Raspberry Pi case with Hyperpixel 4

prusaprinters

<h3>Why I needed this</h3><p>A while ago, I decided to add Octoprint with a Hyperpixel 4 display to my i3 printer. At first, I used one of the covers/cases that replace the LCD cover, but something didn't seem right. Not only did I have to solder on a power cable, the USB cable was messy, and the fact that the Hyperpixel's capacitive touchscreen had a protruding frame made gestures like swiping more difficult. Add to that the fact that the Hyperpixel displays have a bit of variation in their dimensions because of the way they are assembled, that the fragile Hyperpixel edges also need to support the Raspberry Pi and that I damaged my first Hyperpixel because of that, and you'll understand why I was never really happy with it.</p><p>So, in order to overcome these issues, I had to try something else, and put the display somewhere else. And it worked out, somehow. It's not perfect, but it's a start.&nbsp;</p><p>The camera is placed in a fixed position on the case itself. This is my personal choice, I don't need to make perfect timelapses, I really only need to have an overview of the print so I can see if everything is still OK. &nbsp;The placement of the case should make it easy to mount a camera on the X axis carriage though, without much cabling issues.</p><h3>Remix attribution</h3><p>The camera case isn't entirely new, but adapted from <a href="https://www.prusaprinters.org/prints/18211-raspberry-pi-camera-v21-case">https://www.prusaprinters.org/prints/18211-raspberry-pi-camera-v21-case</a> . The Einsy door is of course derived from the door in <a href="https://www.prusaprinters.org/prints/57217-original-prusa-i3-mk3s-printable-parts/files#preview">https://www.prusaprinters.org/prints/57217-original-prusa-i3-mk3s-printable-parts</a> .</p><h3>Printing instructions</h3><p>I tried to stay as close to the original printer, so I printed the black parts (case, cover, camera mount and case hinge) in black PETG, and the rest (display body, display back cover, display hinge, camera link, camera body and camera cover) in orange PETG. Layer height 0.2 mm. No support is necessary except for the camera link, and I prefer to put a bit of support under the camera case edge.</p><h3>Assembly instructions</h3><h4>OctoPrint</h4><p>Make sure you have Octoprint working by downloading and installing the OctoPi image, installing the Hyperpixel driver, rotating the display and touch correctly, and installing OctoDash. Check if everything works OK. It is also highly recommended to use a microSD card large enough (I'm using 128GB) to be able to split the root partition, create a large /home partition and use raspi-config to make the root and boot partitions read-only with the Overlay File System. [Note to self: write a HOWTO!]</p><h4>Display case</h4><p>We'll start with the display case. You'll need your Hyperpixel, the display case parts and the hinge. Furthermore, 6 nuts size M3n, four screws M3x12, two screws M3x8, and four screws M2.5x6 with M2.5 washers. Also needed: a 15-20cm GPIO male-female extension cable (not shown in the picture). Keep the protective plastic on your display!