With the circuit constructed, we'll move on to building the housing. We'll start with a 7x4" plastic enclosure from uxcell. It does not need to be this specific enclosure, you can choose something else if you have prior familiarity. Some of the reef-pi users have built their own 3D printed enclosures.

We'll be mounting connectors and the PermaProto HAT inside the housing. PermaProto HAT (and Raspberry Pi) will be mounted using nylon standoffs. While barrel jack connected or DB9 connector will be directly screwed in.

Arrange all the parts to get an idea and mark the exact locations that needs to be drilled (for connectors or standoffs).

I use a marker pen to highlight the parts that needs to be drilled.

DB9 connector and barel jack connector will be mounted on the side.

PermaProto HAT and LM2596 module will be mounted on the back.

I use dremel to drill the bigger holes for DB9 and barrel jack connector, A drill driver to for the standoff holes.

That's it. once holes are drilled, mount all the components and connect the pins with jumper wires. 

Test that you are getting 5V on PermProto HAT (coming from LM2596) before connecting Raspberry Pi. Once tested, connect Raspberry Pi and your reef-pi should controller should be good to go. Screw in the enclosure lid

Next, we'll configure reef-pi UI and test our new power controller.