Raspberry Pi Car Mount

I was looking for a way to mount a monitor and Raspberry PI into my car. Nothing online seem to fit my situation so I came up with this 3D printed mount. It uses a 3D printed base, various hardware (screws, standoffs, etc.) and a purchased tablet mount that works in a cup holder. I'm very happy with how it turned out.

Tools

• Allen wrench
• Adjustable wrench

Materials

• 3D Print (x1)
• Tablet Mount
• Monitor
• Raspberry Pi
• Power Supply
• Cables (HDMI, Power, OBD)
• Raspberry Pi Mount Hardware
  • Hex Standoff, Female - M2.5x19 (x4)
  • Washer, Flat - M2.5 (x8)
  • Washer, Lock - M2.5 (x8)
  • Screw - M2.5x10 (x8)
• Monitor Mount Hardware
  • Screw - M2.5x20 (x2)
  • Washer, Flat - M2.5 (x8)
  • Lock nut - M2.5 (x4)

I already had the monitor and Raspberry PI. From there, I tossed around different mounting options. Using a purchased tablet mount (cup holder version), I worked out the concept and dimensions in CAD. Once it looked good, I sent the main piece (shown in copper color) to the 3D printer.

This step includes the drawing and the STL file for 3D printing. I suggest making it from ABS or another high temperature material since the interior of a car will exceed the PLA temperature limit. All holes are oversized to guarantee fit with the M2.5 hardware.

With the 3D print in hand, I started the assembly. I installed the standoffs for the Raspberry Pi first since these are only accessible prior to monitor installation.

Stackup:

• M2.5 Screw
• M2.5 Lock washer
• M2.5 Flat washer
• 3D Plate
• M2.5 Standoff

Next, I screwed the Raspberry Pi to the standoffs.

Stackup:

• Raspberry Pi
• M2.5 Flat Washer
• M2.5 Lock Washer
• M2.5 Screw

The monitor was then attached to the other side with bolts and nuts.

Stackup:

• M2.5 Screw
• M2.5 Flat Washer
• Monitor
• 3D plate
• M2.5 Flat
• M2.5 Lock Nut

These connections were pretty straightforward. The cables shown were longer than needed. I did include a hole (not shown) for cable clamp on the side away from the Raspberry Pi.

These pictures show the mount installed in a extra cup holder. Note the tight spiral in the line. This was required for the tight space in my car.

These pictures show the mount installed in my car - Acura RSX.

Not shown in these pictures is the OBD-2 to USB cable. This was run from the Pi to the OBD-2 connector behind the center console. The power was taken from the 12V power socket and run through a converter to the power supply.

As you can see, I don't have much room in my car but I'm happy with how it fit. The same mounting concept should work better in a full size car or truck.

Here are few additional pictures of how it turned out. Please let me know if you have any questions.

Thanks for viewing!