About
SmartiPi Touch: A Raspberry Pi Touch stand
$58,985
2,137
If you miss the Kickstarter you can pre-order at Smarticase.com
My name is Tom Murray. I am an Industrial Designer with 10 years of experience. To date, I have designed dozens of products and now I am looking to design my own. In October 2014 I successfully funded the SmartiPi case for the Raspberry Pi. I enjoy working with the Pi community and want to continue to create innovative Raspberry Pi accessories.
I am seeking $12,000 for the the SmartiPi Touch stand for the Official Raspberry Pi touch display (display not included). The design is complete and the final 3D printed prototypes are shown in the photos. Now, I need backers like you to pledge your support for the project.
What is the SmartiPi Touch?
The SmartiPi touch is a case and stand for the Official Raspberry Pi touch display. (display not included) The display is secured into the case with four screws. A Raspberry Pi 2, B+ or A+ is then enclosed in the compartment on the back of the case. A simple door covers the the Pi when it is in the compartment. The ribbon cable that comes with the display connects into the Raspberry Pi DSI port. The stand has a pivot that allows you to adjust the angle of the screen.
The included Raspberry Pi camera case adds tons of versatility and utility to the case. This is a very unique feature and I am excited to see what users do with the camera case.
Display not included
The case is compatible with the Official Raspberry Pi 7" Touchscreen Display from the Raspberry Pi foundation. The display is not included, but it can be purchased at various locations throughout the globe starting at $60. I will compile a list of locations to buy the display in the FAQ at the bottom of the page.
All you need is the display kit (pictured below), a Raspberry Pi A+, B+, or 2 and a SmartiPi Touch.
Basic specs
- RGB 800×480 display @60fps
- 4-bit colour FT5406
- 10 point capacitive touchscreen
- 70 degree viewing angle
Don't want LEGO studs?
Some users like the idea of not having LEGO like studs on the case. You will be able to specify whether or not you want LEGO studs on the front or back of the case after the campaign. This will allow you to use the case for more professional uses. You will still have a small groove around the area, but no studs will be present.
Rewards
There are two rewards.
Reward 1: SmartiPi Touch stand and Camera Case for the Raspberry Pi camera. Using taller HAT boards? Check out Reward 2.
Reward 2: SmartiPi Touch stand, Camera Case for the Raspberry Pi camera AND the small footprint mounts. When mounted on the wall, the small footprint mounts can allow for additional clearance for HAT boards.
Small footprint screw-in mounts
The second reward includes the metal small footprint screw-in mounts. If you want the most flexibility in mounting the case, you should get Reward 2. The screw in mounts will allow you to mount the case to a wall while having HATS attached.
The small footprint mounts below are actually GoPro compatible mounts, so you could replace them with any others that you can find.
What if I want to order more than one reward?
It's easy. You will just have to add up the reward totals and pledge that amount.
For example , if you want 2 of "Reward 1" and 1 of "Reward 2". Just pledge $63 in either reward box. Don't worry. A survey will be sent out afterwards to confirm your pledge details.
Shipping to locations outside the U.S.A is a flat $7 for any quantity up to 5. It will be added automatically (if applicable).
Please contact me before pledging for more than 5.
Powering the display
There are two methods to power the display using our case.
The first method is using two jumper wires from the Raspberry PI GPIO. This method will conflict with HATS.
The second method is to use a micro USB Y-cable or two micro USB cables. This method enables you to use HATS. Like the micro USB Y-cable shown below? You will will have the opportunity to add-on a Micro USB Y-cable after the campaign.
The USB port on the display control board is not accessible with this design. So you will not be able to power the Pi with that method.
What will the money go towards?
A large portion of the money raised will go towards building the injection molds for the plastic parts. The balance of monies raised will be used to order the first round of parts from the manufacturer. The parts will be manufactured in China to reduce costs.
Additional Details
Prototyping
As a full time product designer, I understand the design process. The only way to design great products is to prototype and iterate until you find something that works. The SmartiPi Touch is no exception. I believe I have found the right balance between form and function. I have been through many prototypes in my design process.
Project timeline
I learned many lessons from my last successful Kickstarter. Building enough time into the schedule for unanticipated issues is important. I plan on shipping to the first round backers by the end of April 2016. Second round will ship May 2016.
Music credit - Pure Oxygen (Part 1) (Mike BFort) / CC BY 4.0
Risks and challenges
The biggest risk in the project is ensuring the injection molder sticks to the timeline. During our first campaign I encountered small delays with my injection molder and thus I have built extra time into the schedule for anticipated delays.
With one successful Kickstarter campaign under my belt, I fully understand the challenges of shipping to hundreds of backers.
Learn about accountability on KickstarterQuestions about this project? Check out the FAQ
Support
Funding period
- (35 days)