</p><figure class="image image_resized" style="width:50%;"><img src="https://media.prusaprinters.org/media/prints/67887/rich_content/0e0e2328-1d1f-447d-b410-e53a60514589/img_0610.jpeg#%7B%22uuid%22%3A%227c5676cd-49c9-45c3-8dd7-4188295b71a4%22%2C%22w%22%3A3024%2C%22h%22%3A4032%7D"></figure><p>First put all nuts in their place, using the infamous screw pulling technique:</p><figure class="image image_resized" style="width:50%;"><img src="https://media.prusaprinters.org/media/prints/67887/rich_content/e0275334-0cb1-4431-9677-4ee71be33bbc/img_0611.jpeg#%7B%22uuid%22%3A%22442915c7-c2e5-4fc6-aac7-ceade40de053%22%2C%22w%22%3A4032%2C%22h%22%3A3024%7D"></figure><p>Then, inspect your Hyperpixel. The PCB is usually a bit too big for the display, which sometimes becomes an issue fitting it in the case (any case, I must add, because this was why my forst one broke). Most of the time, you can make it fit removing a bit of PCB on the cable side, like I did here. Be careful not to damage the display and touch flex cables.</p><figure class="image image_resized" style="width:50%;"><img src="https://media.prusaprinters.org/media/prints/67887/rich_content/2bc5bcae-d3a0-451a-b995-ec286e9e483d/img_0599.jpeg#%7B%22uuid%22%3A%22ab992b25-f9d3-445d-bfa8-bef5311cb6de%22%2C%22w%22%3A3024%2C%22h%22%3A4032%7D"></figure><p>Then, slide the display in the case, flex cables first. This way you make sure the flex cables don't get stuck between the display and case, avoiding possible damage.&nbsp;</p><figure class="image image_resized" style="width:50%;"><img src="https://media.prusaprinters.org/media/prints/67887/rich_content/3560fc53-dfcb-4181-ad59-a6b8a53421c3/img_0612.jpeg#%7B%22uuid%22%3A%22d3ee571f-bc19-48e0-a40b-002ff9ddea05%22%2C%22w%22%3A4032%2C%22h%22%3A3024%7D"></figure><p>If the PCB doesn't play along nicely, use your nail or a plastic spudger to gently press the PCB in. Do press on the PCB, never on the display itself. It should slide in.</p><figure class="image image_resized" style="width:50%;"><img src="https://media.prusaprinters.org/media/prints/67887/rich_content/605dcd1d-79fa-436f-94c3-3a2d3eccc49f/img_0600.jpeg#%7B%22uuid%22%3A%221d99ff24-b044-48e3-968f-e367d96b2293%22%2C%22w%22%3A4032%2C%22h%22%3A3024%7D"></figure><p>Then flip the case and fix it with the M2.5x6 screws with washers. The holes in the case are intentionally bigger, because the screen is never attached to the PCB in exactly the same position. Use a soft cloth if you did remove the protective film from the display.</p><figure class="image image_resized" style="width:50%;"><img src="https://media.prusaprinters.org/media/prints/67887/rich_content/2ab4b8f4-ee14-443b-92e9-9f29573ca82e/img_0614.jpeg#%7B%22uuid%22%3A%22b7eff3b1-3f3f-41a2-bbca-ff6207ea10fc%22%2C%22w%22%3A4032%2C%22h%22%3A3024%7D"></figure><p>Next, attach the hinge like this. Use the M3x8 screws:</p><figure class="image image_resized" style="width:50%;"><img src="https://media.prusaprinters.org/media/prints/67887/rich_content/7570139a-4e18-41b1-9629-833713f94b47/img_0615.jpeg#%7B%22uuid%22%3A%22004ca9ea-63c3-4bcb-b536-81d23e38bb23%22%2C%22w%22%3A4032%2C%22h%22%3A3024%7D"></figure><p>Now it's time for the GPIO cable. First, I must say that this part is still under construction, as there simply are no nice low profile male 40 pin IDC connectors, and no working gender changers. I need to work on that, for instance create a small PCB with a 40 pin male PCB connector and a 40 pin 90º male PCB connector, and use a female-female IDC cable. But for now I cut down the male connector, removed its walls and all other large parts. This kind of breaks the connector and exposes the contacts, but they will be protected by the case back later on.