £6 for 3×2000mAh (plus some other stuff)
- MicroSD Card
- Micro USB plug thing £2.44 🏪
- A toggle switch of some sort if using the PowerBoost, a button if using the LipoPiZero+
- Probably a micro USB -> USB Hub thing if you also want touch screen to work?
Keyboard
- PCB £2.50
- 1N4148 Diode x 48 £2 ⌨️
- Arduino Pro Micro £7.50 ⌨️
- You might also want to socket the controller e.g. this £2.50 micro socket ⌨️
- Kailh Low Profile Choc v1 Switches x 48 £30 ⌨️
- Key Caps (can't find those specified)
- Work Louder Choc Low Profile Keycaps x 48 £75 ⌨️
- Work Louder Choc Low Profile with legend £70 ⌨️ (I went with these)
TOTAL?
at least £290
Sources
- 🛖 PiHut
- 🏪 eBay
- 🏴☠️ Pimoroni
- ⌨️ mechboards
- A Amazon