DIY Micro USB Hub for Raspberry Pi Zero
Intro: DIY Micro USB Hub for Raspberry Pi Zero
After ordering the new Raspberry Pi Zero I suddenly realised I didn't have a suitable micro USB cable adapter to connect either a keyboard or mouse to it. Now common sense would have been to go back on-line and order either suitable cables or a suitable micro USB hub but as the maker saying goes "necessity being the mother of invention" so I decide to make my own. In this case a non-powered micro USB hub.
STEP 1: Get the USB Bits
Getting the base components was easy. A quick call into a "pound" (or the equivalent dollar, euro etc.) shop got me a micro USB data/charging cable and a USB hub as shown for the princely sum of £2.
STEP 2: Tools
The basic tools are:
- Cutter Screwdriver (flat and/or Philips)
- Wire cutters
- Wire Strippers
- Scalpel/Small knife
- Soldering Iron
- Solder
STEP 3: Open USB Hub Case
Depending on the screws used in the USB Hub case you may need a Philips screwdriver to open the plastic USB Hub enclosure. In my case, the Hub's plastic enclosure was clipped together and a bit of squeezing and gentle persuading with a flat bladed screw driver saw it come apart.
STEP 4: De-solder USB Cable
Once the USB hub is apart you should see a small PCB with a number of USB connectors and a cable. Make a note of the wire colour and positions. De-solder the existing USB wires from the PCB. Carefully apply heat from the soldering iron to the soldered wire and when the solder melts, gently lift the wire away from the PCB pad.
STEP 5: Prepare Micro USB Cable
With the wire cutters, cut the USB A connector (the bigger of the two USB connectors) off the cable. With the wire cutters or a small knife/scalpel cut back and remove about 2cm of the external cable insulation.
Using the wire strippers, strip about 5mm of insulation from each of the individual wires. Finally, for each wire twist the copper strands and using the soldering iron, "tin" them and repeat for all wires.
STEP 6: Soldering the New Cable
Remembering to use the info from the note you made earlier ;-), match the wire colour's to the PCB pad and solder the first of the new wires from the micro USB cable back on to the USB Hub PCB.
Repeat this for each of the wires in the micro USB cable. Once finished, check your work for any solder bridges and/or dry joins.
STEP 7: Putting It Back Together
Once you're soldered all the wires back on the USB Hub PCB, reassemble it back into its plastic enclosure. You may want to add a tye-wrap to act as a strain relief for the micro USB cable.
FIN
7 Comments
lborges1 6 years ago
Thanks, the hub works with the Pi zero, and I have a micro USB to USB.
cheap too at the local dollar store $7 CND
I'll be soldering soon :)
_Boltz_ 6 years ago
Didn't worked for me.. :(
tresho 8 years ago
I already had a powered USB hub I was using for other purposes when I bought my RPI Zero last week. I bought an OTG microUSB/standard USB adapter cable for $2.49 at the same store I bought the Zero at. That adapter cable allows my powered hub to directly connect through its standard size USB plug to the USB jack on the Zero. The Zero's "USB" jack also serves to power the entire Zero as soon as the hub is powered, so the "PWR" jack on the Zero doesn't need to be used at all.
xmass 7 years ago
yes, I confirm this ! the pi zero can be powered from the micro usb OTG port;
in more detail: I have this powered usb hub with network port that connects to the pi zero microUsb OTG port and it works nicely.
CrtSuznik 8 years ago
any advice?
retr 7 years ago
CrtSuznik, I just got an iogear GOFRH202 and can confirm it works ...... 3 usb ports and card reader and it has the otg connection ... I have had my wifi dongle usb keyboard and mouse plugged in at same time and all work. Got mine for $17 bucks canadian. I have tried many others (powered and non powered) and none worked until I tried this one.
https://www.iogear.com/product/GOFRH202/
jiger.jain.39 8 years ago
Hey I need raspberry pi zero I am from india I aint able to get that any one can help please ??