</p><p>Before connecting the IDC cable to the display, split it into two like this. If you use a rainbow cable, it will be easier later on to see how it should be connected:</p><figure class="image image_resized" style="width:50%;"><img src="https://media.prusaprinters.org/media/prints/67887/rich_content/2a99ee38-031a-4e8c-974b-e0038272b8b8/img_0616.jpeg#%7B%22uuid%22%3A%22be127107-3af6-4dfe-b96f-9730d7c54f0c%22%2C%22w%22%3A3024%2C%22h%22%3A4032%7D"></figure><p>Then, connect it to the display and attach the cover with the remaining screws.</p><figure class="image image_resized" style="width:50%;"><img src="https://media.prusaprinters.org/media/prints/67887/rich_content/705120d9-5795-4510-aa71-c5a883074755/img_0617.jpeg#%7B%22uuid%22%3A%2259a574d3-f125-4387-a38b-7b3fa24f472c%22%2C%22w%22%3A4032%2C%22h%22%3A3024%7D"></figure><p>Set aside the display assembly for now.</p><h4>Camera</h4><p>Push the camera in the camera cover and then push the camera body on top of it. Attach the link with a M3n nut and a M3x10 screw. Don't forget to remove the protective film from the lens afterwards.</p><p>If you received a plastic shell with the camera, cling on to it! It can be used to focus the camera.</p><figure class="image image_resized" style="width:50%;"><img src="https://media.prusaprinters.org/media/prints/67887/rich_content/a3951fd3-5b2f-4590-8b4b-064d9fd33745/img_0606.jpeg#%7B%22uuid%22%3A%2220244d98-a7e6-40ed-86a8-d545abb865e5%22%2C%22w%22%3A4032%2C%22h%22%3A3024%7D"></figure><p>Then, set the camera assembly aside as well.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><figure class="image image_resized" style="width:50%;"><img src="https://media.prusaprinters.org/media/prints/67887/rich_content/c903752d-22a0-42c3-8db3-fc46fcd764cc/img_0609.jpeg#%7B%22uuid%22%3A%2206c72102-15b6-48a3-8b30-5f6d7e99d9b0%22%2C%22w%22%3A4032%2C%22h%22%3A3024%7D"></figure><h4>Raspberry Pi Case</h4><p>This is the biggest part. You'll need the following parts:</p><ul><li>Case</li><li>The other half of the hinge (not in the picture)</li><li>Raspberry Pi 4B</li><li>24v-5v DC-DC converter with USB connector</li><li>power cable</li><li>The shortest USB A-USB C cable you can find</li><li>4x M2.5n nut</li><li>4x M2.5x12 screw</li><li>4x M3nS square nuts</li><li>2x M3n nuts</li><li>2x M3x10 screw</li><li>1x M3nN nylon nut</li><li>Optionally: a 5v Noctua fan</li></ul><p>&nbsp;</p><figure class="image image_resized" style="width:50%;"><img src="https://media.prusaprinters.org/media/prints/67887/rich_content/9dd1efc8-2142-4945-84ba-c9b1f1518785/img_0652.jpeg#%7B%22uuid%22%3A%227af45b78-5d40-4b4f-a1bc-4afca0bf1b40%22%2C%22w%22%3A3024%2C%22h%22%3A4032%7D"></figure><p>First, put the four M2.5n nuts in the back of the case. This is the moment to really use the screw pulling technique to pull them into their sockets. If you don't do that, you might damage your Pi.</p><figure class="image image_resized" style="width:50%;"><img src="https://media.prusaprinters.org/media/prints/67887/rich_content/e1be31a4-41d0-4ada-b1b9-07f16c2d5d4f/img_0654.jpeg#%7B%22uuid%22%3A%226201ca62-f1e6-445d-81ee-cca664ddb1d4%22%2C%22w%22%3A4032%2C%22h%22%3A3024%7D"></figure><p>Then, put in the two M3n nuts in the corner next to the slot in the top of the case. Do some screw pulling now as well.