how to build a r_e_c_u_r - diy enclosure

get some parts

for using other parts and other questions check out the faq , or get in touch.

these are the parts you need to get. to reduce shipping costs to nz i sourced them through aliexpress.com but you could equally get them from ebay or elsewhere.

main parts:

raspberry pi3 37 USD
raspberry pi screen 12 USD
usb keypad (AliExpress) or usb keypad (Amazon) 9 USD

optional c_a_p_t_u_r addons:

raspberry pi camera 7 USD
or piCaptureSd1 149 USD

(note piCaptureSd1 is better supported in v2beta)

other bits and pieces:

4x m2 and 6x m3 screws, 6mm is long enough - i ended up using 4 2-gauge and 6 4-gauge self tapping screws instead which were easier to get into the plastic case.
4 gb or greater mircoSD card
a stable 5volt, 1A microUsb power supply
some rubber feet for the bottom ? i had these rubber feet around from a previous project that work nicely

print some things

i 3d printed my enclosure using these files for the top and bottom. if you dont have access to a printer you can upload these files to a popular printing service in you region (eg ...)
note on enclosure: you could also just buy a standard raspberry pi3 (+screen) case and use the numpad externally. i personally found the 3d printing took a bit too long so am working on a lasercut-able option too. watch this space
2d print these key stickers if you want to use the default key mapping, or modify the svg file (in inkscape or something) to create your own. you could print them onto vinyl, label paper or just normal paper and attach with with double sided tape...

put it together

using etcher (or otherwise) flash the micro sd with my modified image of raspbian (or follow these instructions to install from scratch.)
quick note about versions: i have uploaded a new modified image which you can read about and find here. this fixes some old bugs and adds some new features (and maybe some new bugs) this will replace the above image soon
insert sd card into pi
use the 4 small screws to attach pi+screen to the bottom piece of enclosure
attach the lcd screen via the pi header pins so it fits exactly on top of the pi. (some little spacers could be used to support the top corners of the screen)
put a battery in the keypad , insert its usb dongle into the pi. fasten the keypad to the baseplate; i used some double sided tap along raised strips - although now im thinking superglue might hold better...
use the 6 large screws to hold the top panel to the bottom