The WLAN Pi Handheld Case

I'm a huge fan of the WLAN Pi, but who in the Wi-Fi community isn't? Whether you're using it as an iPerf throughput testing endpoint, performing wireless packet captures from it, using as a remote Wi-Fi scanning sensor, or capturing client device capabilities, the WLAN Pi is quickly becoming the community-driven Swiss Army Knife of Wi-Fi engineering.

The only real problem with the WLAN Pi is its formfactor. When you arrive on site, you need to pull the Pi itself out of your bag, connect a Wi-Fi adapter, power it via USB, then you can start using it. Now don't get me wrong, the modularity of the WLAN Pi is a really good thing, but it does make it feel less like a tool, and more like a kit. On the other end of the spectrum is the NetAlly LinkSprinter, which you can just toss in your bag when you're done using it. No disassembly required.

That's where the WLAN Pi Handheld Case comes in! Keith Parsons, who among many things, teaches Wi-Fi troubleshooting courses. A big part of the class is all about using the WLAN Pi as a troubleshooting tool, but he wanted to put the whole thing in a case so students could focus on using the Pi, rather than assembling it.

I need to give credit where it is due here: Robert Boardman, who is the 3D printing guy in the Wi-Fi community, designed a beautiful case for the WLAN Pi, which was hugely inspirational. I happened to have some availability for a project, so I decided to take a crack at a handheld case that would build in a Wi-Fi adapter and short USB-C cable, but expose the USB port and ethernet port on the bottom, all while allowing access to the MicroSD slot. Here are the results!


The WLAN Pi Handheld Case consists of two 3D printed parts, a front, and a back. While it does satisfyingly snap together (thanks to the aluminum case on the WLAN Pi itself), it uses three M3 screws and nuts to clamp things together (making it totally impervious to drops and tumbles).


Inside, there's room for the WLAN Pi, the Comfast Wi-Fi adapter, and a MicroUSB to USB-C cable. The USB-C cable is firmly clamped inside the case, and everything is held super securely.


On the outside, there's a small place to lock the USB-C cable in place. Of course, the Ethernet and USB-A ports on the bottom are completely accessible, with plenty of room for a second Wi-Fi adapter such as the Panda.




If your laptop or USB power source is USB-A, there's a recess where the USB-C connector is, so you can leave a USB-A adapter permanently installed.


What if you need to remove the microSD card? The microSD card slot is completely accessible, with a small tray to help you line things up, and an indicator that shows the correct orientation of the SD card. Be careful, due to the design of the WLAN Pi it is possible to lose the SD card in the case, so set the card in the slot, and very gently push the card in. You'll feel it line up with the slot on the WLAN Pi as it seats.


There's also a small notch next to the microSD card slot, so you can see the power LED. Typically, you only need to see it once to make sure the WLAN Pi is booting - in a few seconds, the OLED display comes on and you're good to go.


Keith and I also addressed the massive empty space on the front with a cheat-sheet sticker. I don't have a photo here, but it shows all of the information that you'd need to know at a glance, such as the default IP address, login information, and common port numbers.


Ok, so where do you get one? First off, you can buy one from the Wireless LAN Pros Store as part of a complete WLAN Pi kit. In the near future, you'll be able to buy a case by itself for your existing WLAN Pi. Virtually all of these are printed on my two printers in my office, and it takes about 8 hours to print 3 complete cases, so it might take some time to build up enough stock. In fact, both of my printers have been running for 24 hours a day for two weeks, printing up enough cases to supply the Deep Dives at #WLPC_EU!


What if you have a 3D printer? In a few weeks, I plan to release STL's on prusaprinters.org, so you can print your very own case. If you happen to have an Original Prusa i3 MK3 or MK3s, I'll also provide pre-sliced gcodes, so you can print them exactly like I do. Keep an eye out for an upcoming blog post with links to models and parts.

We interrupt this blog post with an important announcement! The gcodes, STL's, and 3MF's are now available! Click here to view the announcement on Twitter!

P.S. Check out some of the prototypes! And this isn't going to be the only case - there are more designs on the way. Now if you'll excuse me, I need to go start another print!

Comments

  1. Nice!! I saw your initial version when you taught with me at CEDIA Expo... love the hidden PotatoFi Logo! :)

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  2. Where can I get files for 3d printing?