</p><figure class="image image_resized" style="width:50%;"><img src="https://media.prusaprinters.org/media/prints/67887/rich_content/281f693c-2470-459c-af23-a646598636c8/img_0655.jpeg#%7B%22uuid%22%3A%22647cdec6-480a-4cbd-88de-12873c3fca5b%22%2C%22w%22%3A4032%2C%22h%22%3A3024%7D"></figure><p>Put the four M3nS square nuts in their places.&nbsp;</p><figure class="image image_resized" style="width:50%;"><img src="https://media.prusaprinters.org/media/prints/67887/rich_content/b9f10b03-9b76-4e24-a34e-a537c98cde54/img_0656.jpeg#%7B%22uuid%22%3A%22243a67ee-c2f5-4d61-ab42-0f4ec9d36419%22%2C%22w%22%3A4032%2C%22h%22%3A3024%7D"></figure><p>Finally, put the M3nN nylon nut in the middle.</p><figure class="image image_resized" style="width:50%;"><img src="https://media.prusaprinters.org/media/prints/67887/rich_content/955e6b38-f385-446c-b4ec-54a02fb512e4/img_0666.jpeg#%7B%22uuid%22%3A%22c3b2ee63-1470-471d-a355-05142ddfb310%22%2C%22w%22%3A3024%2C%22h%22%3A4032%7D"></figure><p>Locate the hole in the corner and push the power cable through the hole. Make sure you have enough slack to work with.</p><figure class="image image-style-align-center image_resized" style="width:50%;"><img src="https://media.prusaprinters.org/media/prints/67887/rich_content/a83e2ea9-cc71-4fef-9e93-56575d3c45be/img_0658.jpeg#%7B%22uuid%22%3A%22026d2e63-61b4-4c66-b799-6848b5060bfc%22%2C%22w%22%3A4032%2C%22h%22%3A3024%7D"></figure><figure class="image image-style-align-center image_resized" style="width:50%;"><img src="https://media.prusaprinters.org/media/prints/67887/rich_content/211c130a-d923-4fcf-86e4-85b628e72f3a/img_0657.jpeg#%7B%22uuid%22%3A%2252933468-5ef8-4bcf-952a-cddb03fd294a%22%2C%22w%22%3A4032%2C%22h%22%3A3024%7D"></figure><p>Make sure the prepared microSD card is in the Pi, as this version of the box doesn't have a slot to insert it later on.&nbsp;</p><p>Attach the USB A-USB C cable to the Pi and use the M2.5x12 screws to secure it to the case.</p><figure class="image image-style-align-center image_resized" style="width:50%;"><img src="https://media.prusaprinters.org/media/prints/67887/rich_content/d6a95fbd-5397-4a9c-9ca1-169c4def1b70/img_0659.jpeg#%7B%22uuid%22%3A%22e1ab8d20-84c1-4df3-b5a4-e4c0eef31d9f%22%2C%22w%22%3A4032%2C%22h%22%3A3024%7D"></figure><figure class="image image-style-align-center image_resized" style="width:50%;"><img src="https://media.prusaprinters.org/media/prints/67887/rich_content/8f4f60cb-3501-4783-94e1-e8c58e804d99/img_0660.jpeg#%7B%22uuid%22%3A%2228873436-11c9-4e8b-9b38-36aa5f889098%22%2C%22w%22%3A4032%2C%22h%22%3A3024%7D"></figure><p>Next, examine the DC-DC converter. Attach the power cable and optionally a cable to connect the Noctua fan.</p><figure class="image image_resized" style="width:50%;"><img src="https://media.prusaprinters.org/media/prints/67887/rich_content/372138a0-eae6-46fd-b013-a823c07cfd0b/img_0662.jpeg#%7B%22uuid%22%3A%22b4fa9fab-a59b-43c3-8929-b0be0c91d623%22%2C%22w%22%3A4032%2C%22h%22%3A3024%7D"></figure><figure class="image image_resized" style="width:50%;"><img src="https://media.prusaprinters.org/media/prints/67887/rich_content/ff552b00-d956-4a22-b1d7-ab85644b889a/img_0663.jpeg#%7B%22uuid%22%3A%220d0f64ab-324a-4336-a343-88bcda6b9879%22%2C%22w%22%3A4032%2C%22h%22%3A3024%7D"></figure><figure class="image image_resized" style="width:50%;"><img src="https://media.prusaprinters.org/media/prints/67887/rich_content/deb39479-579a-40d0-9737-c49d3ecfb4bb/img_0664.jpeg#%7B%22uuid%22%3A%22c333821d-bc5d-408b-9b49-7b577ffc435b%22%2C%22w%22%3A4032%2C%22h%22%3A3024%7D"></figure><p>I'll continue with the optional fan. Put the DC-DC converter in the side slot.