Introduction: Dewalt Raspberry Pi Development Laptop

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About: I am 37, I have a job that allows me to build and make daily. I love my job. I have 6 children, my oldest is also a maker and has written her own instructables. I own a computer repair shop, and I build a lot …

Ok let me start by saying I LOVE Dewalt tools. I buy dewalt any time i can, even my toolboxes are black and yellow. The initial reason for this project was to contain all of the parts i would need to have to use a raspberry pi into a unit that could be taken home or on the road with me.

Step 1: Parts Required

Here are the Parts I used to build this.

  1. Case I used a dewalt case i purchased off of ebay
  2. Raspberry Pi 3 -- Amazon $36.50
  3. LED Screen - I used a screen from a broken chromebook
  4. LED Screen Driver -- Amazon - $29.58
  5. 12V Dewalt Charger and Battery - I had an extra one and did not need to purchase one
  6. Wireless Mouse -- Amazon - $8.99
  7. Dewalt Component Case -- Amazon $5.98
  8. Pi Cobbler - Amazon - $9.99
  9. 12v Power Supply - Amazon - $9.59
  10. 12v to 5v Converter - Amazon - $11.58
  11. Mini digital voltmeter x 2 -- banggood
  12. Panel mount USB extention x 3 -- Amazon - $4.10
  13. Panel Mount Ethernet Extension -- Amazon - $6.89
  14. Toggle switch- on - off x 2 -- Amazon - $8.99
  15. Bluetooth Keyboard - i had an extra one from a tablet case. I found something very similar on Amazon here.
  16. Diode x 2-- I used 100v 5 amp -- Amazon - $4.55
  17. AC plug- I stole mine from a bad computer power supply. This is them on Amazon here.

Step 2: Remove Inside Drill Holder Plastic Thingys

First step is to take the Dewalt case and remove the plastic holder thingys that hold the drill and charger and such. Map out how you want to arrange everything first and then remove them. I used various tools but my multi saw seemed to work the best.

Step 3: Modify the Dewalt 12v Charger

Take apart the charger and hook up the positive and negitive to the points shown in the picture. this will give us 12v when a battery is plugged in. Now the charger will only put out 12 volts if the battery is in place, that is why i am using a 12 power supply as well.

Step 4: Install the Screen

I just used a couple pieces of wood that i cut to fit, and hot glued to the inside of the case. I would highly recomend plugging it all in and making sure everything works before you install it in the case. I have not had any issues but i have to assume that this driver does not work with every model of LCD.

Step 5: Finish Wiring

So, the drawing i made is really crude, but basically the ac power coming in from the side is connected to the dewalt charger to charge the battery and also to a 12v power supply. so if there is no battery then it will still run from ac voltage. I put 2 diode in line so that the voltmeters would display the correct voltage and not "bleed over", so to speak. I included the DXF file for the panel if you have a laser cutter. Or you could do the same thing with 1/8th in plywood or even cardboard.

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Step 6: Make It Pretty

I am going to let the pictures speak for themselves on this part. I did add velcro to most of the loose parts inside to keep it from bouncing around. If you happen to have a silhouette cameo vinyl cutter then i included the file to make the cool sticker I put on the side. I cut two strips of nylon strap and put them in the corners to make it stay open. I used hot glue to attach these as well.

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Step 7: Finished

I had a blast making this. It worked out so well i ended up making another one for my dad. I made this a couple months ago and i use it a lot, it works great. I hope you enjoyed reading my indestructible. If you like it please vote on it to win a contest. Thank you.