The Pi-Top: How to Build

by sokamiwohali in Circuits > Raspberry Pi

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The Pi-Top: How to Build

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Welcome to my latest and greatest instructable!

In this instructable, I will show you how to build your new Pi-Top, operated by none other than... The Raspberry Pi II model B.

For more information on, or to order the Pi-Top please visit:

www.pi-top.com

Just an FYI, please note that the staff at Pi-Top have had an overwhelming demand for this. So as such, you may be waiting till after Christmas 2015 to recieve your Pi-Top.

Tools and Materials

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The list of materials in this instructable are VERY straight forward. If you're looking at this, you will have already (or are waiting to) recieve your Pi-Top.

Everything you need for your Pi-Top is contained in the very box in this picture. It includes the parts and tools you need to construct and run your new Pi-Top.

Installing the Screen

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First locate the base. Flip it over. You'll see that there are 4 "slats". Remove them. You can use one of the included HEX wrenches to poke them out. They are magnetic, so the pop out easy. Flip it right side up.

Next location the screen. Position it as if it were in the closed position already installed. Now slide the screen's hinge into place carefully as to not snap the hinge slots.

After sliding the screen top into place, carefully flip the unit upside down. Locate the screw holes on the hinge area. Use the correct size HEX wrench to tighten the screws. DONT OVERTIGHTEN.

Installing the Hub and Raspberry Pi

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Locate your distribution hub, Raspberry Pi I, 8 standoff bolts, 9 nuts, 8 screws, and the appropriate HEX wrench.

Install the hub FIRST. To do this, insert the standoff bolts under the hub module, and fasten them FINGER TIGHT with the nuts. Place the module with the last hole over the bolt on the left side of the Pi-Top base. DO NOT PRESS THE MODULE ONTO THE BETTERY CONNECTOR.

Now take the wire from the screen and plug it into the connector that it goes to on the rear end of the module and secure it into place with the locking bar.

Press the module onto the battery. Use one of the 9 nuts to secure the module to the battery screw. Then flip the Pi-Top over carefully, and screw 4 of the 8 remaining screws into the standoff bolts. FINGER TIGHT ONLY... DO NOT OVERTIGHTEN.

Locate your Raspberry Pi I and repeat the process of installing the standoff bolts. Install the micro SD card that came with your Pi-Top. Then place the RPI on the track with the 2nd to last HEX hole in the middle of the GPIO pins.

Installing Wires

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Locate your GPIO, USB-MICRO USB, and HDMI cable.

Install the small end of the GPIO cable into the HUB Module. Then install the standard end into the GPIO pins. ENSURE that they are installed properly. Then tuck the cable WELL into the slot behind the cable.

Next, take the USB-MICRO USB cord, and plug it into its respective outlets.

After installing the USB-MICRO USB cable, install the HDMI cable into its respective outlets.

Finally take the USB Wireless Internet Dingle, and plug it in to the bottom rear USB slot.

Installing the Keyboard

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Locate the keyboard and its cables.

Install the power button and USB Keyboard cables into their respective spots on the Keyboard.

"slide" the keyboard on the base like you did the screen in a previous step. There's 2 ways to connect the keyboard. Lift the board a little, or snap it into place. I chose the latter. Plug the power button cable into the last slot in the rear of the HUB Module. Then plug the USB cable into the top rear USB outlet on your RPI. AFTER THIS, snap the keyboard into place.

Locate the plexiglass "Pi-Top" cover, remove the paper, then slide it in the right side of the Pi-Top.

POWER UP!!!

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Now your Pi-Top should be constructed. To finalize everything, throw the magnetic slats you removed earlier back into their spot.

To turn on the Pi-Top, plug your charger into the battery to wake it up from shipping mode, then press the power button. The Pi-Top will run its boot up processes. You'll select the type keyboard for your country, set up WiFi, and then the computer will ask if you want to install an update. If you do, then install it. If not, it will continue to ask you till it's installed.

CONGRATULATIONS!!!

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Congratulations! You've successfully built and powered up your Pi-Top!!

Now you'll have available the CEED Universe, and other fantastic apps at your disposal to use the Pi-Top as it was meant to be!