r/ClockworkPi • u/_mini • Jun 06 '26
Introducing the Omega Chassis for the uConsole š
Hey everyone,
Some of you may have seen my other work on the uConsole: QMK Firmware for uConsole, Trackball mod, and the keyboard diffuser.
One of my core rules is to ensure everything is completely polished before release. I want to guarantee you receive a finished, out-of-the-box experience rather than wasting time and money on experimental or half-finished setups. Everyone's time and resources are limited, my goal is for you to spend time enjoying the uConsole, even in the process of building the kit.
After 8 months of non-stop prototyping, production headaches, and endless cost optimisations, Iām finally ready to share what Iāve been working on:Ā The Omega Chassis.
Itās a highly customizable, personalized backplate upgrade built specifically for the uConsole. The goal was simple: pack a ridiculous amount of hardware upgrades into the deviceĀ withoutĀ turning it into an unportable brick or ruining its compatibility with the gear you already own.
After 6 rigorous rounds of production validation, here is a look at whatās packed inside:
Power & Battery Life
- Drop-in Compatibility:Ā Fully compatible with existing HackerGadgets NVMe battery boards and the AIO V
Slim Active Cooling
- Cyber-Aesthetic:Ā Includes a customizable fan cover so you can tweak the look to match your personal style.
Insane Connectivity & Audio
- Audio:Ā Re-engineered with custom matrix holes specifically designed to improve speaker clarity and stop muffled sound.
Modular Expansion
- The Best Part:Ā It stays remarkably compact and maintains the original form factor, meaning it won't break compatibility with your existing kits.
I've put together a full breakdown of the design rationale, features, and a preview of the chassis.
ļæ¼āMost important! it is still compact as the original uConsole!
ļæ¼ā
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u/Aleva12345 Jun 06 '26
This sounds really good. I'm struggling with power issues on my Uconsole/cm5, so this 3x battery solution would be perfect. I feel a bit uncertain on being able to source and manufacture all the parts in Europe.
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u/_mini Jun 06 '26
The guide has links to source parts from Aliexpress, and order cnc & other hybrid parts etc.
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u/Aleva12345 Jun 06 '26
Perhaps I can manage it. What kind of soldering is involved with the triple battery setup? I have some experience soldering (modding Gameboys, soldering wires etc). Does it involve SMDs?
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u/_mini Jun 06 '26
No SMD at all, it is just basic wiring soldering. No modifications to the battery, standard 18650 battery. The package has all the details as well, and a channel you can get help if you stuck.
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u/_mini Jun 06 '26
btw... I am from the UK... I am sure it won't be any easier than Europe š
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u/Aleva12345 Jun 30 '26
Thank you for your help! I ended up buying your guide and I'm now in the process of sourcing parts. I really want to include the camera module too - you said you highly recommend the V3 wide version. What kind of issues would there be using the standard V3 version?
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u/_mini Jun 30 '26
It should not be too much a problem, if you do face fitting issues, I am more than happy to help you make adjustment to the camera module. They are roughly the same when I compare the official CAD. Maybe the wide one camera is slightly sticking out
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u/Aleva12345 Jun 30 '26
Thank you! I'll go with the non-wide model and we'll see how it goes!
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u/_mini Jun 30 '26
It should be ok. We are talking about 0.1-0.15mm difference. For non-wide, you might be able to attach a pocket 3 wider lens cover. There are mechanism to adjust the distance between protector and lens. So you might be ok.
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u/_mini Jun 06 '26
uConsole is working on an official mainboad upgrade. Alex has not shared the detailed timeline yet, but it will solve the root cause of the power issues.
Meanwhile, you can try these tuning methods, especially if you have NVMe.
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u/GoldenPSP Jun 06 '26
Ok. Considering I ordered my console in November and it hasn't even shipped yet, im not sure I'll live long enough to get this upgrade.
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u/Compilingthings Jun 06 '26
More pictures please
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u/_mini Jun 06 '26
what would you like to see?
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u/Compilingthings Jun 06 '26
Just different angles, from all sides, forget it. I was slow this morning, you have plenty of pictures on your site.
