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Development => Hardware => Topic started by: DarkestEx on December 14, 2015, 12:39:18 AM

Title: Keyberry Pi - A small, keyboard sized computer
Post by: DarkestEx on December 14, 2015, 12:39:18 AM
Hello, I am working on a project, where I am building a Raspberry Pi Zero into a USB keyboard which has a USB hub builtin.
This gives me more space and also allows me to plug multiple devices except the keyboard into the Pi.
The Pi Zero will sit inside of the keyboards casing and i will add holes and connectors for HDMI and USB power the cord will be cut and wired to the Pi inside the case.
This way i can plug devices into the integrated hub (such as a mouse or a USB stick, WiFi or another Hub) and have a keyboard at the same time.
22nd december is the estimated arrival date of my Pi Zero (which I got for 15 euros). The special rectangle adapters and the keyboard should arrive on the 16th.

This is the keyboard that I will build it into:
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/8130Z6nDcEL._SL1500_.jpg)

(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/81KX4La28-L._SL1500_.jpg)

I will keep you updated :)
Title: Re: Keyberry Pi - A small, keyboard sized computer
Post by: kegwaan on December 14, 2015, 01:42:44 AM
This seems like a good idea  :D I got my RPi a while ago and was planning on using it as an emulator, but I accidentally ordered an SD card for it instead of a microSD card, and since then I've been too lazy to pick one up.
Title: Re: Keyberry Pi - A small, keyboard sized computer
Post by: alexgt on December 14, 2015, 01:52:49 AM
Awesome idea DarkestEx and the best of luck to you :)
/me unplugs monitor at school and attaches KeyBerry Pi :trollface:
Title: Re: Keyberry Pi - A small, keyboard sized computer
Post by: Yuki on December 14, 2015, 06:20:21 AM
Reminds me of those 80's computers such as the Commodore 64, they were pretty much computers you plug on your TV, most home computers were like this until the IBM PC who changed the game.

Anyway that's a pretty nice project, keep us updated!
Title: Re: Keyberry Pi - A small, keyboard sized computer
Post by: DarkestEx on December 14, 2015, 08:24:17 AM
Thanks :)

Quote from: Juju on December 14, 2015, 06:20:21 AM
Reminds me of those 80's computers such as the Commodore 64, they were pretty much computers you plug on your TV, most home computers were like this until the IBM PC who changed the game.

Anyway that's a pretty nice project, keep us updated!
Yes, that was what I had in mind initially. I will probably put a C64 and ZX Spectrum emulator on it. But I will also use it as a portable Linux machine primarily. It would be cool if I could break the I/O out so that I can control stuff with it.

Should I make a tutorial so that others could clone it?
I would be willing to do so if there is any interest.
Title: Re: Keyberry Pi - A small, keyboard sized computer
Post by: Dream of Omnimaga on December 14, 2015, 09:19:56 AM
Hm it would be cool to see a computer made out of this keyboard. Remember back in the 80's where computers were inside keyboards, like the Commodore 64 and Amiga. Good luck!
Title: Re: Keyberry Pi - A small, keyboard sized computer
Post by: DarkestEx on December 14, 2015, 08:28:26 PM
After some rough estimating, the thick part of the keyboard might be slightly too small in width but I guess nothing that can't be fixed with a dremel by removing some of the inner structure ;)
I am also glad that I ordered angled connectors which should make it possible to fit it without cutting away too much.
Title: Re: Keyberry Pi - A small, keyboard sized computer
Post by: alexgt on December 14, 2015, 09:56:00 PM
Quote from: DarkestEx on December 14, 2015, 08:28:26 PM
After some rough estimating, the thick part of the keyboard might be slightly too small in width but I guess nothing that can't be fixed with a dremel by removing some of the inner structure ;)
I am also glad that I ordered angled connectors which should make it possible to fit it without cutting away too much.
or as Jamie Hyneman would say "when in doubt... C4" :P
Title: Re: Keyberry Pi - A small, keyboard sized computer
Post by: Unicorn on December 15, 2015, 12:18:55 AM
Sounds interesting. I wonder if you could intergrate the rpi into one of those touchpad keyboards.
Title: Re: Keyberry Pi - A small, keyboard sized computer
Post by: DarkestEx on December 15, 2015, 12:27:44 AM
Quote from: Unicorn on December 15, 2015, 12:18:55 AM
Sounds interesting. I wonder if you could intergrate the rpi into one of those touchpad keyboards.
Initially I was about to, but then I decided against that as the keyboard I found which had a touchpad, USB hub and everything else that was required, was just too expensive (30 EUR).

