Turn USB ports around to face over board

[charlie2999]

Hey!
I'm wondering if it is possible to turn the usb ports around so that the ports are facing inwards over the board.

The reason I want to do this is that there is a local hosting provider that is providing free co-location for raspberry pi's with the condition that nothing is sticking out from the case besides the memorycard.

So I'm thinking that If i can turn the usb ports around I can stick two 64GB usb memory sticks in it and fill my hosting needs for a few years atleast.

Thanks!

[charlie2999]

Alternately (and easier) is if there are any ultra low profile USB extension cables available.
The key being that they don't stick out more than 3mm.

[FLYFISH TECHNOLOGIES]

Hi,

I'm wondering if it is possible to turn the usb ports around so that the ports are facing inwards over the board.

Each pin/signal on the USB port is unique. I haven't seen any USB connector so far, which would have somehow swapped pins and would allow simple replacement you're asking about. Therefore, rotating the connector would require to swap also pins inside dongles... (might be feasible if connector is through-hole).

What you could do (with proper (de)soldering skills !) is to remove USB connector and solder it back with short wires. That would allow you its "flexible rotations"... which should be fixed in final position, of course.

Another (definitelly much better) solution is to add USB adapter like this: http://dx.com/p/hame-usb-right-angle-to ... shoppingau
It still adds some milimeters to the overall dimensions, but maybe the hosting provider would not complain.
If you pick two of them, one of each heading in oposite upside-down directions, then you could have two dongles attached... But increased height might also not be accepted (?)

Maybe hosting provider can also give you some better info, according to exceptions they have accepted so far...


Best wishes, Ivan Zilic.

[charlie2999]

On their website they have put the measurment limitations: 10(L) x 3(H) x 7(B) cm
This gives me 3-5 mm of space on the usb port, and basically 0 space available in all other directions.

The adapter you linked wont work because of its height. Im thinking I might be able to make my own adapter .
Thinking I might be able to do it with a kit like this and soldering my own connection.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Standard-USB-Co ... 35ceeba5a8

[gordon77]

What about power and Ethernet connections ?

[FLYFISH TECHNOLOGIES]

Hi,

Im thinking I might be able to make my own adapter

The one below could save you some microns more...
http://uk.farnell.com/multicomp/mc32604 ... dp/1696545


Best wishes, Ivan Zilic.

[Lob0426]

I removed the USB connector and soldered in 1/10th inch pin headers. I then made USB dongles that plugged into them. Height could be a problem here for you.

I also have soldered dongles directly to the board.

The direct solder method is not very robust. USB wires are just too small. I had problems with broken wires even when handled with care. A fix for that would be some hot glue as a strain relief.

I use USB extensions and cut off the male end. Less soldering and less points of failure to deal with.

Color code is: red, white, green, black. From the Ethernet to the LED's.

A pair of side cutters makes short work of the USB connector. Then de-solder what's left!

Richard

[achrn]

Cut the usb port off, solder on flying wires, de-case a usb stick, solder to teh wires, wrap it in kapton tape and then stick it down on the Pi board. It will fit within the footprint of the board and within the height of the USB socket.

I haven't done it to a Pi, but it's the way I added a 'disk' to a EeePc (though in that case I intercepted the USB signals without cutting off a usb socket), and there's probably less space inside a laptop case than inside a Pi case.

[Lob0426]

Cut the usb port off, solder on flying wires, de-case a usb stick, solder to teh wires, wrap it in kapton tape and then stick it down on the Pi board. It will fit within the footprint of the board and within the height of the USB socket.

I haven't done it to a Pi, but it's the way I added a 'disk' to a EeePc (though in that case I intercepted the USB signals without cutting off a usb socket), and there's probably less space inside a laptop case than inside a Pi case.

Definitely will work.

The only real problem here is it makes it hard to replace a failed stick if need be.

A dongle will easily fit into the footprint of a RasPi. Even with an old full size USB stick. Even smaller if you strip the casing from it and wrap it with tape.

Again the wires into the PCB are your weak spot. Hot glue or something to stop the wires from breaking by providing a strain relief.

Many methods to cure the USB connector sticking out. Most need a steady hand and a soldering iron!

[ame]

Hey!
The reason I want to do this is that there is a local hosting provider that is providing free co-location for raspberry pi's with the condition that nothing is sticking out from the case besides the memorycard.

Use a bigger case.