Pi Zero Docking Hub Adds a Plethora of Connection Options

The Raspberry Pi Zero and Zero W reduce single-board computers to a minuscule size, and at 5 and 10 dollars respectively, are perfect for…

Jeremy Cook
6 years ago

The Raspberry Pi Zero and Zero W reduce single-board computers to a minuscule size, and at 5 and 10 dollars respectively, are perfect for applications with a limited budget. In order to keep the design low profile and save costs on manufacturing, these devices include only a mini-HDMI port for both video and audio output, and a single micro-USB port for data transfer.

To give it more connection options, MakerSpot has come up with a five-port USB hub — now on Kickstarter — that attaches to the Pi Zero via pogo pins. You just screw it in with the included spacers and setup is done!

Aside from the five ports, generously spaced to fit fat USB drives and the like, the docking hub includes a wired Ethernet socket, and a 3.5mm audio jack which is capable of audio output and recording. It also has a micro-USB connector built-in, allowing it to power gadgets without burdening the Pi Zero with additional current.

As shown in the video below, one application for this type of expansion board would be to run Alexa software. While the Raspberry Pi 3 could do many of the same tasks as a Pi Zero equipped with this hub, one important benefit is that the Pi Zero uses less power, making it a potential solution where this resource is limited.

Jeremy Cook
Engineer, maker of random contraptions, love learning about tech. Write for various publications, including Hackster!
Latest articles
Sponsored articles
Related articles
Latest articles
Read more
Related articles