Create Raspberry Pi Holder

The goal is to add 4 Raspberry Pis to a rack. The usual way to do this is to 3D print a holder. I don't have a 3D printer. So, this guide cuts sheet metal to serve as the holder.

Required Parts:

• • Monoprice 19in Modular Blank Fiber Patch Panel for 4LGX Cassettes 1U

  • 6x18in x 22 gauge metal plate from The Home Depot

  • 10 pack, HDMI Male to Female Right Angle Adapter Vertical Flat Left 90 Degree HDMI to HDMI Converter, Amazon, $11.99

  • Flat Black Rustoleum Spray Paint

  • Nylon M2.5 bolts, nuts, and standoffs. A standoff is a hex nut and bolt in one

Reusable Tools:

• • Tin Snips

  • Right Angle

  • Measuring Tape

  • Drill with drill bits that cut metal

  • Jig Saw with blades that cut metal

  • Index cards, Scotch Tape, Pencil

  • Fine Point Sharpie

  • Needle Nose Pliers

  • Metal Bench Clamp

  • Hammer

  • Nail

Step 1. Make a Cardboard Template

Make a card board model or template. I use Index cards taped together and then cut to size. Play with the template to ensure everything fits.

The blank is 4in x 5in

The blank will be bent at a right angle at 1-9/16in

The platform for the Raspberry Pi is 3-1/2 x 3-7/16

I am shifting the RPi off center to accommodate a right-angle HDMI cable. The right angle connector allows the HDMI to go out the back without bending the HDMI cable or putting too much torque on the RPi's HDMI port

Step 2. Cut the Blank

From the 6x18 metal sheet cut a 4x5in blank using a tine snips. Use a metal right angle to ensure the cuts are square.

Do not cut all the way through one full cut of the tin snips.If you do, there will be bending and perhaps even notching of the metal.

Only close the tin snips about 3/4 of the way. Once an inch long cut is made, then make a nother cut and bend that piece off with a needle nose pliers.

See images below

Step 3. Cut the Metal to match the Template

See images above.

Tape the template to the blank. Mark the template on the blank.

And then cut to size.

Step 4. Bend the Holder at a Right Angle

Put the 1-9/16 end in a bench clamp tighten so it won't move

Carefully, with the heel of your hand bend the metal over to a right angle

Use a hammer to lightly tap on the metal to make the right angle crisp

Step 5. Check that the holder fits in one of the Raspberry Pi slots

Of course it doesn't. Trim off a little bit and try again.

One holder is shown in the photo below between the white unit on top and the PoE Switch below it

Step 6. Cut holes in the front face

Mark the holes in the template, and then transfer to the blank. However, drill only one mounting hole.

Using a Nail in the center of the hole mark, hit the nail sharply so it leaves an indent where the metal drill bit will be used.

The Ethernet and USB port cut out is 10/16 x 2-1/16. Make an index car template and outline on the blank.

In the center of the Ethernet/USB cut-out, drill a hole large enough to slide a metal jigsaw bit in place.

With the jigsaw, carefully and slowly, cut out the Ethernet/USB hole

Slide the holder in and mark the second hole. This will need to be done on the back side of the holder

Step 7. Mark and drill holes for Raspberry Pi

Insert the Raspberry Pi in the holder and push forward. There is a small lip for the ethernet and USB ports.

The standoffs need to hold the Raspberry Pi firm to the front.

Step 8. Paint the holder

Spray paint the holder following the directions on the can.

There are four Raspberry Pis in the rack unit just below the white device. All four are running on PoE.