If you wish to stack two or more of these enclosures, the screws that serve as feet can be replaced by M8-1.25x16mm grub screws.
1.25mm is the pitch between threads, and for the M8 (8mm outer diameter) that's the default pitch, and most are advertised as M8x16mm screws. 16mm is really the minimum workable length to catch both the bottom and top aluminium standoffs, with both washers and the acrylic sheet in between. It's workable, but if you can get 20mm it's probably for the best.
The “Model A” Acrylic Open Enclosure is a case for “Model A” sized single-board computers (Pine A64, ROCKPro64, Quartz64 Model A) sold by PINE64, available from the official store.
A Pine A64 mounted in the "Model A" Acrylic Open Enclosure. The text on the top is "PINE64" nowadays.
For the Quartz64 Model A, you may need to file down the inner corner of one of the mounting posts for the little mic connector on the bottom of the board to clear it.
Non-artistâs impression of the replacement top plate
User:CounterPillow has created an alternate 3D-printable top plate which allows for the mounting of a 40mmx40mmx10mm fan, as well as allowing for PCIe cards to be mounted while the case is assembled. The STL and STEP files are available under https://wiki.pine64.org/wiki/File:Model_A_acrylic_case_top_plate_with_fan_cutout.zip free of charge, licensed as CC-BY 4.0.
A fan is mounted to it using self-tapping fan screws usually shipped with computer fans; put the fan on the underside of the plate, and screw in the self-tapping screws from the top side. You can either have the fan exhaust air through the top, or blow it onto the SoCâs heatsink. The latter configuration appears to work better, but precise measurements havenât been made yet.
Recommended printing material is PETG for its structural rigidity. However, PLA will likely work fine as well, and is easier to print. A 0.6mm nozzle was used for test prints, but any nozzle should work. Depending on the layer height you choose, your print may come out slightly thicker or thinner; this is no problem though. Itâs recommended to enable the advanced “Detect Thin Walls” option in slic3r to get a cleaner g-code result around the fan holes.
To install the SBC inside the case, stick the long screws into the SBC mounting holes from below, place the board such that the screws sit in its mounting holes, and screw on the brass fasteners on top of the SBC.
A fan is mounted to it using self-tapping fan screws usually shipped with computer fans; put the fan on the underside of the plate, and screw in the self-tapping screws from the top side. You can either have the fan exhaust air through the top, or blow it onto the SoCâs heatsink. The latter configuration appears to work better, but precise measurements havenât been made yet.
Recommended printing material is PETG for its structural rigidity. However, PLA will likely work fine as well, and is easier to print. A 0.6mm nozzle was used for test prints, but any nozzle should work. Depending on the layer height you choose, your print may come out slightly thicker or thinner; this is no problem though. Itâs recommended to enable the advanced “Detect Thin Walls” option in slic3r to get a cleaner g-code result around the fan holes.
The print will take approximately 7.8 metres of filament, and take in the order of one hour, though this depends on slicer settings and printer model.
The cooling performance with a Noctua NF-A4x10 5V PWM is enough to no longer throttle after a few minutes of cpuburn, but comfortably sitting at below 75°C instead. The memory has no temperature sensor, but will likely be cooled quite a bit as well.
Rough wiring diagram of how to PWM control the fan from a ROCK64 with a helper Arduino
Since the ROCK64 has no PWM pins available to control the fan, a slight workaround can be done; with the gpio-fan device tree binding, an Arduino can be controlled to soft-PWM a suitable 25 kHz signal for the fan. The ROCK64 uses 3.3V on the GPIO pins, so youâll need to logic level convert it to 5V if youâre using a 5V Arduino, and if youâre using a 3.3V microcontroller, youâll need to logic level shift the output PWM signal as the 5V fan will be expecting 5V PWM on the PWM pin.
The device tree changes and the Arduino sketch which User:CounterPillow created for this can be used for any purpose by anyone. It is recommended to play around with the device tree though, to add more trip points for better control over when the fan actually ramps up, and adding more hysteresis as the temperature reading from the ROCK64 is quite jumpy.
The PINE64 NAS Case is intended for either a Network Attached Storage (NAS) or Desktop application, but it can also be used in a number of other server capacities. It is built from precision-cut and powder-coated aluminum. The physical dimensions are 232.4mm (Width) x 105.0mm (Height) x 145.2mm (Depth).
An exploded view of the NAS Case, illustrating how all the components come together, can be found here. Please refer back to this PDF document during assembly to verify correct orientation of individual components.
