Everyone likes taking pictures to save their good memories, but these days, few get their images developed. While Polaroid cameras are fun, they are also far too expensive for many. This project uses a thermal printer to quickly spit out your captured moments but without the high investment costs.

All components are affordable, such as the camera and the printer. The detailed construction steps and Fusion 360 files can be found on GitHub. Depending on the thermal printer you can acquire, you may need to adjust the model provided in the instructions, but you can also create your own case if you have modeling skills.

• Who designed it: Oleg Kulyk
• Key components: Orange Pi Zero, thermal printer, web camera
• Difficulty: Easy
• Where to find it: Hackaday

Not all projects need to be complicated. This one is a simple case that can safely and comfortably house your Orange Pi with space to connect an SSD to the bottom for a complete PC. After all, the Orange Pi is a complete SBC with great features that can surpass those of its competitors.

To make one of these, in addition to the printed parts, you will need some laser-cut metal sheets to mount the cooler. Thankfully, the maker has provided detailed instructions on the project page.

• Who designed it: jispal01
• Key components: Orange Pi 5, 3D printed parts, cooler towers, metal supports
• Difficulty: Easy
• Where to find it: Printables

Having an AirPlay is already fun, but having a radio complete with stations that can be accessed over the internet as an add-on is even better. This next project is a streaming client with AirPlay Spotify or internet radio.

The Orange Pi Lite is perfect for this task because it has a built-in Wi-Fi and an IR receiver that can be used for remote control. The designer completely embraced this low-budget concept and used a transparent box as the housing, and the end product looks pretty cool. You should only need to spend around $50 to complete this project, and even less if you already have an audio amplifier.

• Who designed it: thk4711
• Key components: Orange Pi Lite, OLED display, power amplifier, audio converter
• Difficulty: Intermediate
• Where to find it: GitHub

Extra storage is very welcome these days, especially if you have a lot of photos and videos that you just can’t give up. This project is basically a NAS that can be used to keep your server data safe and secure. The designer has designed it with an LCD screen that displays the backup progress so that you can easily track the status. This device’s system is based on Armbian Linux and connects to a VPN server to await remote commands.

Keep in mind that although there is no disk size limitation for Orange Pi Zero, there is a 2 TB limitation on many USB to SATA bridges. When placing disks with a larger capacity they will be recognized, but the system will only be able to use the initial 2 TB.

• Who designed it: NLD
• Key components: Orange Pi Zero, LCD screens, SATA to USB adapter
• Difficulty: Intermediate
• Where to find it: Instructables

Don’t write off the Orange Pi as just a cheap alternative. This device has immense potential to be explored and to explore the world around it. Orange Pi models also have GPIO pins which are great for robotics and can easily be utilized to make a rover.

This project is flexible enough to work with plenty of other SBCs as well. If you have some experience building rovers and need an FPV platform for your project, look no further.

• Who designed it: Sergei000
• Key components: Orange Pi, 3D printed parts, DC motor, servo, bearings
• Difficulty: Intermediate
• Where to find it: Thingiverse

High-definition graphics is not always what you need to have fun. While other SBCs may totally lack in graphics, some Orange Pi models have great video performance to run your favorite games at a fraction of the cost of gaming systems. It is a project that will surely be a success among your friends.

Be sure to check the index of images to ensure your exact model of Orange Pi board is compatible with the RetroOrangePi system. Print ‘N Play has posted a YouTube video demonstrating the complete build and you can find the bill materials in the video description. The project will need around 1 kg of filament (preferably at least two different colors).

• Who designed it: jcprintnplay
• Key components: Orange Pi PC, 3D printed parts, LCD screen, USB gamepad encoder, speakers
• Difficulty: Intermediate
• Where to find it: Thingiverse

One decoration that is always in fashion is your own smart mirror. With an unused monitor and some wooden parts, you can have your Orange Pi displaying the time and date, weather, news, the phase of the moon, or just about any other feed you’d like.

The project page for the Orange Pi version of the Magic Mirror is in Italian, but it’s nothing a little Google translate can’t help with. You can also find much more information about this open-source Magic Mirror project on the official forum and official documentation if you need it. Go ahead and make your home smarter and more beautiful!

• Who designed it: Lillo Bavastrelli
• Key components: Orange Pi 3 LTS, an old monitor, wood frame
• Difficulty: Intermediate
• Where to find it: Fattelo da Solo, YouTube

We no longer live in a time where smartphones are novel, so it should be no surprise that someone has posted instructions on how to DIY one. A great advantage of making your own phone is that if it breaks, you can easily fix it, or maybe even make a new one. However, it’s on you to figure out how to achieve a slim form factor.

The designer made this device to run an Android 4.4 system with room to add a camera module to complete the system. A cool tip from the author of the project is to print the case with transparent filament so you can keep an eye on the components and get a unique aesthetic.

• Who designed it: Ferferite
• Key components: Orange Pi 3, an old smartphone (for a screen and battery), 3D printed parts
• Difficulty: Advanced
• Where to find it: Hackaday, Printables, Instructables

A complex, robust tank with lots of parts isn’t always what you need, especially if you’re doing something more educational or experimental. For a nice prototype or learning aid, the Orange Pi has a huge cost advantage.

This project is more than just another remote control car. Using sensors, a camera, and a bit of machine learning, you teach the bot tasks like following a line and identifying obstacles. It will certainly be easy to have fun with this project.

• Who designed it: TrashRobotics
• Key components: Orange Pi Zero, Arduino Pro Mini, web camera, TT gear motors, motor drivers
• Difficulty: Advanced
• Where to find it: GitHub