A clever new open-source project from Thinklearndo has turned the humble Raspberry Pi 3 into a smart keyholder that automatically backs up data from connected flash drives. This innovative device tackles the ever-present risk of data loss or theft by performing backups overnight, ensuring your files are always safe and secure.
The Raspberry Pi Keyholder simplifies data protection with an integrated USB port for flash drives, an LCD screen for status updates, and Wi-Fi connectivity to perform backups while you sleep. By morning, a simple button press confirms the backup is complete, allowing users to effortlessly carry their securely stored data. Built with versatility in mind, this keyholder can be adapted to various Raspberry Pi models and customized with additional smart home features, making it a valuable tool for tech enthusiasts and DIYers alike.
The primary hardware component of this project is a Raspberry Pi 3A+, although the system can also be adapted to work with other models like the Raspberry Pi Zero 2W or the latest Raspberry Pi 5. The keyholder is designed with a custom-printed circuit board (PCB) that fits both the Raspberry Pi and the LCD screen snugly, all housed within a 3D-printed shell. Additional features include two buttons for user interaction and hooks at the bottom for hanging keys.
The project has garnered attention on Reddit, where users have praised its practicality and potential for customization. One user commented, “Cool project. I read your repo and found your approach interesting, specifically using the Pi to make the USB drive accessible over the network and letting other devices perform the actual backup process to their own drives.”
The Raspberry Pi OS is also flexible enough that you can even add additional functionalities, such as a temperature monitor, so that the keyholder becomes a fine addition to a smart home setup. There have been numerous innovative smart home projects, such as the ChatGPT smart fridge and the Fallout-themed home automation terminal.
The software for this project is available on GitHub, allowing anyone to explore and modify it. The repository includes detailed documentation on how to set up the system, from flashing the image onto an SD card to assembling the hardware and configuring the backup software. For those interested in building their own Raspberry Pi Keyholder, Thinklearndo provides comprehensive instructions and a list of required components.
This project exemplifies the potential of DIY electronics to solve everyday problems creatively and underscores the importance of data security in our increasingly digital lives. A short demo of the project can be seen in the video below:
