RPi Sled
How to assembly the RPi sleds
Before starting this, I suggest modifying the regulators to output a fixed 5.1V. See here for details.
You don't need long wires here, around 1" is fine.
There are a few ways to do this.
- You could use pin 4 and 6 of the GPIO header.
- You can cannibalize a USB cord and attach the regulator to the USB power port on the pi.
I did the second option.
As with most things, check the output from the USB cable with your multimeter before you plug it into anything.
Each sled will consist of a base, a front panel, two handles, and four screws (#4 size, .5" Lg, pan head)
Start with the sled base
Take two M2.5 nuts and push them into the two slots on the side of the base.
It will be a tight fit, but when they are properly in place, you will be able to thread M2.5 screws through the two holes on the side.
Next, take the two handles and insert the screws through the holes. It will be a bit of a tight fit, so they shouldn't fall out.
No strictly needed, but if you can insert the threaded part of the screw through the holes in the front panel. This is meant to be a loose fit, but on my printer, the holes came out a bit small. Make sure you get the handles on the correct side of the front panel.
Next, set the combined handles and front panel onto the front of the sled. I found it easiest to set the sled up on its end to do this. Align the four screws with the four holes on the front of the sled and tighten the screw. Make sure to put the front panel onto the sled base in the right orientation.
I suggest starting each of the screws a bit before tightening anything too much so that you can adjust them as needed to get everything to line up. When all four screws are started, snug them all down. screw them firmly down, but don't go crazy with the torque or you will strip the plastic and ruin the sled base.
The sled should now look like this, and everything should be held together snugly.
Start by installing the DC/DC regulator. Set the module on the vertical part of the sled and attach with two screws (M2.5x5mm). Make sure that the USB power connector is oriented correctly if you are using a micro-B connector. For type C connectors, orientation is not critical.
Push the DC jack into the vertical hole at the back of the sled. Use the nut and washer that came with the DC jack to secure it in place.
Next, install the Raspberry Pi. It should just set down onto the four mounting pads as shown. Secure in place with four M2.5x5mm screws. Plug the USB connector into the power port on the Pi.
Done!
