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PiAngle Zero - Not just another Pi Zero USB Hub

A plug-n-play 4 port USB hub for the Pi Zero - No soldering required! Also provides a power source for the Pi

sean-hodginsSean Hodgins
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When the Pi Zero was first announced I immediately realized that there was going to be a need for a simple way to get more USB Ports. People like to play games and not everyone wants to use the command line via SSH or UART. My thoughts were backed up by the fact that there are several people adding their own modifications to the Pi. Often soldering directly too it. I opted for a more clean solution that I feel the majority of users would be more comfortable using.
The PiAngle Uses two USB Micro Board connections to make directly to the Pi Zero, no soldering required! It will also power the Pi using the intended method of power(the power USB).

I designed this USB hub to be generally user friendly. That means no soldering or hacking, just a clean plug-n-play solution. The idea is that with everyone jumping on the Pi Zero band-wagon(myself included), there is going to be a large range of users; some of which are not going to be as familiar with certain things like soldering and wiring. I wanted a solution that would work for everyone.

Now availble on Tindie! https://www.tindie.com/products/idlehandsdev/piangle-plug-n-play-raspberry-pi-zero-usb-hub/

PiAngle_v03.pdf

Adobe Portable Document Format - 7.66 MB - 04/07/2016 at 14:56

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davedarko wrote 01/01/2018 at 10:17 • point

Hey Mr. KiCad user, would be cool if you could add a PDF for your schematics as well :) I was able to open it with my KiCad, but had to click through some errors. Thanks for sharing all the stuff though :)

  Are you sure? yes | no

Maxime Demiguel wrote 08/31/2016 at 18:52 • point

The 

USB Type B Micro Male Board Connector Part 1 of 2

is discontinued. Is this one compatible ?

http://www.digikey.ca/product-detail/en/hirose-electric-co-ltd/ZX20-B-5S-UNIT(30)/H125237-ND/5994703

  Are you sure? yes | no

Sean Hodgins wrote 08/31/2016 at 19:55 • point

Yeah that is correct. The brackets in the "(30)" part are cause issues on some websites.

  Are you sure? yes | no

Johnny wrote 07/08/2016 at 14:55 • point

Interesting design! I was wondering, does your board supports individual usb port power cycling?

  Are you sure? yes | no

James Newton wrote 02/09/2016 at 01:23 • point

This is brilliantly designed, really lovely work, and "Well Done Sir!" I really wish you all the best on the Kickstarter, etc...

But... (you knew there was going to a but, right?) why not include the HDMI adapter?

  Are you sure? yes | no

Sean Hodgins wrote 02/09/2016 at 01:43 • point

Thanks!

Ah, yes that Pesky HDMI. Well, there are a few issues, but the main one is that the length of a board connection for the USB Micro is different(less) than a board connection HDMI, so you wouldn't but able to plug one or the other in!

  Are you sure? yes | no

James Newton wrote 02/09/2016 at 03:28 • point

And you wanted to be a 90' so you couldn't compensate by placing it at a different location on the PCB as you could have done if your board laid on the same plane as the Pi?

  Are you sure? yes | no

James Newton wrote 02/09/2016 at 19:45 • point

Makes perfect sense. And again, really nicely done board.

  Are you sure? yes | no

Sean Hodgins wrote 02/09/2016 at 04:08 • point

For whatever reason I can't reply to your other comment.(no reply button)

Well, I investigated a number of options before designing the PiAngle. I came to the conclusion that USB Micro on board "Plugs" (male) are rare, and the options are limited. They are designed for the end of cables. The vertical mounts(the ones I'm using) are much stronger than any horizontal mounts I have found. The force when inserting and removing the vertical plug is either pushed into the board itself or supported by the solder joints while removing, its extremely difficult to pull a solder filled via out of a board because of how the solder is mounded up on the apposing side. This is why they use them for cables. The USB Micro plugs I have found are very robust, and the new ones I am testing out that I posted above seem even more so(testing a board later this week). I have not found a horizontal board mount USB Micro mount that I would trust for reliability.

Of course there is the form factor as well, making a little case, making it unique, those things don't hurt either. Its funny that so many people seem to think its just going to break off. What are they doing to their Pis? The only way this is going to be damaged, is in a situation where the Pi would be damaged as well. Its is extremely secure.

But to answer your question, the HDMI could be attached if the board was horizontal, but the HDMI mini plugs are again, very limited in design and they don't look very reliable for a bare board, more for the inside of an encased cable. It would probably add a lot to the cost too, and my cheap HDMI adapter fits nicely under the PiAngle and works great. 

  Are you sure? yes | no

Jarrett wrote 02/03/2016 at 20:54 • point

Really slick form factor. Have some gerbers available? :D

  Are you sure? yes | no

Sean Hodgins wrote 02/05/2016 at 15:13 • point

Thanks! Soon yes, still working out some final design changes.

  Are you sure? yes | no

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