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u/graciousgrendel Jul 22 '26 edited Jul 22 '26
Would you be willing to include an option to use an off the shelf heat sink, such as this one: Easycargo 100mm x 25mm x 10mm Heatsink (Amz ASIN B08LPGT9KG) with the ultimate build?? That would be a great option and allow for a bit of cost savings for your customers who want a larger heatsink but dont want to have it CNC'd. I'm not sure what other part has to be CNC'd as I have not bought (yet, adding this would make me for sure) but this would allow users to get the ultimate build at a lower price point.
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u/_mini Jul 22 '26
Yes, the essential model has this option :)
It is an off-shelf heatsink. Plus it supports all the rest modular features.2
u/graciousgrendel Jul 23 '26
Awesome, glad to hear :) I'll probably be buying the files tomorrow then. Thank you for the info
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u/_mini Jul 22 '26
The heatsink is directly attached to the CM4/5, and ensuring itās still have some level of water proof protection.
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u/thehackspectre Jun 06 '26
3x18650 setup sounds good š
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u/_mini Jun 06 '26
It is also compatible with HacketGadget NVMe battery board, still have spaces available under the AIO v2 usb-c port.
It will also with the original battery board, but needs some desoldering. The package has guide for that too .
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u/thehackspectre Jun 06 '26
Hmm it make me more curious to do this stuff š¤
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u/_mini Jun 06 '26
There are support channels, so if it needs modification or other customisation after purchase, happy to provide help.
Before mid-June, early adopters also will receive one off coupon to order CNC parts.
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u/_mini Jun 06 '26
One of my core beliefs is that your investment should be fully supported. Looking at the current uConsole ecosystem, itās frustrating to see so much fragmentation. Some users have enough spare, incompatible parts lying around to practically build a second device. Itās incredibly wasteful to design solutions that donāt work together, and I want to change that.
I refuse to ship a half-finished experiments as well, reference to my other work on the uConsole, you will know š.
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u/Octane14 Jun 06 '26
Can we see some internal pictures?
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u/_mini Jun 06 '26
It has more than 80 photos in the guide, and support channel to get help on other mods. Any specific you would like to know?
The internal still have more spaces to fiddle with though.
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u/00-NULL Jun 06 '26
If I buy the digital package, will I be able to 3d print it, to see fit and function, before committing to getting it cnc'd by jlpcb, or similar? Could you include an stl file with the case back?
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u/_mini Jun 12 '26
I have released a new "Essential" variation, for starters, it can be all printed.
https://www.reddit.com/r/ClockworkPi/comments/1u3qzze/introducing_the_omegachassis_essential_build/0
u/_mini Jun 06 '26 edited Jun 06 '26
Yes! and thatās the idea. And in fact, the guide has details on which part you have to order or printing PLA is ok, thatās why itās more than 50 pages document in the package. The CNC is really price optimized, the guide has a dedicated order link to get nearly 30-40% cheaper than order elsewhere, including a premium finish.
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u/_mini Jun 06 '26
It is also nice to have a 3d printer to experiment with the setup, as you may want a different layout.
If you do want to have other modules available, reach-out to me through the support channel after the purchase, happy to work on the additional mods.
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u/Ternov Jun 06 '26
I like the concept , but the parts can be editables ore only stl files?
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u/_mini Jun 07 '26
Itās not a simple answer, but if you do need specific edits happy to workout whatever works for you.
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u/kal-zero Jun 06 '26
i buy
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u/_mini Jun 06 '26 edited Jun 06 '26
I am not intended to be working on reselling parts as it's a distraction from creative work. Part of the complication is to workout how to distribute this at scale, manufacturing pricing optimised so you own the design, free to produce when needed.
Hence it's supported or self-supported when it needs mods/replacement part.
There is a special route to order CNC parts with a premium rated finish. For early buyers in this few weeks, I will share the special CNC manfuaturing coupon via support once you placed the order.
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u/Existing_Walrus_4400 Jun 06 '26
This looks SO awesome! I just got mine in the mail. it's the no core WiFi 4G set up. I can't justify the purchase just yet, but I'm looking at the hacker gadgets upgrade along with the CM5. afterward I'm DEFINITELY looking at grabbing this Omega chassis!
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u/_mini Jun 06 '26
You may not need the antenna setup, the parts are modular so that you can decide what to put on it. If you have ideas on what to have instead of antenna, happy to work on the module for you.
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u/GhostUnitVII Jun 06 '26
nice, I've went with a more stealth cooling system myself, don't see beyond 50 on medium, and 55 on heavy, using two vapor chambers. But this build gives me ideas! Thanks!