Front View of the PINE64 NAS Case for the ROCKPro64
You will need the PCIe to SATA adapter from the PINE64 store to connect your disks to your ROCKPro64 board. https://forum.pine64.org/showthread.php?tid=6932. WARNING: this adapter does not work well with two HDDs, see https://forum.pine64.org/showthread.php?tid=6511:
To assemble a functional NAS in the NAS Case you will require a number of additional parts.
With the exception of HDDs/SSDs, everything you need for a complete build can be purchased from the PINE store:
There are a few other things which you may wish to consider purchasing for your NAS. These peripherals, while not necessary from an operational standpoint, may contribute to the longevity and stability of your NASâ operation OR expand it with additional functionality:
An eMMC to USB 2.0 adapter
A tall heatsink (N.B. Any of the three available heatsinks will fit in the NAS Case)
The OMV WebGUI is easy to understand but also very robust. It offers easy installation of plugins, system administration and overview of available services
If you are intending to build a home or small company NAS, then we strongly recommend you use Open Media Vault (OMV). OMV is an open source NAS solution that makes setting up user accounts, network shares and services a breeze. It also simplifies installing additional features (called plugins), such as: PLEX media server; Remote Desktop; Encryption; RSync; etc.
Its worth noting that Nextcloud, or other similar Cloud storage solutions, can also be easily installed alongside the OMV OS Image.
Administration and monitoring of OMV is done via an advanced WebGUI, which also allows for updating and upgrading the ROCKPro64.
To learn more about OMV please visit their website.
To download the latest OMV build OR one of the numerous available Linux Distribution OS Images please visit the ROCKPro64 OS download section.
Remove the top of the NAS Case. It is held together by two screws on either side with the exception of the bottom (left, right, top and back). Once done, the top of the case should lift right off without any resistance.
The next step is to remove the HDD/SSD holding bracket, which is screwed into the bottom of the case. Flip the bottom over and undo the screws which hold the bracket in place.
You should now be left with a bare case ready for installation of the necessary components.
Correct Placement of the ROCKPro64 in the empty case, with Ethernet; Power; and HDMI at the back of the NAS Case
Front IO with IR and LED relay installed
Make sure nothing is plugged into your ROCKPro64 - including a micro SD card.
If you intend to use a heatsink with your board then please install it now before proceeding. If you bought the heatsink from the Pine64 store it comes with thermal paste and/or a thermal pad. You can use one or the other (not both!). The thermal pad is easier to apply but the thermal paste should be better at cooling if properly applied.
Place your ROCKPro64 into the case with USB 2.0 and 3.0/C ports facing the front of the case. It should fit snugly and align with the port cut-outs in the case. Do not attempt at installing the board at an angle; insert it while holding it level and lowering it into the case.
Secure the board with 4x screws included in the see-through bag. Make sure that the board is held firmly in the case but do not overtighten the screws.
In the see-through bag you will also find a small semi-opaque plastic cylinder. This is the LED light lead and it should be installed from the outside of the case into the hole right over the reset (RST) switch. Simply press it into the hole until it sits tight.
If you wish to install an IRx receiver into your case then you should also place it into the IR socket at this stage. It should align with the cutout right above the power (PWR) switch.
PCIe to SATA installed. Note the SATA connection orientation
With the board in place itâs time to set up the PCIe to SATA adapter and do the cabling necessary to attach HDDs / SSDs.
Place the SATA Adapter into the PCIe slot on the ROCKPro64 board so that the holding bracket of the adapter faces the back of the case. In the back of the case there is a cutout for the PCIe adapter; some
variants of the PCIe dual SATA adapter can be configured for eSATA if need be, and the eSATA ports are accessible in the back of the case. By default, the internal SATA connectors are active on the adapter.
Secure the PCIe dual SATA Adapter with a single screw at the top of the bracket, in the back of the NAS Case.
This is the right time to plug in the SATA and custom power cable. The SATA cables plug into the ports on the top or front of the adapter while the power cable plugs into DC header located on the board - just below the power jack, to the left of the Ethernet port (when viewed from front).
Have the cables hang outside the case or to the side for now so that they do not get in the way until they are needed.
The next step is to install HDDs/ SSDs into their holding bracket; 2.5 inches drives need to be installed at the very bottom of the bracket whi inchese 3.5 inches drives are at the top of the the bracket.
For 2.5 inches drives make sure that the drives are oriented up and their SATA and power ports face the front of the NAS Case.
For 3.5 inches HDDs, make sure they are oriented up and their SATA and power ports face the right side of the NAS Case (towards the fan mounting location).
Each drive you mount in the holding bracket requires 4x screws which come supplied in the see-through bag. Make sure the drives are held in place firmly but do not over-tighten the screws.
