Humble Pi

I’ve been using a breadboard on top of my Raspberry Pi for a while now to connect components to the GPIO ports.

Pros:

  • Easy to test
  • Easy to make changes
  • Easy to reset individual components by removing their power supply
  • Not “set in stone”

Cons:

  • Fragile, jump cables can be easily disconnected
  • Not secure, cables, resistors and other components could be pushed against each other, creating short-circuits
  • Not aesthetically pleasing

The not aesthetically pleasing is probably best described by a picture:

Breadboard On Pi

Breadboard On Pi

I’ve decided it was time for me to become confident and stop the try and error approach. I’ve not changed the setup / layout in months now and use many components integrally as part of my home automation system like PIRs to control lighing. I’ve therefore purchased a Humble Pi from HobbyTronics to make everything a little bit less like work in progress in the lab:

Humble Pi Stage 1

Humble Pi Stage 1

the board came as a kit with all parts separated. I’ve already soldered the header socket and made minor, direct connections to some of the GPIO pins in preparation to the upcoming components:

Humble Pi Stage 2

Humble Pi Stage 2

And I’ve checked that it fits in the case. Actually looks pretty cool. Will have to decide how to get the wires to get through though

Humble Pi Stage 3

Humble Pi Stage 3

The other thing I’d like to do is to ensure I can keep the drop cover on to protect the Pi against accidental damages, but I still need all my sensor wires to get in. I’ve therefore sawn a slot off to allow for this:

Pi Case with additional slot

Pi Case with additional slot

Now I need to complete the soldering of all the components. I’ll post a picture when I’ve finished.

[3rd December 2014]

I’ve finally done it! No more messy breadboard, it’s all nice and tidy now 🙂

Humble Pi Completed

Humble Pi Completed