</p><figure class="image image_resized" style="width:50%;"><img src="https://media.prusaprinters.org/media/prints/67887/rich_content/d2acf922-37c4-45da-b686-642e5871d2cb/img_0665.jpeg#%7B%22uuid%22%3A%223cd2b0ff-f9ff-4dee-8b3c-2cd1aae5ff1f%22%2C%22w%22%3A4032%2C%22h%22%3A3024%7D"></figure><p>Finally, fix the hinge on the top of the case with the 2 M3x10 screws.</p><figure class="image image_resized" style="width:50%;"><img src="https://media.prusaprinters.org/media/prints/67887/rich_content/2db3fe67-5272-413b-bee2-8cb00590c922/img_0667.jpeg#%7B%22uuid%22%3A%225bec1b9e-dd9b-49de-9f78-e3bf6d4ec4d2%22%2C%22w%22%3A3024%2C%22h%22%3A4032%7D"></figure><h4>Putting it all together</h4><p>Now you'll need the assembled case, the camera assembly, the display assembly, the camera mount, two M3n nuts and three M3x10 screws.</p><figure class="image image_resized" style="width:50%;"><img src="https://media.prusaprinters.org/media/prints/67887/rich_content/064bc07c-0d90-4f0d-a916-b898340a525d/img_0670.jpeg#%7B%22uuid%22%3A%22cc8b5365-5ff4-4a7b-b26c-03416bd1c6cd%22%2C%22w%22%3A3024%2C%22h%22%3A4032%7D"></figure><p>Fold the IDC cable like this. Make sure you have the orientation of the connector correct.</p><figure class="image image_resized" style="width:50%;"><img src="https://media.prusaprinters.org/media/prints/67887/rich_content/9bd9b854-addb-4c07-969a-d1f0ecbcb237/img_0669.jpeg#%7B%22uuid%22%3A%222aaae77e-a464-412f-bf2a-0e51d6dee63d%22%2C%22w%22%3A4032%2C%22h%22%3A3024%7D"></figure><p>Now, put a M3n nut in the hinge on top of the case and attach the display with a M3x10 screw.</p><figure class="image image_resized" style="width:50%;"><img src="https://media.prusaprinters.org/media/prints/67887/rich_content/826d8c0c-eeb3-4218-8887-96d410201596/img_0672.jpeg#%7B%22uuid%22%3A%22c3b281e2-74dc-410c-a5f2-4eb289dbad25%22%2C%22w%22%3A4032%2C%22h%22%3A3024%7D"></figure><figure class="image image_resized" style="width:50%;"><img src="https://media.prusaprinters.org/media/prints/67887/rich_content/e1f00c91-dbdd-4655-8d29-66f58233a102/img_0673.jpeg#%7B%22uuid%22%3A%22d5b4021d-482b-4cce-bab4-b4ea049add0e%22%2C%22w%22%3A4032%2C%22h%22%3A3024%7D"></figure><p>Turn the case around and fix the camera mount with a M3x10 screw. Put the nut hole on the bottom side, like this:</p><figure class="image image_resized" style="width:50%;"><img src="https://media.prusaprinters.org/media/prints/67887/rich_content/aba757f6-98e0-4e24-83db-8f846c398de6/img_0675.jpeg#%7B%22uuid%22%3A%222fe8fb16-3061-4197-93bb-029b5ac209e4%22%2C%22w%22%3A4032%2C%22h%22%3A3024%7D"></figure><p>Then, attach the camera with the remaining M3n nut and M3x10 screw. Put the camera cable in the slot.</p><figure class="image image_resized" style="width:50%;"><img src="https://media.prusaprinters.org/media/prints/67887/rich_content/4b4c54c4-258b-4b80-9c12-2153061147b4/img_0678.jpeg#%7B%22uuid%22%3A%22f8e53e01-78e3-43c4-b1a2-04a2cb79b0b7%22%2C%22w%22%3A4032%2C%22h%22%3A3024%7D"></figure><p>Now, connect the camera cable to the pi:</p><figure class="image image_resized" style="width:50%;"><img src="https://media.prusaprinters.org/media/prints/67887/rich_content/f959ca54-8e28-4344-a866-ac25062efca1/img_0689.jpeg#%7B%22uuid%22%3A%224c311f50-9c57-4625-be6a-5100b0913d0e%22%2C%22w%22%3A4032%2C%22h%22%3A3024%7D"></figure><p>&nbsp;</p><h4>Closing the case</h4><p>Take the case cover, the Noctua fan, the screws for the fan and 4 M3x10 screws.