By the way, I updated my animated signature :)
Title: Re: Keyberry Pi - A small, keyboard sized computer
Post by: SiphonicSugar on December 15, 2015, 01:49:12 AM
Quote from: DarkestEx on December 14, 2015, 08:24:17 AM
Thanks :)

Quote from: Juju on December 14, 2015, 06:20:21 AM
Reminds me of those 80's computers such as the Commodore 64, they were pretty much computers you plug on your TV, most home computers were like this until the IBM PC who changed the game.

Anyway that's a pretty nice project, keep us updated!
Yes, that was what I had in mind initially. I will probably put a C64 and ZX Spectrum emulator on it. But I will also use it as a portable Linux machine primarily. It would be cool if I could break the I/O out so that I can control stuff with it.

Should I make a tutorial so that others could clone it?
I would be willing to do so if there is any interest.
Oh PLEASE make a tutorial, I want to build one!  :w00t:
Title: Re: Keyberry Pi - A small, keyboard sized computer
Post by: DarkestEx on December 16, 2015, 01:14:16 AM
Quote from: SiphonicSugar on December 15, 2015, 01:49:12 AM
Quote from: DarkestEx on December 14, 2015, 08:24:17 AM
Thanks :)

Quote from: Juju on December 14, 2015, 06:20:21 AM
Reminds me of those 80's computers such as the Commodore 64, they were pretty much computers you plug on your TV, most home computers were like this until the IBM PC who changed the game.

Anyway that's a pretty nice project, keep us updated!
Yes, that was what I had in mind initially. I will probably put a C64 and ZX Spectrum emulator on it. But I will also use it as a portable Linux machine primarily. It would be cool if I could break the I/O out so that I can control stuff with it.

Should I make a tutorial so that others could clone it?
I would be willing to do so if there is any interest.
Oh PLEASE make a tutorial, I want to build one!  :w00t:
Alright I'll do one as I go through the process of making it :)
Title: Re: Keyberry Pi - A small, keyboard sized computer
Post by: DarkestEx on December 16, 2015, 04:05:02 PM
Update: The keyboard arrived! But then I have bad news too: The empty room is too small by about 2 - 3 mm. I might be able to take down some inner structure and it will probably (barely) fit.
I did buy some adapters too, but I guess that I won't need them anymore as they have no room. But I will look into all this then the Pi arrives sometime next week.
Title: Re: Keyberry Pi - A small, keyboard sized computer
Post by: Dream of Omnimaga on December 16, 2015, 07:16:20 PM
Quote from: SiphonicSugar on December 15, 2015, 01:49:12 AM
Quote from: DarkestEx on December 14, 2015, 08:24:17 AM
Thanks :)

Quote from: Juju on December 14, 2015, 06:20:21 AM
Reminds me of those 80's computers such as the Commodore 64, they were pretty much computers you plug on your TV, most home computers were like this until the IBM PC who changed the game.

Anyway that's a pretty nice project, keep us updated!
Yes, that was what I had in mind initially. I will probably put a C64 and ZX Spectrum emulator on it. But I will also use it as a portable Linux machine primarily. It would be cool if I could break the I/O out so that I can control stuff with it.

Should I make a tutorial so that others could clone it?
I would be willing to do so if there is any interest.
Oh PLEASE make a tutorial, I want to build one!  :w00t:
That would be cool. It would be like those NES clones, but with 8 bits computers instead. :)

If I built one, then I wouldn't need to spend $300 on a NTSC Amiga or Commodorr 64 that works in North America.


Quote from: DarkestEx on December 16, 2015, 04:05:02 PM
Update: The keyboard arrived! But then I have bad news too: The empty room is too small by about 2 - 3 mm. I might be able to take down some inner structure and it will probably (barely) fit.
I did buy some adapters too, but I guess that I won't need them anymore as they have no room. But I will look into all this then the Pi arrives sometime next week.
I hope you can manage to find a solution to the space issues. Good luck!
Title: Re: Keyberry Pi - A small, keyboard sized computer
Post by: c4ooo on December 16, 2015, 10:23:03 PM
Quote from: alexgt on December 14, 2015, 09:56:00 PM
Quote from: DarkestEx on December 14, 2015, 08:28:26 PM
After some rough estimating, the thick part of the keyboard might be slightly too small in width but I guess nothing that can't be fixed with a dremel by removing some of the inner structure ;)
I am also glad that I ordered angled connectors which should make it possible to fit it without cutting away too much.
or as Jamie Hyneman would say "when in doubt... C4" :P
/me c4's alexgt
Do you think you can just leave part of it hanging out? I mean, you still need a way to acces the ports on the PHI :P
Anyhow, cool project!
Title: Re: Keyberry Pi - A small, keyboard sized computer
Post by: DarkestEx on December 17, 2015, 12:18:00 AM
I returned the original keyboard and bought following items:

- USB hub (4€)
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/61raRGCSL7L._SL1500_.jpg)

- Keyboard (20€)
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/71BpWVqgx0L._SL1500_.jpg)
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/61IMZXZK%2B-L._SL1500_.jpg)

- Set of one right and one left angled microUSB extension (10€ for both together)
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41CAMrqYoRL.jpg)

- miniHDMI (left angled) to normal HDMI (7€)
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/31jzB7Le80L.jpg)
Title: Re: Keyberry Pi - A small, keyboard sized computer
Post by: c4ooo on December 17, 2015, 01:02:32 AM
Well, nothings free :P
How do you plan to power the pie? It will be a bit uncomfortable having a power cord going to a keyboard :P
Title: Re: Keyberry Pi - A small, keyboard sized computer
Post by: DarkestEx on December 17, 2015, 01:21:43 AM
Quote from: c4ooo on December 17, 2015, 01:02:32 AM
How do you plan to power the pie? It will be a bit uncomfortable having a power cord going to a keyboard :P
It will just be powered using a micro USB power supply. I will put a micro USB jack on the outside together with a few USB ports and standard HDMI.
Title: Re: Keyberry Pi - A small, keyboard sized computer
Post by: DarkestEx on December 18, 2015, 02:06:33 PM
Great news!
The new keyboard has arrived and its just awesome. It feels great, it looks great and the quality is awesome.
It has a ton of free space inside and the buttons feel good.

I will not put the jacks inside of the keyboard anymore but I will bring the cables outside. It will have standard HDMI for video, 3 USB ports and micro USB for power.