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    Replies
    1. I haven't posted them quite yet! Soon, really soon!

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    2. Do you know when it will be available

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    3. The files are now available!

      https://twitter.com/Potato_Fi/status/1213574519140446208

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  3. Any Updates???? Early Christmas present?

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    Replies
    1. I was hoping to have them ready in time for Christmas, but didn't quite make it. Good news though... they're available now!

      https://twitter.com/Potato_Fi/status/1213574519140446208

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  4. I love this device and will never leave home without it. Please keep me in you mailing list and update me on all new arrivals please. Thanks Wlan Pros, CWNP, and NC-Experts for all the hard work in my career. I have used this device as a IPerf Server and packet analyzer. Keep up the good work. Great Job. Great Product. Smart genius way to troubleshoot wireless and wired networks abroad.

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  5. I have used this product to practice a lot of stuff to analyze my whole network from router to the clients. I am impressed. I have other products my professor Phil Morgan have trained me on in my toolbag but this one brings it all together to allow you to do it all even though you might have interface a tablet or laptop to run the commands via ssh to retrieve the data results

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  6. Hi Joel, unfortunately I don't own a 3D printer and found the kit no longer available on the WLAN Pros store. Will the kit become available again and if so where?

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    Replies
    1. Do you have a WLAN Pi already, and just need the case and components, or do you need the WLAN Pi as well?

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    2. I'm in the same boat. I don't own a 3D printer and can't buy the kit from the store. What happened to it? I'd like to purchase the whole assembly if it's possible.

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    3. Hi Joel, sorry for the late response. I understood from WTF20 that the nano-pi board is no longer manufactured. I already have the rest of the kit. Meanwhile I have downloaded the 3D print design files and had them printed through a third party. Just waiting on Amazon to ship the USB cable and I am good to go. Thank anyhow

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    4. Glad to hear that you found a path forward! I am currently printing about 50 more cases, which will soon be available in the WLAN Pros store as "case-only kits". They'll include the case, M3 nuts and screws, cable, USB-C to USB-A adapter, and the official WLAN Pi sticker. IIRC they are about $35. I hope to send off the first batch of cases in about a week.

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  7. Replies
    1. There are a few kits available on ebay

      https://www.ebay.com/itm/NanoPi-NEO-NEO2-Metal-Complete-Kit-Aluminum-Housing-oled-Programmable-in-Python/313210761502?hash=item48ecd0f11e:g:DxAAAOSwFVBfVtc3

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    2. WLAN Pi's are in pretty short supply right now, due to the discontinuation of the NEO2. If you can track down a NEO2 and Wi-Fi adapter, you can buy a "case only" kit here:

      https://wlanprofessionals.com/product/wlan-pi-handheld-case-kit/

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    3. Hey Joel, do you know if the WLANPi project will continue with the NEO2 plattform or will there be an update soon? You stated that the NEO2 is discontinued. If I start with the project now, would you recommend to buy one of the last NEO2s or shall I wait couple of months and then buy the hardware for a new version of WLANPi?

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    4. Hey Tony, I probably shouldn't try to speak officially for the WLAN Pi Group (WLAN Pi Foundation? WLAN Pi Organization?), but I do know that the NEO2 has reached end-of-life. There is still some stock floating around on the internet, and we can easily produce cases, but the WLAN Pi Group is looking at what the next device will be. I think the plan will be to support the NEO2 well into the future - WLAN Pi OS 2.0 has been specifically designed to be compiled for multiple boards. If you have an opportunity to buy a WLAN Pi today, I see no harm, but in a few months there could be something new on the market. We will see.

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  8. Joel, I just built my WLANPi with your case and I'm greatful for your effort. Thank you.

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  9. hi any link to purchase a wlanpi complete set ?

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    1. Unfortunately, the NanoPi NEO2 was suddenly discontinued, so the WLAN Pi is not currently available for purchase. I'd keep an eye on wlanpi.com for updates.

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    2. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  10. Anyone have a lead on a wlanpi case and sticker? Finally trying to piece one of these together with a neo2 I’ve had for awhile. I had an Apple systems engineer demo this for me a few years ago and bought the neo2 because of it!

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