# V5 Minimal Upgrade Kit

**URL:** <https://discourse.zynthian.org/t/v5-minimal-upgrade-kit/10076>\
**Category:** Hardware\
**Tags:** v5, v51\
**Created:** [September 16, 2024, 10:51pm UTC](https://discourse.zynthian.org/t/v5-minimal-upgrade-kit/10076 "2024-09-16T22:51:49Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 20\
**Page:** 1

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![jofemodo](https://discourse.zynthian.org/user_avatar/discourse.zynthian.org/jofemodo/32/2_2.png) [@jofemodo](https://discourse.zynthian.org/u/jofemodo)\
**Post date:** [September 16, 2024, 10:51pm UTC](https://discourse.zynthian.org/t/v5-minimal-upgrade-kit/10076/1 "2024-09-16T22:51:49Z")

</div>

Hi @zynthianers and specially V5 owners!!

The V5.1 release is getting closer and i would like to offer an upgrade path for V5 owners.

As i already commented here:

> [@Zynthian V5 Kit is available for sale!](https://discourse.zynthian.org/t/zynthian-v5-kit-is-available-for-sale/8458/28):
>
> V5 is sold out. V5.1 is coming, but not ready yet. Regarding conversion kits, there are 2 options: Minimal kit, super-cheap but needing some surgery. It would include new thermal block, new display cable and USB-C harness for bridging the cutted tracks and keeping the USB-B port operative. The rpi5 board would be optional. I would like to write a tutorial on this, but my time is limited. If somebody having a V5 wants to collaborate with me on this, I could send the parts to him for free. …

releasing a “full upgrade kit” is “logistically complex” and really wasteful, so very probably we are not going to follow this path.

In the other hand, the _Minimal V5 Upgrade Kit_ is super cheap, logistically easy to manage and almost no wasteful, so i would like to follow this path.

This path is harder and probably not many V5 owners would take the risk. Having good documentation would help, specially a decent video tutorial. The problem is i’m quite busy and i don’t know when i would have the time to record a decent video tutorial. As you probably have noted, i’m not a “video guy” 😁

To “unblock” the process, i’ve prepared a kind of _V5 Minimal Upgrade Guide_. Indeed, in its current state, it’s more a draft, but it’s best than nothing. If some of you, brave tinkerers, are interested in going forward with the surgery, i would send the parts for free with the hope that you kindly help me to improve this guide and hopefully record a decent video. Simply contact with me by PM.

OK! Let’s go!!

* * *

Here comes the step by step procedure i followed with one of my V5 units to get the first V5.1 proto:

0.) Disassemble the bottom part of your zynthian V5 until having the bottom case and the main board in its original state. Take care of not losing any screw, etc.

1.) Cut the bottom case. You need to make bigger the Pi5 holes. Like this:

 ![v5_case_upgrade_cut](https://discourse.zynthian.org/uploads/default/original/2X/c/c1d15fd31ba35f161632a6f56ab43445b18f12e9.png)

I would recommend to first draw/mark the cut on the case, then use the dremel, slowly but fearless. You are doing the right thing 😉

This is the result i got with my limited skills:

 ![photo_2024-09-24_16-39-11](https://discourse.zynthian.org/uploads/default/original/2X/f/f18ba7ed6fb9743d0a4060f7ca576c84c174d522.jpeg)

2.) Cut the main board. Note that you will cut the 2 data tracks going from the RPi to the USB-B port. We will repair this in step 3.

 ![v5_upgrade_mainboard_cut](https://discourse.zynthian.org/uploads/default/original/2X/8/81669a0d4005e1e2067967bb65149c5a152600c3.jpeg)

Again, mark the cut on the main board and proceed with the dremel, no fear!! You are only cutting 2 un-important tracks!! 😁

3.) Solder the USB-C harness data wires to the right pins in the main board. This will fix the little disaster from the step 2. Use some hot-glue to secure the join and avoid accidental de-soldering.

 ![v5_main_usb_fix](https://discourse.zynthian.org/uploads/default/original/2X/3/32f96705cebb36315df91c62b85f00dd9bf41f81.png)

This step is still untested. I’ve ordered a few harnesses from aliexpress to test if they work:

> **[Cable USB tipo C macho y hembra, Conector de carga, soldadura, 2 pines, 4...](https://es.aliexpress.com/item/1005005934057844.html)**
>
> Smarter Shopping, Better Living! Aliexpress.com

but i had not the time to test yet.

The color code for the harness is:

- Green → D+
- White → D-
- Red → VCC (5V) → Unconnected. Take care of short circuit with some tape!
- Black → Ground → Unconnected. Take care of short circuit with some tape!

4.) Plug the new display cable in the RPi5.