This is the new USB hub (9€):
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/81iokYybQAL._SL1500_.jpg)
Title: Re: Keyberry Pi - A small, keyboard sized computer
Post by: alexgt on December 18, 2015, 02:36:31 PM
Wow nice! glad to hear this is coming along ;)
Title: Re: Keyberry Pi - A small, keyboard sized computer
Post by: DarkestEx on December 18, 2015, 04:47:13 PM
Quote from: alexgt on December 18, 2015, 02:36:31 PM
Wow nice! glad to hear this is coming along ;)
Yea, I am still waiting for everything to arrive. The hub and the Pi are still not there yet.
As soon as everything's there I will start building it and making the guided tutorial with photos, links and everything else that is required to build it :)
Title: Re: Keyberry Pi - A small, keyboard sized computer
Post by: alexgt on December 18, 2015, 09:04:59 PM
Cool, would it be a good starter project (starters as in almost no experience with RPi like me :P)
Title: Re: Keyberry Pi - A small, keyboard sized computer
Post by: Dream of Omnimaga on December 19, 2015, 09:43:57 AM
Hopefully you don't run out of space again this time. It would be cool if you could recreate some sort of clone of older machine. One thing I wonder, though, is if a RPi Zero requires ventilation for heat? Wouldn't putting it inside an enclosed space such as the inside of a keyboard cause overheating?
Title: Re: Keyberry Pi - A small, keyboard sized computer
Post by: aetios on December 19, 2015, 10:07:47 AM
Interested how this is gonna turn out :D
Title: Re: Keyberry Pi - A small, keyboard sized computer
Post by: alexgt on January 03, 2016, 06:45:36 AM
Are there any updates so far @DarkestEx ? I am ordering a RaPi Zero soon I think ;)
Title: Re: Keyberry Pi - A small, keyboard sized computer
Post by: DarkestEx on January 03, 2016, 10:14:10 AM
Quote from: alexgt on January 03, 2016, 06:45:36 AM
Are there any updates so far @DarkestEx ? I am ordering a RaPi Zero soon I think ;)
Great!
Well my Pi has not arrived yet as the online shop still does not have them in stock. But all other parts have arrived so far and work fine. I can't wait to start with the build and the tutorial :)
Title: Re: Keyberry Pi - A small, keyboard sized computer
Post by: ben_g on January 03, 2016, 03:19:06 PM
Quote from: DJ Omnimaga on December 19, 2015, 09:43:57 AM
Hopefully you don't run out of space again this time. It would be cool if you could recreate some sort of clone of older machine. One thing I wonder, though, is if a RPi Zero requires ventilation for heat? Wouldn't putting it inside an enclosed space such as the inside of a keyboard cause overheating?
If it is anything like the B+ or 2B, then it doesn't generate a lot of heat, especially not as long as it is not under high loads for a long time. A few small holes drilled in the plastic near the CPU to allow a bit of air circulation will probably be enough.
Title: Re: Keyberry Pi - A small, keyboard sized computer
Post by: alexgt on January 03, 2016, 04:07:05 PM
O.O it has taken a long time for the Pi to get there O.O
Title: Re: Keyberry Pi - A small, keyboard sized computer
Post by: DarkestEx on January 03, 2016, 06:48:24 PM
Well the preorder site I ordered it on 14/12/2015 says it's sold out. I'll have to see when they ship me my item.
Title: Re: Keyberry Pi - A small, keyboard sized computer
Post by: alexgt on January 03, 2016, 08:29:11 PM
I meant you would think they would have it in stock by now with such high demand xD
Title: Re: Keyberry Pi - A small, keyboard sized computer
Post by: DarkestEx on January 03, 2016, 08:32:44 PM
Quote from: alexgt on January 03, 2016, 08:29:11 PM
I meant you would think they would have it in stock by now with such high demand xD
They never had it in stock yet. I came to their site to preorder so I never thought it would arrive very quickly :P
But it should be in stock soon I think.
Title: Re: Keyberry Pi - A small, keyboard sized computer
Post by: alexgt on January 03, 2016, 08:33:33 PM
Oh, I see xD what site are you ordering from :P
Title: Re: Keyberry Pi - A small, keyboard sized computer
Post by: DarkestEx on January 03, 2016, 08:34:44 PM
Quote from: alexgt on January 03, 2016, 08:33:33 PM
Oh, I see xD what site are you ordering from :P
From Reichelt.de (http://reichelt.de/Einplatinen-Computer/RASP-PI-ZERO/3/index.html?&ACTION=3&LA=2&ARTICLE=162609&GROUPID=6666&artnr=RASP+PI+ZERO)
Title: Re: Keyberry Pi - A small, keyboard sized computer
Post by: alexgt on January 03, 2016, 08:35:51 PM
I see, I wonder if there are any in brick & mortar stores...
Title: Re: Keyberry Pi - A small, keyboard sized computer
Post by: DarkestEx on January 03, 2016, 08:47:10 PM
Quote from: alexgt on January 03, 2016, 08:35:51 PM
I see, I wonder if there are any in brick & mortar stores...
I have no idea.

Also, I got this e-mail from them 11 days ago:
http://pastebin.com/WMmsNjVK [I quickly translated it to english and remove the personal information]
Title: Re: Keyberry Pi - A small, keyboard sized computer
Post by: alexgt on January 03, 2016, 08:56:47 PM
So they are no longer available there?!
Title: Re: Keyberry Pi - A small, keyboard sized computer
Post by: DarkestEx on January 03, 2016, 09:02:01 PM
Quote from: alexgt on January 03, 2016, 08:56:47 PM
So they are no longer available there?!
Well, preorder phase is over. They have not been supplied yet.
Title: Re: Keyberry Pi - A small, keyboard sized computer
Post by: alexgt on January 03, 2016, 10:04:38 PM
Oh, I guess I misunderstood the e-mail :P
Title: Re: Keyberry Pi - A small, keyboard sized computer (It's finally made!)
Post by: DarkestEx on December 15, 2016, 07:32:35 PM
There is something to celebrate:

After just about one year (of mostly waiting for parts) it is finally done! ;D

(http://i.imgur.com/wJUxIs7.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/2C3vEit.jpg)
Title: Re: Keyberry Pi - A small, keyboard sized computer
Post by: p2 on December 15, 2016, 08:58:20 PM
well that's nice :D
The only thing that would even be cooler if the upper side of the keyboard would include the connectors instead of cables coming out of it ^^
can you provide a photo of the back of it? :)
Title: Re: Keyberry Pi - A small, keyboard sized computer
Post by: Dream of Omnimaga on January 02, 2017, 02:29:03 AM
Ooh nice to see this done, and yeah I agree with DarkestEx. I wonder how hard it would be, though? Also to be honest maybe it's a good thing if the cables come out, as it could be easier to connect, especially if he doesn't have much room. :P
Title: Re: Keyberry Pi - A small, keyboard sized computer
Post by: p2 on January 16, 2017, 12:17:13 PM
I wonder how long it will take until even such homemade project will start using the USB type C connector... ^^
Title: Re: Keyberry Pi - A small, keyboard sized computer
Post by: gbl08ma on January 16, 2017, 11:34:23 PM
USB Type C and USB 3 require support from the SoC or eventually from a separate interface connected to it through a high-speed bus. It's much more than just playing with connector sizes like when you go from a 2.0 standard A connector to miniUSB or microUSB.
Since none of the cheap single-board computers on the market right now support USB Type C (and I don't think any support USB 3 in the sub-$50 range, either), it's probably going to be a couple of years before we see hobbyist projects using Type C.
Title: Re: Keyberry Pi - A small, keyboard sized computer
Post by: SiphonicSugar on January 17, 2017, 01:17:14 AM
I'm very happy to see that this project is going underway!
Title: Re: Keyberry Pi - A small, keyboard sized computer
Post by: GalacticPirate on January 17, 2017, 06:43:44 PM
I bet this thing is still more powerful than my crappy Broadwell i3-5005U Acer Aspire F5 :trollface:
Title: Re: Keyberry Pi - A small, keyboard sized computer
Post by: SiphonicSugar on January 17, 2017, 09:55:20 PM
Quote from: STV on January 17, 2017, 06:43:44 PM
I bet this thing is still more powerful than my crappy Broadwell i3-5005U Acer Aspire F5 :trollface:
Lol, I have the Asus X540 with the i3-5020, this thing has the fans going the whole time! They are the loudest that I have ever experienced. They won't stop, even at idle.
Title: Re: Keyberry Pi - A small, keyboard sized computer
Post by: p2 on January 18, 2017, 08:23:50 AM
you never worked with a real server (the REAL 40kg servers) in your room, have you?  :ninja: THEY make some noise  :ninja:
Title: Re: Keyberry Pi - A small, keyboard sized computer
Post by: Dream of Omnimaga on February 05, 2017, 07:56:56 PM
The real deal were those 1950's computers that took an entire building to themselves. Those must have been noisy like mad.

Or there's the Xbox 360.
Title: Re: Keyberry Pi - A small, keyboard sized computer
Post by: p2 on February 06, 2017, 11:49:58 AM
an xbox 360 is really nothing compared to a real server...

if you have a macbook, try to make it run the fan at 5k rmp. That will be incredible loud all of a sudden.
But the servers are still about twice a loud all the time...  :ninja:
its impossible to live in one room with a server (especially phonecalls and sleep is impossible) xD

Edit: back to the topic, I can'T wait for an update :D
Title: Re: Keyberry Pi - A small, keyboard sized computer
Post by: DarkestEx on February 06, 2017, 02:54:36 PM
Quote from: p2 on February 06, 2017, 11:49:58 AM
an xbox 360 is really nothing compared to a real server...

if you have a macbook, try to make it run the fan at 5k rmp. That will be incredible loud all of a sudden.
But the servers are still about twice a loud all the time...  :ninja:
its impossible to live in one room with a server (especially phonecalls and sleep is impossible) xD

Edit: back to the topic, I can'T wait for an update :D
Since the project is completed, how about a Full HD video on it ;)
Title: Re: Keyberry Pi - A small, keyboard sized computer
Post by: Dream of Omnimaga on February 06, 2017, 05:39:18 PM
@p2 the first gen Xbox 360 models are incredibly loud, though, especially with a disc being read O.O
Title: Re: Keyberry Pi - A small, keyboard sized computer
Post by: p2 on February 06, 2017, 07:35:49 PM
Can you get a volume reading from it? ;)
I'll try to get one from my server in a few days, lets see who wins ;D
Title: Re: Keyberry Pi - A small, keyboard sized computer
Post by: DarkestEx on February 06, 2017, 08:38:46 PM
Here are some more pictures. A video will follow soon :)

(http://i.imgur.com/9zQEzzq.jpg?2)
(http://i.imgur.com/9pX34wo.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/FbW5tcg.jpg)