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mclout999

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Joined: 05/07/2020
Location: United States
Posts: 531

Posted: 10:12pm 06 Nov 2026

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I was offered one here in America for 150 and I simply can't swing that. Seeing as. The first pico. I got was one of the originals and it was only like $40. In a case. Is anyone producing A run here in America. That I can get. Is it really that much more expensive to make?

They call me Shai-Hulud (The maker)

hhtg1968
Guru

Joined: 25/05/2023
Location: Germany
Posts: 312

Posted: 10:23pm 06 Nov 2026

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why is it so expensive for you? because of the sending to usa? I could order one here in germany. but I do not now how exp. it will be to send it to the usa.

crazycloud
Regular Member

Joined: 20/08/2023
Location: United States
Posts: 45

Posted: 10:53pm 06 Nov 2026

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I just bought one from here for $150

https://www.rictech.nz/micromite-products

phil99

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Joined: 11/02/2018
Location: Australia
Posts: 3428

Posted: 11:13pm 06 Nov 2026

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You may be able to build one cheaper using modules. Several TBS members have done so.
Here is Mixtel90's version.
Modular Pico Computer 3

al18
Senior Member

Joined: 06/07/2019
Location: United States
Posts: 260

Posted: 11:16pm 06 Nov 2026

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My thoughts - there does seem to be a need for an inexpensive, functional Pico 3 clone for folks in the US.

On September 26, someone asked if there was a widely available RP2350B with all the GPIO's, WiFi and Webmite compatability and Peter replied with the Pimoroni Pico Lipo 2 XL W in this thread https://www.thebackshed.com/forum/ViewTopic.php?FID=16&TID=19134 This module is available in the US for $24.95 https://www.pishop.us/product/pimoroni-pico-lipo-2-xl-w/?srsltid=AYCX9vKFJCRpiXIM4VXyAl5lgKut5Vn71NQfpUFjLnO1cUoZKYrzJJUVrNU

If someone could design a carrier board for this module that includes the HDMI socket and components or a footprint for an Adafruit DVI Sock https://www.adafruit.com/product/5957?srsltid=AYCX9vJMS5M-Sij-BlnoagMv147GyBgAYXANuBadiir6HEeXfGOiYKPK along with the USB controller and USB sockets and all the other important circuits, this would be ideal. The USB purchaser could purchase the Pimoroni board here, avoiding all the import fees/tariffs.

mclout999

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Joined: 05/07/2020
Location: United States
Posts: 531

Posted: 11:26pm 06 Nov 2026

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crazycloud said I just bought one from here for $150

https://www.rictech.nz/micromite-products

Yes, that's where I found it as well. But that's way above what I can afford right now. It seems odd that the pico version costs more than the Color maximite 2. It's too much. Hence my Topic. I'm looking for someone who's making a production run that can be Inexpensively Sent in America.

They call me Shai-Hulud (The maker)

Mixtel90

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Joined: 05/10/2019
Location: United Kingdom
Posts: 9327

Posted: 08:08am 07 Nov 2026

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How about my PC3x design if you are willing to do some building? The components are cheap enough.

Version 1.1 Basically it's a PGA2350 (or a CORE 2350B, there are 2 versions) with a Adafruit HDMI board, USB hub, SD card module, RTC and a few bits. Very little surface mount soldering. I know the PGA2350 version works. It is recognised as a real PC3 and is set up using OPTION RESET PICO COMPUTER 3

Version 2 can use the Waveshare CORE 2350B. I'm just building the prototype of this at the moment. This has the option of using a lot of surface mount, but you can still build most of it using through-hole. Construction details to be released soon.

In all cases most of the components are from AliExpress and the boards are the cheapest price from JLCPCB. (You MUST download their JLCONE app and order using that to get the cheap price. It's not available via their web site now.)

Here's the thread

I'm currently playing with an idea for a Version 3, but that's all it is at the moment, an idea!

Mick

Zilog Inside! nascom.info for Nascom & Gemini

JohnS
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Joined: 18/11/2011
Location: United Kingdom
Posts: 4396

Posted: 10:55am 07 Nov 2026

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I think the cost issue occurs when the USA tariff/postal stuff hits, which happens especially with ready built units.

Maybe Trump will change them again but to something saner.

John

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