PiPub - Powered USB Hub and Power Control for Raspberry Pi

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Dave6

2 posts

Wannabe Geek

#150656 29-Jul-2014 18:42

Hi all,

If you are using the Raspberry Pi as a HTPC you may be interested in my project I currently have up on Kickstarter. A specifically designed, powered USB hub with smart power control and on-board IR receiver, designed in NZ. Please check it out.

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/22555674/pipub-powered-usb-hub-and-power-control-for-raspbe

hellonearthisman

1819 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

#1098144 29-Jul-2014 19:50

If you like the look of that then check this out, $10 cheaper and free shipping.
http://www.dx.com/p/expansion-board-made-for-raspberry-pi-multicolor-black-278750#.U9dR6s6SzcQ

features:

1.Exactly same size as Raspberry Pi (85 x 56mm);
2. Directly installed into the GPIO header pins with no wiring or soldering;
3. 6-23V input to 5V, 3A high-efficiency step-down DC/DC converter to supply your RPI;
4. Supports HDMI to VGA (NOT powered by the RPIs HDMI port);
5.Supports self-powered USB hub (Total 4 ports available);
6. Supports self-powered SD and Micro-SD card reader (the MAX capacitance of the memory card maximum is decided Raspberry pi board and the system);
7. RTC based on NXP PCF2127AT / PCF2129AT with CR2032 backup battery;
8. RS232 Serial Port;
9. Having the reset switch convenient to enable RPi reset facility;
10. Having two slots to make use of RPis FPC connector (S1 & S5);
11.Allowing to stack along with other expansion boards;
12.8-channel darlington Driver chip allowing to control electronic circuits which require more current to drive them;
13. Have DIP switch to remove connection from RPis pin header so as to keep using other expansion board with no effect.

Dave6

2 posts

Wannabe Geek

#1098240 29-Jul-2014 22:36

That is certainly packed full of features and functions for a good price.

The PiPub however was primarily designed to make your Raspberry Pi suitable for use as an ideal HTPC.

It is small, fitting in various existing cases
Provides 4 powered USB ports
Does away with bulky external USB cables
Allows power to be removed from the Raspberry Pi by either the power button or learned IR remote button
Passes IR through to GPIO 18 for better remote control functionality of XBMC
Has an optional IR extension to allow your HTPC to be mounted out of sight

All things to make the Raspberry Pi a better HTPC.

Price wise, for New Zealanders, the PiPub is $40NZD including shipping.