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canibalizing parts from rpi pico boards for fun and profit

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exe:
I was curious if I can use components from rpi boards for my own projects (it's cheaper to buy a board than components separately). I wasn't sure if it's gonna work, but it worked. I resoldered crystal oscillator, flash chip and the rp2040 itself:

MarkS:
Sure, but unless the board you're making is smaller than the Pico, wouldn't just make more sense to solder the castellated vias to your project?

Brumby:
Fun?  Yes. 

Profit???  I'm not seeing it, especially if you consider the time and risk of harvesting.  But if you don't factor in your time, then I can see cost reduction.

Go back 30 years or more and the practice of acquisition (usually scavenging) and harvesting made sense, especially to those with more time than money.  I know.  Now things are so incredibly cheap - and you can handle delivery via the slow boat from China - this supply channel becomes less practical.  I have to un-learn a lifetime of it myself and clear out some stuff that just doesn't make sense to hold on to.

For example: Anyone want some 10m VGA cables?

exe:

--- Quote from: MarkS on January 29, 2023, 11:36:40 pm ---Sure, but unless the board you're making is smaller than the Pico, wouldn't just make more sense to solder the castellated vias to your project?

--- End quote ---

Yeah, my board is very dense, no place for rpi board. Although, technically, I could solder it on the other side (I have all the smd components on one side). But then I wonder how much more noise I'd get because of longer wiring. On my board all digital connections are as short as possible.


--- Quote from: Brumby on January 30, 2023, 04:13:47 am ---But if you don't factor in your time, then I can see cost reduction.

--- End quote ---

Well, there is truth to that. But also I need to make just one board. I couldn't source the exact flash used on the board (it was half year ago or so, don't know now). I could buy something else, but there is a risk it won't be compatible with rpi. So, I just bought an rpi board for its components. The video I filmed was a practice session to see if I can do it.

thm_w:
You can also use low profile headers with the raspi as well, don't have to use the castellations. Then SMD components can fit underneath it.

If the size envelope allows it, I would do what is possible to use the board as-is, I don't think noise would be an issue for most designs.

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