Elevate uConsole Connectivity with the USB-C Expansion Card

A straightforward USB 2.0 expansion with a nice balance of internal and external connectivity.

This is a 3 + 1 + 1 USB-C expansion card for the uConsole that provides three external USB-C ports and one internal port, plus an internal header.

As one of the simpler and more obvious expansion cards ideas proposed by the community so far, there are already a few USB boards created.

Something to keep in mind is that a USB hub may not be the best use of your Expansion Card Bay. If you are plugging in USB C peripherals on the regular it’s probably a good fit, but using the expansion bay for use cases that can’t be easily replicated with external hardware might be a better choice. Remember that swapping expansions cards requires a quick disassembly of the device, which likely means affecting your heat compound application as well.

For example, the RF board and upcoming KVM boards integrate a multitude of hardware components, which might make for a more compact alternative to carrying or attaching equivalent peripherals and connecting over USB.

Even the uEther board offers an interesting combo of USB C and Ethernet, so that might be more interesting for some users.

Manufacturer: [Insert if known]
Type: USB-C Expansion (USB 2.0)
Compatibility: Tested on uConsole (CM5)
Use Case: Adds flexible USB-C connectivity for modern accessories and internal wiring.

Pros & Cons

Image courtesy creator, showing internal header use

Pros

Internal USB header for internal accessories or mods
Three external USB-C ports for quick connectivity
Plug-and-play functionality on Raspberry Pi OS
Mounts securely with screws
Clean design that integrates well with the case

Cons

No full-size USB-A port — you’ll need to use the onboard USB-A for those
USB 2.0 only — not ideal for high-speed devices
Initial alignment during install can be tricky

Technical Assessment

Specs:

Interface: USB 2.0 (confirmed)
Ports: 3x USB-C (external), 1x USB-C (internal), 1x USB 2.0 header (internal)
Chipset: CoreChips SL2.1A
Power Draw: [TBD – suitable for standard peripherals]
Max Bandwidth: USB 2.0 (480 Mbps theoretical)

Testing Notes:

Plug and play on latest Raspbian from Rex (CM5)
Recognized all test peripherals without issue

Fit and Finish

Once installed correctly, the ports line up nicely on the port door

Build Quality: Solid PCB with clean routing and labeled headers.
Installation Experience: Slight misalignment on first attempt; fit perfectly after reseating. Screws are essential to avoid stress on the connector.
Physical Fit: Sits flush when installed correctly. No interference with other expansion modules.
Thermals and Ventilation: No heat issues observed in normal use.

Utility and Real-World Use

Performance in Practice:
Used with keyboard, USB audio dongle, and external flash drive — all worked instantly. Ideal for peripherals that don’t require high-speed transfer.

Limitations Noticed:
No USB-A port — you’ll need an adapter or hub if you rely on legacy gear.

Software and Driver Notes

Native OS Support: Fully functional on Raspberry Pi OS for CM5
Manual Driver Required: No

Pricing and Availability

Price: $28 USD
Availability: Tindie – In Stock
Country of Origin: Bulgaria

License: Design files available
Creator: Joe

Final Verdict

TL;DR:

A simple, effective USB 2.0 expansion that works flawlessly out of the box. Great for connecting external peripherals in large quantities. If you want to maximize the utility of your Expansion Bay though, you might want to check out other options.

Stay tuned for the next review in the uConsole Expansion Series!