PiDP-1 - Wrapup - operator panel and rack

Click on any icon image to see the larger photo.

I spent some time considering how to solder the circuit assembly into the operator panel. I realized the circuit board is intended to be switched between rack version and console version of the kit, which menat the circuit board with LEDs and switches should be easy to remove and install.

Given this reasoning, it seemed sensible to install the ottopanel into the operator panel without the circuit board or outer finish panel. Installing the ottopanel alone meant easy access to all solder points and clear viewing of the process.

I proceeded to install the ottopanel by setting it against the lower ottopanel, checking and rechecking alignment, then taping and soldering a few key points. Once alignment was verified, I proceed to solder the ottopanel in completely, including tabs.

It went quickly and I am very pleased with the result. After completion I verified both the main circuit board and small switch circuit could be installed easily.

With the ottopanel soldered in place, I fitted the main circuit board, then placed the outer finish operator panel and located the LEDs and switches. I was able to install the 3 key nuts on the switches to hold things together.

I then installed the small switch panel in the same way, using a few nuts to fasten things together.

The finished operator panel looks amazing!

Afterward I removed the nuts and circuit boards and outer panel so I could assemble the PiDP-1 rack.

With the lower panel in place and only the ottopanel in the operator panel, I fitted the operator panel to the rack.

In a similar manner I fitted the speaker panel (right side up this time), the paper tape panel (without USB jacks) and the I/O panel. I made liberal use of the frame clips at the T-piece junctions as this gives good rigidity to the rack.

I discovered that I had mounted the plastic clips on the speaker panel to the outside panel instead of the inside panel, so disassembled the rack and corrected the location of the clips. I then reassembled the rack and everything looks awesome!

At this point the circuit boards are not installed in the operator panel, and non of the connective wiring has been installed.

I have not found the missing LED standoff for the operator panel, and so have not yet installed the final LED. Once I install that LED I can test the operator panel circuit boards, then finish assembly of the rack with the circuit boards in place and finally complete the rest of the wiring between panels.

There are a few issues holding up completion of the PiDP-1 at this time:

• I am missing one LED standoff. I cannot install the final LED in the operator panel until I find an alternative or replacement.
• I examined my Raspberry Pi 5 that has been configured to run PiDP-1 software, and it has an NVME M.2 SSD 'hat' that sits on top of the Pi-5. It also plugs into the GPIO header, making it incompatible with the PiDP-1 kit whieh also needs to plug into the GPIO header. I have ordered a bottom NVME 'hat' which I know solves the problem (used with my PiDP-10 to great success).
• I am out of solder, so cannot complete the console final soldering until new solder arrives (est. Dec 31, 2025).
• There may be issues needing debugging and correction once I run the test software on the operator panels.

Update 2025-12-28

• Concerning the missing LED standoff; Mike Gardi from Ontario has offered to send me a few so I can complete the kit. They should arrive later this week. Many thanks, Mike!
• The solder arrived today, so I was able to finish the console case soldering. I added the two back panels as well. See below for a link to the photos from the console page.

Update 2025-12-29

• I installed the two IC's into the top I/O panel of the rack. Once the operator panel is tested and verified, it can be installed and the panel connections made to complete the rack PiDP-1.
• I installed the three ICs into the operator panel circuit board, so I am ready for testing when the Pi-5 is ready with bottom m.2 hat. I know one LED is missing, but it should still allow everything else to be tested.
• The NVME m.2 bottom hat is due to arrive today. I will install it and test the m.2 SSD from the existing top hat to see if it works or if I need to rebuild the SSD.
• I removed the top back plate from the console case as it was interfering with the IC install. I am going to leave it off for now.

Update 2025-12-29

• The NVME m.2 bottom hat did arrive today. After a few hiccups (my fault) it replaced the top hat and booted the SSD to PiDP-1.
• I installed the Raspberry Pi-5 with bottom hat into the console and ran /opt/pidp1/test.sh and verified all LEDS (except the missing one) worked. I also enabled hardware console and ran the snowflake tape. More on this on the testing page.
• Until the standoff arrives, the kit is as complete as possible and using the console case. It is running snowflake 24/7.