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><figure class="image image_resized" style="width:50%;"><img src="https://media.prusaprinters.org/media/prints/67887/rich_content/11b25618-8aef-425b-bd33-fb938365fac3/img_0691.jpeg#%7B%22uuid%22%3A%222a2d4982-ebb9-47ec-a99a-88956a0b5dbb%22%2C%22w%22%3A4032%2C%22h%22%3A3024%7D"></figure><p>Put the fan on the inside of the cover. Fix it with the fan screws.</p><figure class="image image_resized" style="width:50%;"><img src="https://media.prusaprinters.org/media/prints/67887/rich_content/ad7007fa-d4ec-4c08-95dc-4b5b8181394b/img_0692.jpeg#%7B%22uuid%22%3A%227f5d51a8-66fb-4800-9037-a1e6d274238c%22%2C%22w%22%3A4032%2C%22h%22%3A3024%7D"></figure><p>Then, attach the fan cable to the DC-DC converter, and use the M3x10 screws to close the case.</p><figure class="image image_resized" style="width:50%;"><img src="https://media.prusaprinters.org/media/prints/67887/rich_content/1fc68be7-6603-49d5-b02a-7a6867c74f65/img_0693.jpeg#%7B%22uuid%22%3A%22a28ed812-c4dc-4310-a8b7-6042e71f1270%22%2C%22w%22%3A4032%2C%22h%22%3A3024%7D"></figure><figure class="image image_resized" style="width:50%;"><img src="https://media.prusaprinters.org/media/prints/67887/rich_content/1165ae47-46af-49a2-9375-e183cdce519f/img_0694.jpeg#%7B%22uuid%22%3A%224a001261-88a8-44da-a55a-1ac9b38c5039%22%2C%22w%22%3A4032%2C%22h%22%3A3024%7D"></figure><h4>Mounting it to the printer</h4><p>Attach the case to the printer with the small hook. Then, use the Allen key with the round head that came with your printer, and fix it to the frame with two M3x10 screws. First do the left one as that one is the trickiest to get to, and then do the right one.</p><figure class="image image_resized" style="width:50%;"><img src="https://media.prusaprinters.org/media/prints/67887/rich_content/179797cb-8a01-448c-b88f-00e24f1b9a46/img_0697.jpeg#%7B%22uuid%22%3A%224752f687-a735-4139-bc69-7dba423f5baa%22%2C%22w%22%3A3024%2C%22h%22%3A4032%7D"></figure><figure class="image image_resized" style="width:50%;"><img src="https://media.prusaprinters.org/media/prints/67887/rich_content/fa92188f-fe88-4e66-a52c-f5ba516cb1c5/img_0698.jpeg#%7B%22uuid%22%3A%223999237f-e8cd-4556-826e-e82b6c155bdc%22%2C%22w%22%3A4032%2C%22h%22%3A3024%7D"></figure><p>Not it's time to really finish the job. Use the shortest USB A-USB B cable you can find, and connect the Pi with the Einsy board.</p><p>Open the Einsy door, and remove the top hinge screw. Remove the door. In fact, follow step 24 and 25 here: <a href="https://help.prusa3d.com/en/guide/6-electronics-and-mmu2s-unit-assembly_44728#45712">https://help.prusa3d.com/en/guide/6-electronics-and-mmu2s-unit-assembly_44728#45712</a> . If you already have a MMU2 connected, you might need to remove an additional bit. Or, print a new Einsy door.</p><p>Finally, connect the power cables, using step 26 here: <a href="https://help.prusa3d.com/en/guide/6-electronics-and-mmu2s-unit-assembly_44728#45808">https://help.prusa3d.com/en/guide/6-electronics-and-mmu2s-unit-assembly_44728#45808</a> . If you have a MMU2, attach the cables to positions 3 and 4. Pay attention to the polarity!</p><p>Close the Einsy door, and power on the printer. You're done!</p>