 ![photo_2024-08-15_10-35-23](https://discourse.zynthian.org/uploads/default/original/2X/e/eb6292f6a6ec6f5bba904da251134fa94ca78aee.jpeg)

 ![photo_2024-08-15_10-36-25](https://discourse.zynthian.org/uploads/default/original/2X/9/93fd67ac66b9d0dcb2f4a3c53d47820add321ff8.jpeg)

1. Mount the new thermal block in the RPi5. The procedure is described in the [V5.1 assembling tutorial](https://wiki.zynthian.org/index.php/Assembling_Zynthian_Kit_V5.1#Install_the_thermal_block). The needed thermal pad will be included with the new thermal block. Remember to save a piece for the bottom-contact surface.

 ![photo_2024-08-15_10-37-59](https://discourse.zynthian.org/uploads/default/original/2X/2/20e07834979ca669ae51d66de21d260818c61ca2.jpeg)

 ![photo_2024-08-15_10-38-16](https://discourse.zynthian.org/uploads/default/original/2X/9/901f89f0168de82c0b1c495dfd94fab208eac78f.jpeg)

6.) Bend the display cable so it go out in the right direction and orientation:

 ![photo_2024-08-15_10-50-54](https://discourse.zynthian.org/uploads/default/original/2X/1/1ed6fa151ea2470e224faa6a0be897e99cc8869f.jpeg)

 ![photo_2024-08-15_10-51-15](https://discourse.zynthian.org/uploads/default/original/2X/8/87e734dda0cfb4ac192b686893481db49fce9fa3.jpeg)

7.) Fixate the RPi5 + thermal block onto the main board and attach the main board to the alucase bottom part as explained in the [V5.1 assembling tutorial](https://wiki.zynthian.org/index.php/Assembling_Zynthian_Kit_V5.1#Assemble_the_Main_Board_into_the_aluminum_case_bottom).

- Don’t forget to stick the last piece of thermal pad in the thermal block before plugging the RPI5.
- Don’t forget the 2 screws that secure the thermal block to the bottom case. This is very important to get a good heat dissipation towards the alucase.
- Find a way to pass the USB-C harness so it can be connected to the RPi5. This has to be explored!

8.) Connect the SD-card harness and the USB-C harness. There is a chance that the SD-card works with the extender. If it works, lucky you!!! If not, you should plug your SD-card directly to the RPI5. The good: it will be ultra-fast!!!

9.) Connect the bottom and top V5 parts. It’s described in the [V5.1 building tutorial](https://wiki.zynthian.org/index.php/Assembling_Zynthian_Kit_V5.1#JOINING_BOTH_PARTS_AND_CLOSING_THE_CASE).

10.) Close and test!

And that’s all. Kind of trivial, except the first 3 steps. I’ve all the needed parts.,if some of you want to try and help with the tutorial, i would send the parts for free.

Enjoy!

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Letoine](https://discourse.zynthian.org/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/l/54ee81/32.png) [@Letoine](https://discourse.zynthian.org/u/Letoine)\
**Post date:** [September 18, 2024, 12:57pm UTC](https://discourse.zynthian.org/t/v5-minimal-upgrade-kit/10076/2 "2024-09-18T12:57:22Z")

</div>

Hi,

It’s seem to be easy to do it.  
Where can I buy the minimal upgrade kit ?  
Thanks a lot.  
Best regards.  
Antoine

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![jofemodo](https://discourse.zynthian.org/user_avatar/discourse.zynthian.org/jofemodo/32/2_2.png) [@jofemodo](https://discourse.zynthian.org/u/jofemodo)\
**Post date:** [September 18, 2024, 1:38pm UTC](https://discourse.zynthian.org/t/v5-minimal-upgrade-kit/10076/3 "2024-09-18T13:38:14Z")

</div>

It’s not for sale yet. Don’t you want to help with the tutorial and get it right now and for free?

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![jofemodo](https://discourse.zynthian.org/user_avatar/discourse.zynthian.org/jofemodo/32/2_2.png) [@jofemodo](https://discourse.zynthian.org/u/jofemodo)\
**Post date:** [September 18, 2024, 2:17pm UTC](https://discourse.zynthian.org/t/v5-minimal-upgrade-kit/10076/4 "2024-09-18T14:17:08Z")

</div>

Ahh! I forgot to say that i’ve some spare “old” V5 main boards that probably wont be sold , so, if some of you break his V5 main board while doing the _minimal upgrade_ to RPi5, i could also bring a replacement.

The best!

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![wanthalf](https://discourse.zynthian.org/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/w/ed655f/32.png) [@wanthalf](https://discourse.zynthian.org/u/wanthalf)\
**Post date:** [September 18, 2024, 11:00pm UTC](https://discourse.zynthian.org/t/v5-minimal-upgrade-kit/10076/5 "2024-09-18T23:00:45Z")

</div>

> [@jofemodo](#):
>
> “old” V5 main boards that probably wont be sold

In case you would need to get rid of some for some reduced price, I am sure there would be some tinkerers interested here… 😉 (don’t know the actual production costs to make at least a fair compensation).

