Introducing the PiPUB (Powered USB Board).
The all-in-one Raspberry Pi power supply and USB hub.
Hey all,
Just wanted to gather interest for something that I am working on.
See attached photos...
What it is/has:
A x4 Port, Powered USB Hub
A Power supply for the Raspberry Pi with overvoltage protection built in.
A Power Switch that completely removes power from the Raspberry Pi after initiating a safe shutdown
An IR receiver
A Remote On/Off switch for any single IR command "learnt" from a remote of your choosing
And IR extender - Gives you the ability to stick the Pi to the back of your TV and have the IR receiver discreetly mounted to the bottom of the screen.
All of this and the ability to fit within your current Raspberry Pi Case
Let me know what you think. Would any of you be interested in one?
Edit:
Kickstarter campaign started: https://www.kickstarter.com/project...b-and-power-control-for-raspbe?ref=nav_search
So, it's actually just something like this?
Improved schematic:
Sent from my GT-P5210 using Tapatalk
Not really.
Your schematic shows bypassing the raspberry pi protection circuits. Although this is fine if you know 100% that you have a decent power supply. However, I don't consider this ideal.
My board does away with the microUSB port used to power the Raspberry Pi. Instead it has its own standard DC 5V power in (see picture) which has its own protection circuit equal to that of the Raspberry Pi. It then splits the power supply to the hub and Pi, dedicating constant 5V supply to the Pi through the GPIO. This means when you plug in your USB powered HDD into the PiPUB, the sudden current draw does not effect in any way the power supply of your Pi and your Pi is protected from power surges.
Pretty neat stuff! I need this kind of setup!
Sent from my SCH-I545 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
I am the co developer of the PiPUB and have a few more technical and operational details to add.
The hub controller is a Multiple Transaction Translator type meaning all 4 ports run at their maximum speed regardless of the generation of USB device that is connected. Some hubs are slowed down when earlier generation devices are connected.
The PiPUB plugs into one of the existing USB ports by a small, near flush PCB connector. For the keener DIY’er you can solder the USB data lines to the back of the Pi’s USB connector.
All upstream and downstream USB ports are protected against ESD by high speed, low capacitance TVS diodes.
5V power is inputted via a standard 5.5x2.1mm DC connecter through a 3A poly fuse and large TVS for over-current and voltage protection. Power to the Pi is then split off through a 1.1A poly fuse to the GPIO pins, similar to the existing power distribution on the Pi. We have loaded up all USB ports to 500mA and had the Pi running with negligible voltage drop.
You can use either the on board IR receiver or plug in the IR extension. They both work at 38Khz which is fairly common amongst remotes. These pass IR from your remote to the Pi via GPIO 18 and also to the microcontroller to control the power to the hub and Pi. You can map your particular remote to control XBMC.
There is a power button and LED that sits to the left of the audio jack above the Pi’s status LED’s.
If the Pi is OFF, pushing the power button or the learned IR remote button turns the power ON. If power is ON and the power script is installed or the XBMC addon we have created is installed, our board will initiate a safe shutdown. If neither is installed power will be switched off straight away. GPIO 23 and 24 are used for this.
On board is an open collector transistor that allows you to switch loads up to 250mA from GPIO 25. The intent of this is to allow people to control their own peripheral like a fan if desired.
It fits into the Black Multicomp and ModMyPi Cases without modification. It is then up to you to drill and cut the holes you want. We recommend the Black Multicomp case as it is an easy plastic to work with, it is the cheapest and certainly looks the part! In the future we hope to design a 3D printable case and a laser cut acrylic case similar to the Adafruit version for people to make.
If you have any suggestions on how we could improve the design and function it would be much appreciated.
Great little board, where do I get one?
Sent from my GT-N7105 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Thanks! We will be running a little Kickstarter campaign in the next week or two. Will let you know.
Great board! I was looking for a solution to shutdown the Raspberry Pi with a remote control.
Will this board work with the new Raspberry Pi B+? (Just ordered one to get rid of my hub...)
I've got 2 suggestions:
1. add a radio control-module (receiver and sender), so you will not only be able to shutdown the Raspberry Pi but also devices like an external HDD or the TV pluged in a radio controlled power outlets.
