OSHE Mouse Dongle Hiding Card
The OSHE Mouse Dongle Hiding Card is an open-source Framework expansion card that recesses a USB-A port inside the card body, allowing a wireless mouse dongle to be inserted without protruding from the side of the laptop1. It was developed by the Open Source Hardware Enterprise (OSHE), a student organization at Michigan Technological University, and released in April 20261. Unlike the DongleHider+, which requires disassembling the dongle and soldering its bare PCB inside the card, the OSHE card lets users plug in an intact dongle with no hardware modification needed12.
Design
The card is based on Framework's original USB-A expansion card concept, where a USB-A port is inset halfway through the card body1. Due to parts availability, the OSHE team could not source the exact USB-A connector model Framework uses, so they substituted a different model1. This required the card to be mounted upside down inside the expansion card slot to accommodate the chosen connector's pin orientation1.
The recessed USB-A port allows a standard wireless mouse dongle (such as a Logitech Unifying Receiver) to be fully inserted so it sits flush or nearly flush with the laptop's edge, rather than sticking out significantly1.
Key Features
- No dongle disassembly required — Plug in any standard USB-A dongle intact1
- Recessed USB-A port — Dongle sits inside the card body rather than protruding outward1
- Compatible with FW12, FW13, and FW16 — No spacing conflicts when inserted under any supported laptop1
- Open-source hardware — KiCad schematics, Gerber files, and 3D-printable enclosure files provided3
Trade-offs
The card does not provide an additional external USB-A port — the single recessed port is occupied by the dongle1. Users who need both a hidden dongle and an external USB-A port should consider the DongleHider+, which uses an integrated USB hub but requires soldering the dongle's bare PCB inside the card2.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Port | USB-A (recessed)1 |
| Dongle installation | Plug-in, no modification1 |
| External USB-A port | No1 |
| Compatibility | Framework Laptop 12, 13, 161 |
| Mounting orientation | Upside down (due to connector choice)1 |
| Source | OSHE-Github/OSHE-Framework3 |
Open Source Files
| File | Format | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Mouse Dongle Card.kicad_sch / .kicad_pcb | KiCad | Schematic and PCB layout3 |
| Mouse Dongle Card.pdf | Schematic diagram3 | |
| Mouse Dongle Card-.zip (Gerbers) | Gerber | PCB manufacturing files3 |
| Mouse Dongle Card Top/Bottom | STEP, STL | 3D-printable enclosure (top + bottom)3 |
Creator: OSHE
The Open Source Hardware Enterprise (OSHE) is a student-led organization at Michigan Technological University dedicated to developing and publishing open-source hardware4. OSHE has produced multiple Framework-related projects including an I2C/UART expansion card, a desktop usage display, and a magnetic charger1.
Framework Computer supported the project by donating a Framework 13 mainboard and Cooler Master case for physical and electrical testing1.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Organization | Open Source Hardware Enterprise4 |
| Location | Michigan Technological University |
| Website | oshe.io4 |
Related Projects
- DongleHider+ — Similar concept that hides dongles inside an expansion card, but requires disassembling the dongle and soldering its PCB; provides an additional external USB-A port via an integrated USB hub
- Dual USB-C Expansion Card — Community expansion card adding port multiplicity
Technical Details
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Creator | OSHE (Open Source Hardware Enterprise)4 |
| Repository | OSHE-Github/OSHE-Framework3 |
| Stars | 53 |
| Contributors | 4 (BBHydraOC, ThatcherSimon, SethGaboury, riley-p-mtu)3 |
| Created | October 21, 20253 |
| Community Thread | OSHE Framework Mouse Dongle Hiding Card1 |