Build It Yourself Mobile Workstation

This data sheet contains information about building a low-cost Linux Workstation (aka Desktop PC) using a Raspberry Pi 4B with battery backup power, a lightweight and portable High Definition monitor, and Raspbian or Arch Linux. With the RPi4B with 4GB system RAM release, the CPU can now support office apps like Chromium, GIMP, FreeCAD, and many other heavy processing websites. These apps and many more make a linux workstation a viable alternative to laptops and desktop PCs.

The RPi4B used to build this configuration was purchased from OkDo and all additional components were purchased at Amazon.com in the summer of 2019. This product requires assembly and significant wire soldering to shorten the cable lengths and adapters that come with the components.

Features:

• High Definition 1600 x 900 resolution HDMI Monitor

• Internal 2Watts Stereo Speakers

• Broadcom BCM2711, Quad Core Cortex-A72 (ARM v8) 64-bit SoC CPU @ 1.5GHz

• 4GB LPDDR4-2400 SDRAM, 128 GB SSD (Partition)

• 2.4 GHz and 5.0 GHz IEEE 802.11ac Wireless, Gigabit Ethernet, Bluetooth 5.0, BLE

• Wireless Keyboard and Mouse (Uses one USB Port)

• 2 USB 3.0 Ports; 2 USB 2.0 Ports.

• Supports Dual Micro-HDMI Monitors

• 4-pole Stereo Audio Output

• RaspiOS, Ubuntu, or Arch Linux Operating Systems

• One Hour System Battery Backup (with Semi-Safe OS Power Down)

VESA Mount RPi4B Case 3D Hub Quote

The Case can be ordered from 3D Hub after downloading the STL files from Thingiverse or order directly from Thingiverse.

Build Notes

This section is to document design specifications outside the marketing literature. These notes are for the redesign to incorporate the wiring inside the RPi4B case. Part of the wiring is power that originates from a 12V DC 5Amp transformer that goes directly into the monitor (via the battery) and the other goes through a step-down transformer to convert the 12V to 5V 4A that powers the RPi4B.

In this configuration, batteries are used for both the monitor and the RPi. The monitor's battery is an automatic switching pack that keeps the monitor powered when going mobile. It should last about an hour before needing AC outlet power. The RPi battery is internal to the case and should last over an hour, depending on the amount of CPU use (some apps consume more power than an idle PC) and battery capacity (this configuration uses 5Amp) and age.

The internal power stepdown transformer has a female 5.5mm x 2.1mm jack on the input terminals (specs below) and are hardwired output to the male USB Type C connector that plugs directly into the RPi4B USB-C connector. The input power to the monitor battery pack comes from the 12V splitter and the battery output plugs into the monitor's DC input power jack.

• 5.5 MM x 2.1 MM Female Dimensions

• Socket: Threaded metal DC female receptacle plug

• Mount Hole Diameter : 11mm

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Cables used to avoid soldering:

• 6" Male to Male DC Cable: https://www.pchcables.com/vb870-dc-6.html

• eBay Female DC 5.5x2.1 Connector to Male USB Type C Connector Extension Cable