rasti.computer

The Rasti Computer

License: MIT

Introducing Rasti, a retro-futuristic laptop inspired by the iconic GRiD Compass and powered by Framework components. It features a 10.4-inch (1600x720) touchscreen, 3D printed enclosure, custom mechanical keyboard, and keycap set tailor-made for this project.

Enclosure

Blending 80s nostalgia with today’s technology, Rasti is not just a statement piece that looks good — it’s practical too.

The enclosure, designed for easy printing on a 30x30 cm FDM print bed, captures the essence of the GRiD Compass. After sanding and priming, the surface is finished with Tamiya metallic black paint (TS-40), and a touch of silver dry brushing added the beat-up metal look.

Editable STEP file and 3D printable STL files for the case are available in the case directory.

Keyboard

Rasti packs a custom mechanical keyboard using Choc Low Profile switches. It’s a 64-key staggered layout, powered by a Pi Pico – made specifically for this build. Check the demos:

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The Choc-spacing (18mm x 17mm) keycap set was born out of a need for versatility and style. It addresses the limited options for Choc v1 switch modifiers. Designed for SLA resin printing, this set includes sizes ranging from 1U to 2.25U, and a 4.75U spacebar that is compatible with the 6.25U stabilizer.

We liked the keyboard so much, we made it its own project.

Electronics

A 10.4-inch QLED (1600x720) multitouch display is at the centrepiece. It’s powered and connected through a USB-C hub and mounted to the chassis with MacBook Pro (A1278) hinges.

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At the heart of Rasti are Framework’s mainboard and battery. Four pins from the keyboard’s Pi Pico (TP1-TP3 and VBUS) along with two pins from a PC power switch, are directly soldered to the power button shim, then connected to the mainboard. This setup is not only space-efficient, minimizing the overall height, but it also helps in freeing up USB ports for other uses.

The WiFi antenna is attached to the top cover, and then the entire assembly is secured with M3 screws.

Bill of Materials (BOM)

Electronic parts

Quantity Item Notes
1 Framework 13 Mainboard link
1 Framework 13 Battery link
1 Framework WiFi Module link
1 Framework 13 Antenna Module link
1 Waveshare 10.4 QLED Display link
1 PC Power Switch (16 mm) link
1 USB-C hub link
1 Framework Mainboard Power Button Shim link

Keyboard parts

Quantity Item Notes
1 keyboard PCB link for gerbers
1 keyboard plate link for gerbers, must be 1.2 mm PCB thickness
1 Raspberry Pi Pico  
64 Kailh Choc V1 PG1350 switches  
64 1N4148 diodes through hole
1 Kailh Choc Stabilizers 1x2U and 1x6.25U
2 20-Pin Headers or Socket  

3D printed parts

Quantity Item Notes
1 chassis FDM print
1 display FDM print
1 display-bezel FDM print
1 display-front FDM print
1 hinge-groove FDM print
1 keyboard-bracket FDM print
1 keyboard-plate FDM print
1 pivot-point-left FDM print
1 pivot-point-right FDM print
1 rear-cover FDM print
1 top-cover FDM print
5 keycap-set-1U SLA resin print
2 keycap-set SLA resin print

Notes:

Hardware/Fasteners

Quantity Item Notes
1 MacBook Pro (A1278) hinges link
7 M2 threaded insert M2x4x3.2, link
18 M2.5 threaded insert M2.5x4x3.5
18 M3 threaded insert M3x5x5
4 M2.5x7 flat-head hinges
14 M2.5x4 flat-head mainboard and keyboard bracket
2 M3x16 flat-head top cover
5 M3x12 flat-head rear cover
2 M3x12 flat-head display
4 M3x8 flat-head display hinge
5 M3x10 flat-head pivot point and keyboard plate

Build Instructions

Coming soon!

Copyright (c) 2024 Penk Chen. All rights reserved.

All files are licensed under the MIT license, see the LICENSE for more information.