I was wanting a really portable serial terminal that I could use “in the field” to reprogram ESP8266 modules running MicroPython. Unfortunately there is a definite lack of simple, serial terminal devices to be found on the market, so I decided to build my own.
After some consideration and research, I figured the most economical route would be to use a Raspberry Pi Zero, because of it’s small size and low cost. It has a large community and ecosystem as well, with many options for a display that would work for such a small device.
Taking inspiration from this project https://n-o-d-e.net/zeroterminal.html I decided to use an inexpensive Bluetooth slide-out keyboard case, for the basis of my device. In my search I found that keyboards for the iPhone 4/4se were rather easy to find so I decided to go that route.
So using TinkerCAD, I produced a 3D printed case that would hold all the components and then fit into the case like a phone. Here is the model that I created… https://www.tinkercad.com/things/4x8bYmt6Dwo.
The construction of the device was pretty straightforward, the LCD and Pi go in first, and then all of the other components.
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Python for Microcontrollers – Adafruit Daily — Python on Microcontrollers Newsletter: Open Hardware is In, New CircuitPython and Pi 5 16GB, and much more! #CircuitPython #Python #micropython @ThePSF @Raspberry_Pi
EYE on NPI – Adafruit Daily — EYE on NPI Maxim’s Himalaya uSLIC Step-Down Power Module #EyeOnNPI @maximintegrated @digikey
Each Friday is PiDay here at Adafruit! Be sure to check out our posts, tutorials and new Raspberry Pi related products. Adafruit has the largest and best selection of Raspberry Pi accessories and all the code & tutorials to get you up and running in no time!