Raspberry Pi B+ Media Centre

thingiverse

A compact housing solution for Raspberry Pi B+ and 2.5 inch hard drive combinations that leverage Raspbmc on the Pi with additional storage from the hard disk connects using a SATA to USB cable, turning the Pi into an impressive media center. The Raspbmc software enables overclocking capabilities for the Pi, necessitating inclusion of a cooling solution like a 60mm fan, which I opted for. However, it's worth noting that while my chosen fan runs on 12 volts, it draws power directly from the Pi's five-volt GPIO pins at a reduced capacity. Secure connections with three and eight-tenths millimeter holes spaced for four millimeter screws, excepting the hard drive enclosure. For optimal organization, install the hard disk into its caddy before inserting both components into their designated positions within the case. I've designed this project without integrating a microSD card slot, thus requiring users to first download Raspbmc onto a microSD and then transfer it to the Pi. By optimizing network accessibility via carefully managed cable routing, the network port remains easily accessible even when utilizing cables equipped with boots for secure fitment. Ultimately, I've greatly benefited from implementing this system and discovering how effectively I can control Raspbmc using mobile applications tailored specifically for Android or Apple platforms, further elevating its versatility.