Once the holding bracket is assembled and you have your drives mounted, please set it aside and proceed to the next step.
The 80mm fan is a worthwhile addition to the NAS Case build
If you have additional peripherals, such as an eMMC or WiFi/BT module as well as the 80mm fan, then now is the right time to install them. If you have none of the above, please proceed to step 6 of this guide.
The eMMC and WiFi/BT modules are fitted into their respective placements on the ROCKPro64 board - please consult the diagram for their correct installation.
If you intend to use external u.FL to SMA antennas in the NAS Case then this is also the time to install them into the case. In the back section of the case at the very top you will find three cut-outs where the SMA antennas can be fitted. Donât plug the u.FL leads antenna leads into the WiFi/BT module just yet - instead wait until after the disk holding bracket is installed into the case (step 6).
The fan should be mounted on the right-hand side of the case. We suggest that the fan is oriented for negative pressure, blowing air out of the case rather than taking air in. (User:AlephNull disagrees and recommends a positive pressure configuration both to allow a filter to be placed over the intake to prevent dust ingress and because the cage on the outlet side of the fan helps keep the wiring for 3.5" disks away from the fan blades). For best cable management results, have the fan power lead face the front of the case so that it can easily be routed to its header located next to GPIO pins on the ROCKPro64.
The fan should be secured using 4x long screws (that fasten into bolts) which can be found in the see-through bag supplied with the NAS Case.
Plug in the fan at this stage of the installation and route the cable at the bottom of the front of the case.
Installing the HDD/SSD bracket into the case and wiring it up is the last step before closing up the case.
Place the bracket with the disks installed (from step 4) into the case. The bracket should line up with the guiding bolts and screw holes at the bottom of the case. The section of the bracket that holds 3.5 inches HDDs needs to face the left side of the case (when viewed from front) and should overhang the ROCKPro64 board slightly. T inchese 3.5 inches SATA and power ports should face the right side of the case - where the fan mount inches, while 2.5 inches SATA and power ports should face the front of the case.
With the bracket aligned, flip the bottom of the case over while holding the bracket in place. Screw it into place using 4x Phillips head screws that came included with the NAS Case.
The last thing remaining before the NAS Case can be screwed shut is routing SATA and power cables:
For 3.5 inches HDDs we suggest routing power and SATA cables underneath the drives, whe inchese 2.5 inches HDDs/SSDs would otherwise reside.
For 2.5 inches disks you have plenty of routing options as there is much space available. The most obvious route is straight over the disks, where t inchese 3.5 inches HDDs would reside.
Almost there. All thatâs left to do is to screw together the NAS Case. Screw in the top front screws first followed by screws on either side of the case. Do the back screws last. There, you are done.
To power on your new NAS Case and HDDs all you need to do is to plug in power and Ethernet (This is obviously assuming that you are intending to use it as a NAS or a headless server).
Base on Silicon Libs CP2102
Support Virtual COM Port Device Drivers
Support USBXpressâą Direct Driver Support
With XH 5 pin 2.54mm pitch connector for UART connection
Voltage Output on the connection is selectable to either 5V,3.3V or off
On board USB-B Connector Receptor
Connector J3 can direct insert into Pine A64 Exp-Bus to provide console access to Pine A64 board
I/O pin are protected with ESD protector IC.
