Hardware

The PiRogue’s core hardware consists of a Raspberry Pi 4, a versatile single-board computer, enhanced with a custom-designed HAT (Hardware Attachment on Top). This HAT serves as an expansion board that seamlessly integrates with the Raspberry Pi, providing additional functionalities and enhancing its capabilities. It features a TFT screen, a Real-Time Clock (RTC), and cooling fan control circuitry.

PiRogue HAT#

The SPI TFT screen acts as a visual interface, displaying crucial information such as system status, network activity, and security alerts. It provides a real-time overview of the device’s operation and facilitates monitoring and troubleshooting.

The I2C Real-Time Clock (RTC) ensures accurate timekeeping, independent of network connectivity or external time sources. This precision timing is essential for maintaining consistent timestamps for security events and ensuring the integrity of network traffic analysis.

The cooling fan control circuitry actively manages the Raspberry Pi’s temperature, ensuring optimal performance and preventing overheating. This thermal management is crucial for maintaining system stability and preventing performance throttling under demanding workloads.

The RTC is a Maxim DS3231M that uses the I2C protocol to communicate with operating system though the following GPIOs:

• SDA: BCM2
• SCL: BCM3

The backup battery is a CR1220 button battery.

The screen is a ST7789 240x240px color TFT screen that uses the SPI protocol to communicate with the operating system through the GPIOs:

• MOSI: BCM10
• SCK: BCM11
• RESET: BCM5
• DC: BCM6

The cooling fan is controlled by the operating system using PWM though the GPIO BCM13.

Manufacturing files#

The current PiRogue HAT version is v1.0_beta.

Get the KiCad project and manufacturing files on GitHub →

PiRogue case#

The current PiRogue case version is v1.0_beta.

Get the manufacturing files on GitHub →

To 3D print your PiRogue case, you will need:

• either the 4 separate STL files or the one containing the 4 part ready the slice
• a 3D printer
• PLA or PETG

3D printing parameters#

• layer height: 0.2 mm
• infill: 20%
• no support
• material: PETG

The entire printing lasts around 3 hours for a complete case.

Assemble the whole PiRogue#

To assemble your PiRogue case, you will need:

• a Raspberry Pi 4
• the PiRogue case parts obviously
• 1 x M2.5 allen key
• 12 x M2.5 12mm hex socket bolts - see an example on McMaster
• 4 x M2.5 25mm female threaded hex standoffs - see an example on McMaster
• 4 x M2.5 hex nuts - see an example on McMaster

4 M2.5 12mm bolts and 4 M2.5 nuts are used to secure the fan in place. The 4 standoffs are placed between the Raspberry Pi and the hat.