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Hans\_JB](https://discourse.zynthian.org/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/h/5e9695/32.png) [@Hans\_JB](https://discourse.zynthian.org/u/Hans_JB)\
**Post date:** [September 19, 2024, 11:02pm UTC](https://discourse.zynthian.org/t/v5-minimal-upgrade-kit/10076/6 "2024-09-19T23:02:14Z")

</div>

Yep, definitely

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![jofemodo](https://discourse.zynthian.org/user_avatar/discourse.zynthian.org/jofemodo/32/2_2.png) [@jofemodo](https://discourse.zynthian.org/u/jofemodo)\
**Post date:** [September 20, 2024, 5:05pm UTC](https://discourse.zynthian.org/t/v5-minimal-upgrade-kit/10076/7 "2024-09-20T17:05:11Z")

</div>

OK! For the makers! The price for the legacy V5 mainboard (RPi4) drops from 120€ to 80€ (+ taxes + shipping). Almost production cost.

> **[Main Board V5](https://shop.zynthian.org/shop/main-board-v5-37)**
>
> The V5 main board is the core of modern zynthian kits. It features:
> 
> \- Power barrel connector, supporting DC voltages from 9V to 36V
> \- Balanced Audio: 2 x Input + 2 x Output, TRS connectors
> \- Headphones Amplifier: TRS connector
> \- MIDI-IN/THRU/OUT:...

It can be adapted to Pi5 by following the procedure described above. The upgrade kits will be available very soon.

The best!!

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![le51](https://discourse.zynthian.org/user_avatar/discourse.zynthian.org/le51/32/1706_2.png) [@le51](https://discourse.zynthian.org/u/le51)\
**Post date:** [September 20, 2024, 8:28pm UTC](https://discourse.zynthian.org/t/v5-minimal-upgrade-kit/10076/8 "2024-09-20T20:28:08Z")

</div>

All of this is excellent. Bravo @jofemodo !

Just a question regarding 2. and 3. : if one decide to skip the soldering step (and other hassels with cables), he will “just” loose the USB-B port, am I right ?

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![jofemodo](https://discourse.zynthian.org/user_avatar/discourse.zynthian.org/jofemodo/32/2_2.png) [@jofemodo](https://discourse.zynthian.org/u/jofemodo)\
**Post date:** [September 20, 2024, 10:04pm UTC](https://discourse.zynthian.org/t/v5-minimal-upgrade-kit/10076/9 "2024-09-20T22:04:47Z")

</div>

Yes. No other side effects.

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![wanthalf](https://discourse.zynthian.org/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/w/ed655f/32.png) [@wanthalf](https://discourse.zynthian.org/u/wanthalf)\
**Post date:** [September 20, 2024, 11:11pm UTC](https://discourse.zynthian.org/t/v5-minimal-upgrade-kit/10076/10 "2024-09-20T23:11:30Z")

</div>

Oh, the prices are all without VAT! OK, I think it’s still good compared to what it includes.

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![jofemodo](https://discourse.zynthian.org/user_avatar/discourse.zynthian.org/jofemodo/32/2_2.png) [@jofemodo](https://discourse.zynthian.org/u/jofemodo)\
**Post date:** [September 20, 2024, 11:37pm UTC](https://discourse.zynthian.org/t/v5-minimal-upgrade-kit/10076/11 "2024-09-20T23:37:47Z")

</div>

Yes. We must apply different VAT for each European country, or no VAT for extra-UE countries, so showing the prices without VAT is the best approach for zynthian shop.

Regards

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![wanthalf](https://discourse.zynthian.org/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/w/ed655f/32.png) [@wanthalf](https://discourse.zynthian.org/u/wanthalf)\
**Post date:** [September 22, 2024, 9:17pm UTC](https://discourse.zynthian.org/t/v5-minimal-upgrade-kit/10076/12 "2024-09-22T21:17:57Z")

</div>

Crazy rules. I thought one only applies the local VAT within EU and it’s done.

Another surprise today: yesterday the delivery price was 16 EUR, today it’s already 22! These quick changes are really scary!

BTW, is it not possible to use a cheaper alternative to UPS? I know they are probably the best, but also very expensive.

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![jofemodo](https://discourse.zynthian.org/user_avatar/discourse.zynthian.org/jofemodo/32/2_2.png) [@jofemodo](https://discourse.zynthian.org/u/jofemodo)\
**Post date:** [September 23, 2024, 4:13pm UTC](https://discourse.zynthian.org/t/v5-minimal-upgrade-kit/10076/13 "2024-09-23T16:13:11Z")

</div>

> [@wanthalf](#):
>
> Another surprise today: yesterday the delivery price was 16 EUR, today it’s already 22! These quick changes are really scary!