On board 5x2pin connector can direct insert into Pine A64 Exp Bus for UART0 Console access
Can use for programming and debugging for Wifi Remote I/O board
Sit on top of Pine A64 board
All the header receptor will have extended length pin to allow other POT board to insert on top of it
Allow easy access to all the I/O pin on the Pine A64 header
On board 4pcs of LED with current limiting resistor all direct connect to I/O pin for status indicator
On board 4pcs of Tact switch
On board XH5 2.54mm pitch connector for UART0 allow easy connection to USB/UART adapter for console access
Sit on top of Pine A64 board
All the header receptor will have extended length pin to allow other POT board to insert on top of it
Allow easy access to all the I/O pin on the Pine A64 header
2 channel of I2C bus is wire out for easy access
I2C bus repeater IC (PCA9517A) are included in each I2C bus to allow connection of more devices on each bus
Support 3.3V and5V I2C bus for each channel separately
On Board separated 3.3V supply regulator for3.3V I2C Bus
Each I2C bus pin are protected with ESD protector devices
Each channel consist of 4 pcs of XH 4 pin 2.54mm pitch connector and2 pcs of XH 5 pin 2.54mm pitch connector
For the XH 4 pin connector, will consist of GND,SCL,SDA,5V pin
For the XH 5 pin connector, will consist of GND,nINT,SCL,SDA,5V pin
5V supplier is direct connect from Pine A64 adapterâs supply thus prevent over loading Pine A64 board
The nINT pin will allow peripheral with interrupt pin link back to the Pine A64 I/O pin
Adapter for Arduino Shield
Separate on board LM1117 3.3V LDO for the Shield
Base on Maxim MAX11609 on ADC input. Allow up to 5V analog signalExtra 5V input DC jack socket (suitable for4.0mm X 1.7mm DC Jack) for extra input power
Base on Silicon Labs Si7021 I2C Humidity and Temperature Sensor
High Accuracy Temperature Sensor ±0.4 °C (max), â10 to 85 °C
0 to 100% RH operating range
Up to â40 to +125 °C operating range
On board 3.3V regulator
2pcs of XH 4pin 2.54 mm pitch connector to allow daisy chain of multiple I2C sensor
Base on TAOS/AMS TSL2561T I2C Light Sensor
Approximates Human Eye Response
Programmable Interrupt Function allow user defined upper/lower limit trigger threshold
Automatically rejects 50/60Hz lighting ripple
Build with 2 channel of photodiode/ADC to allow more accurate calculation of light intensity (in Lux)
Can support up to 3pcs of sensor in the same I2C channel
On board 3.3V regulator
2pcs of XH 5pin 2.54 mm pitch connector to allow daisy chain of multiple I2C sensor
Base on ESP8266 Wifi Chipset
Connect to Wifi AP
On board chip antenna or U-FL connector for external antenna
On board relay contact (TE PCJ-105D3M with 3A 275Vac Contact) with screw type terminal contact to support AC Line On/Off
On board 1pc Tact-switch
XH 5 2.54mm pitch connector connecting I2C device
XH 6 2.54mm pitch connector for GPIO/SPI/PWM output
XH 2 2.54mm pitch connector for system power 5V input or output
DC Jack socket (suitable for 4.0mm X 1.7mm DC Jack) for system power input
UART Port connector ready for on chip programming using USB/UART Programming/Console Adapter (PMPROG01)
2pcs of XH 5pin 2.54 mm pitch connector to allow daisy chain of multiple I2C sensor
For windows system, you can use terminal emulator program Termite to configure the device.
Make sure the ‘Port’ setting is refer to the USB/UART Programming/Console Adapter (PMPROG01)’s Virtual Comm Port.
Follow the setting according to the setup screen capture. (57600Baud 8-N-1)
Once Termite configuration is done, press ‘OK’ to save the setting.
On the Wifi Remote I2c Device, Press the configuration button to allow the device to go into configuration mode.Press Config Mode button to go into configuration mode
Type ‘help’ to show the command available for configuration.
Type ‘show’ to list out current configuration.
We will use PineA64 as our Wifi Remote I2c moduleâs server.
To Set the PineA64âs IP address in to the device, enter (we will be using IP address 192.168.0.230 as example)
server 192.168.0.230
To configure the Wifi AP SSID and Password, (eg SSID=TestingWifi and Password=12345 )
wifi TestingWifi 12345
The SSID and password are case sensitive. Please make sure it is input correctly.
Once configuration is done, type ’exit’ to exit configuration mode and allow the device to reboot.
Please make sure your network is has DHCP server. The WiFi Remote i2c module will be running on DHCP mode and will requesting a IP address from your networkâs DHCP server.
After reboot, the Red LED indicator will start to blink in fast blinking mode.
Once the WiFi Remote I2c module connected to the WiFi Access Point, the LED indicator will go into slow blinking mode.
The hardware configuration is done.
The next step will be configure the PineWifiServer into your PineA64 board.
Copy WifiAppDemo xxxxxxxx.gz into your same PineA64 board that currently running with PineWifiServer. (where xxxxxxxx is the version number)
Unzip both of the file using gunzip.
Add Execution flag on both of the file by
chmod +x WifiAppDemo
before start running the demo application, please logout any telnet session to the PineWifiServer.
The demo application will telnet into the PineWifiServer and start polling all the available Wifi Remote I2c device currently connected to the server.
The demo application will also poll the I2c port of the hardware for the Ambient Light Sensor and the Temperature/Humidity Sensor if the sensor is connected to the Wifi Remote I2c module.
To start the WifiAppDemo, type
./WifiAppDemo
The Application will connect the PineWifiServer currently running in the localhost.
Example of screen shot with WifiAppDemo polling multiple Wifi Remote I2c with Ambient Light Sensor and Humidity/Temperature Sensor connected on it. The speed for each round of polling is 1 second per poll.