(background: I'm using my RPi as server with an external HDD and a printer as well as a wifi-router and when i'm leaving home, I don't use it, so I'm looking for a convenient way to shutdown all devices.)
2. offer a case suited for the Rpi+PiPUB (perhaps as stretchgoal in your kickstarter-campaign?)
Unfortunately it won't work with the B+ as the power button sits where the new set of USB ports are. We may look at producing a B+ version if our Kickstarter is a success (starting in the next 24hrs).
1. If the other devices you are looking at controlling have IR then the PiPub has AUX pads which you could solder 2-3 IR LED's to in series. It is connected to GPIO25 with a transistor so the LED's can be powered correctly. Using LIRC and a script I can see no reason why you couldn't get it to shutdown/power-up your other devices when the learnt IR button for the PiPub has been received. I haven't tried this but it seems more than plausible.
But it sounds like you are using RF controlled power outlets which I'm unsure how you could interface.
2. Like you suggest we would love to offer a case as a stretch goal. Most likely just a laser cut acrylic or 3D printable design. However it would be awesome if we could get Multicomp to modify their design to suit the PiPub!
Kickstarter up and running...
Hi all,
Kickstarter campaign is up.
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/22555674/pipub-powered-usb-hub-and-power-control-for-raspbe?ref=nav_search
Please spread the word and help us make this a reality.
Ah, great! Perhaps, shutdown the RPi via IR is enough. I'll see
I got some new questions...
1. As I understand, the PiPuB has an external power supply. Does this power supply power the Raspberry Pi as well, or does the RPi "still" need its own power supply? (could save one power outlet)
2. Is this IR expansion cable anything special, which can only obtained by you? Would be nice to buy it afterwards if neccessary.
Yup. One of best things about the PiPub is that it removes the need for heaps of cables. The single 5V 3A power supply poweres the USB hub and the Raspberry Pi.
The IR extension is nothing special. You can find these on the internet or even a local electronics store. We tested a few and found some to be less ideal than others in terms of practicality. The one we're offering is what we deemed to be the best option but you may very well find something better...
Thanks!
One last question comes to my mind:
How can I use an IR remote with XBMC? In your video, you showed how to program one button of the remote. But what about the rest? I.e. the Flirc USB stick comes with special software to provide this functionality.
phoenix0_4 said:
Thanks!
One last question comes to my mind:
How can I use an IR remote with XBMC? In your video, you showed how to program one button of the remote. But what about the rest? I.e. the Flirc USB stick comes with special software to provide this functionality.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
XBMC can be configured to receive IR commands through the GPIO port. The PiPub has an on board IR receiver that is connected to GPIO 18 and also an optional external IR receiver that can be connected. You have to run through a bit of configuration to learn your remote and assign the buttons to a function. Some good info about it here.
wiki.openelec.tv/index.php/Guide_To_lirc_rpi_GPIO_Receiver
druss.pp.ua/2012/08/raspbmc-lirc-gpio-xbmc-en/
ah, I see. Thanks again. I also found some how-tos in german.
So, I backed your project by pledging for a PiPub + power supply. Would be a nice "toy".
BTW, I found a similar kickstarter-project (but without IR or a switch). It's called "Raspiado". (because I'm new in this forum, I can't post a link, sorry.)
phoenix0_4 said:
ah, I see. Thanks again. I also found some how-tos in german.
So, I backed your project by pledging for a PiPub + power supply. Would be a nice "toy".
BTW, I found a similar kickstarter-project (but without IR or a switch). It's called "Raspiado". (because I'm new in this forum, I can't post a link, sorry.)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the support.
Yea, unfortunately the Raspiado beat us to it with the KickStarter. I think the Raspiado is nice, but does not solve many of the Pi's issues. I don't understand the purpose of thes long custom USB cables if you're trying to reduce clutter.
What we wanted to focus on is the main issues faced by users of the Raspberry Pi in MediaCentre applications. This being said, the PiPub is still very useful in other applications. Just the power switch alone is massive capibility addition. See: https://www.modmypi.com/pi-supply. This sells for $23USD. Our PiPub is $33USD and does this while still fitting inside your Raspberry Pi case!
Thanks again for your support. :highfive:
Please repost this elsewhere and help us spread the word.
I just made the announcement in a german Raspberry Pi-forum and in the OpenELEC-forum. Perhaps it will help...
phoenix0_4 said:
I just made the announcement in a german Raspberry Pi-forum and in the OpenELEC-forum. Perhaps it will help...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for that.
Josh.5 said:
Thanks for that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you're welcome.
Do you know any htpc-forum, which could be another good address?
Alternative
Now that this project did not happen, there is an alternative add-on board available, called RemotePi Board (msldigital.com), it has similar functionality, the IR receiver and power controller but no additional USB ports. Because they have a version for the Raspberry B+ which has 4 USB port this may be a non-issue.
Hi everyone!
For project to us came MT6572 Core board
To this board we need to connect a few additional devices, like ultrasonic range finder, some LEDs, few buttons....
How to connect all this stuff to this board?
Perhaps someone on XDA work with this board?
I have Android SDK, and documentations for this board, but nowhere described how to work with GPIOs, or how to connect my sensors...
How to work with GPIOs on Mediatek SoC?
Hi
Are you run this board?
i need some help on it.
how can i choose and connect a LCD to this board?
Please help me.
Regards.
Hi guys!
I am looking to finally buy raspberry pi, I have read on different sources that each model is suggested for specific project.
My idea, is to play around, try different projects, from weather station, TV set, alarm etc. so my question is: What model of PI should I buy ? The newest raspberry pi zero w or something else?
Regards,
eddyys said:
Hi guys!
I am looking to finally buy raspberry pi, I have read on different sources that each model is suggested for specific project.
My idea, is to play around, try different projects, from weather station, TV set, alarm etc. so my question is: What model of PI should I buy ? The newest raspberry pi zero w or something else?
Regards,
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dont know, but i will buy a raspberry pi3 to make into a media center/kodi box. I like it, it has wifi inbuilt
eddyys said:
Hi guys!
I am looking to finally buy raspberry pi, I have read on different sources that each model is suggested for specific project.
My idea, is to play around, try different projects, from weather station, TV set, alarm etc. so my question is: What model of PI should I buy ? The newest raspberry pi zero w or something else?
Regards,
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have the Raspberry Pi 3 Model B its amazing and has the best feature set. I would go for this one as its the newest model.
What project you will do with your newest Raspberry ?
also do I need to buy anything else, like power cable, fan etc. ?
Even though technically any micro USB phone charger would do for pi alone, if you go for official one with better current output you can use USB sticks without need of powered hub. USB HDD still needs powered hub no matter what supply you got (unless SSD).
Hello,
I am using a raspberry pi 3 model B and am planning to connect a GPS module and a SIM900a GPRS module to it.
Both components are connected via serial ports. Can someone guide me how I can connect both devices(i.e how to use both parts simultaneously) and also help me with any references to the python code?
I am new to this with Raspberry Pi, but I want to know a few things before I buy.
Is not Raspberry Pi basically a laptop in a smaller format?
I installed Android-x86-r-1-r2 on my laptop without any problem.
I can even set up a hotspot with my laptop and connect my phones to it.
My question is simple.
Can you run Android-x86 on Raspberry Pi 3/b without problem and if not - why?
And if it dosen't work like I think it does, is there an other way to do it?
I've a MXQ PRO 4K-box now and I am so tired of how little memory there is and how you can't do annnnything without it dies.
Sorry for my bad english, but hey. I think you understand me.
https://www.androidauthority.com/arm-vs-x86-key-differences-explained-568718/
https://www.allaboutcircuits.com/news/understanding-the-differences-between-arm-and-x86-cores/
https://www.quora.com/Whats-the-difference-between-ARM-and-x86-processors
https://stackoverflow.com/questions/14794460/how-does-the-arm-architecture-differ-from-x86
Nypan sr said:
.androidauthority.com/arm-vs-x86-key-differences-explained-568718/
allaboutcircuits.com/news/understanding-the-differences-between-arm-and-x86-cores/
.quora.com/Whats-the-difference-between-ARM-and-x86-processors
stackoverflow.com/questions/14794460/how-does-the-arm-architecture-differ-from-x86
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So its basically impossible?
Can I do something with my MXQ PRO 4K? Maybe update it to Android 7.1 or something?
You could try Kodi.
Go to libreelec.tv and get a build for Amlogic S905W.