The delivery prices are updated automatically from our shipping provider. We didn’t even note when they change. And of course, we don’t take a cent from the shipping, we simply add it to the final amount. Modern world!

> [@wanthalf](#):
>
> BTW, is it not possible to use a cheaper alternative to UPS? I know they are probably the best, but also very expensive.

All is possible, but you can be sure i’m not going to the postal office, take the queue number, wait for my turn, etc. spending 2 hours of morning time for shipping the packages with poor tracking and almost non existent customer service. This is really expensive (in time and issues!) for us! And believe me, the price difference is really small!! Try to send a 2 Kg (30x30x15cm) package from your location to Reus (SPAIN) and tell me what is the cheaper price you get 😉

BTW, we don’t ship with UPS. We use a “shipping hub” that allows choosing the shipping method according to the parameters our system feeds: destination, weight, volume, etc  
If the system list UPS for you, it probably is the best/cheaper choice.

All the best,

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![wanthalf](https://discourse.zynthian.org/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/w/ed655f/32.png) [@wanthalf](https://discourse.zynthian.org/u/wanthalf)\
**Post date:** [September 23, 2024, 5:47pm UTC](https://discourse.zynthian.org/t/v5-minimal-upgrade-kit/10076/14 "2024-09-23T17:47:16Z")

</div>

Magic! I did something with the addresses and it changed back to 16 again.

Then the card payment did not work with any of my cards, until I switched my phone from the local WiFi (I am currently abroad, with my phone only) to its own mobile data. Finally it worked.

Hopefully a useful experience for others in troubles with these crazy shipping/payment/banking systems.

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Letoine](https://discourse.zynthian.org/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/l/54ee81/32.png) [@Letoine](https://discourse.zynthian.org/u/Letoine)\
**Post date:** [September 23, 2024, 7:42pm UTC](https://discourse.zynthian.org/t/v5-minimal-upgrade-kit/10076/15 "2024-09-23T19:42:01Z")

</div>

Hi, why not. I can do it for you.  
I just receive the RPI5 8Gb.

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Hans\_JB](https://discourse.zynthian.org/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/h/5e9695/32.png) [@Hans\_JB](https://discourse.zynthian.org/u/Hans_JB)\
**Post date:** [September 24, 2024, 10:55pm UTC](https://discourse.zynthian.org/t/v5-minimal-upgrade-kit/10076/16 "2024-09-24T22:55:32Z")

</div>

Just ordered a V5 legacy board at that great price with a power supply. Can’t wait to see what I can do with it.  
How long is the usual turnaround time to the US? Can’t wait for it to get here. 😀

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![jofemodo](https://discourse.zynthian.org/user_avatar/discourse.zynthian.org/jofemodo/32/2_2.png) [@jofemodo](https://discourse.zynthian.org/u/jofemodo)\
**Post date:** [September 25, 2024, 12:06am UTC](https://discourse.zynthian.org/t/v5-minimal-upgrade-kit/10076/17 "2024-09-25T00:06:49Z")

</div>

About 1 week.

Regards

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Hans\_JB](https://discourse.zynthian.org/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/h/5e9695/32.png) [@Hans\_JB](https://discourse.zynthian.org/u/Hans_JB)\
**Post date:** [September 25, 2024, 4:25am UTC](https://discourse.zynthian.org/t/v5-minimal-upgrade-kit/10076/18 "2024-09-25T04:25:20Z")

</div>

That’s fast. Thanks

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Hans\_JB](https://discourse.zynthian.org/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/h/5e9695/32.png) [@Hans\_JB](https://discourse.zynthian.org/u/Hans_JB)\
**Post date:** [September 26, 2024, 11:04am UTC](https://discourse.zynthian.org/t/v5-minimal-upgrade-kit/10076/19 "2024-09-26T11:04:17Z")

</div>

Is there a 3D model of the V5 legacy board around. I checked GitHub and could not find it.  
Was looking to include that in my project just to get things situated correctly.

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![AussieJohn](https://discourse.zynthian.org/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/a/e0b2c6/32.png) [@AussieJohn](https://discourse.zynthian.org/u/AussieJohn)\
**Post date:** [September 26, 2024, 5:31pm UTC](https://discourse.zynthian.org/t/v5-minimal-upgrade-kit/10076/20 "2024-09-26T17:31:53Z")

</div>

im on the other side of the world in Australia but if you’re still looking for assistance putting together a tutorial for the upgrade kit let me know. im a Mechatronics engineer

[Next page](https://discourse.zynthian.org/t/v5-minimal-upgrade-kit/10076.md?page=2)