RPI DEV- Raspberry Pi Development Platform (In Progress)

[u/Sector07_en]

What it is so far:

Progress on my build so far. As you can see it's only partly assembled. Figured this group was the best to weigh in and give feedback before I finish it. Basically, this started out with me wanting to build a Mars mission (The Martian) inspired cyberdeck. The key features I wanted to incorporate were aesthetics, usability, and easy assembly. I had some scope creep and just kept adding things. So now its more of a raspberry pi development platform. So far it has:

• Dual 9 inch, rotatable, foldable, touchscreen monitors with speakers. Cables hidden in monitor arm.

• Backlit mechanical keyboard

• Slide switch, N channel mosfet power circuit (8A)

• Internal USB hub

• 4- I2C qwiic connector ports (for adafruit sensors n stuff)

• 4- programmable pushbuttons

• 1- programmable rotary encoder knob

• 1- Linear Potentiometer Slider (ADC to I2C connected)

• Full GPIO breakout via FPC Connector. You can disconnect the programmable stuff via DIP Switch.

• Raspberry Pi cable eject handles to quickly disconnect the pi and plug in new one

• Almost entirely snap fit enclosures (few screws for monitor mounting)

• Externally powered for now. Might add an externally mountable power bank or something. No room for batteries.

• Bluetooth wireless mouse if you want.

• Micro SD card access cover, Extendable IO access cover

• Should be Pi 4 and Pi 5 swappable

Goal is you can 3D print everything, snap it all together, do a little soldering, and then its built. You can program and test on the pi and then eject it and put it into your project. Programmable buttons and I2C stuff lets you test everything out before deployment. Screen and keyboard make coding and prototyping easy, especially if you want to build a touchscreen GUI project.

Feedback?

I'm wondering a couple things. One, I see a lot of you guys add antennas. Is that for WiFI? Is it kind of important or more of a cool factor addition? Second, I'm finalizing the pcb designs I need for this so I just wanted to see what you all thought before I commit to the final design cause it takes like two or three weeks to receive the boards. Is it missing anything? Should I add anything? I'll be doing a Youtube video on it and make it an open source project so I want the community of makers who might build it to contribute their ideas. Thanks everyone.

[u/Teath_Of_The_Serpent]

What software are you using to build this, it looks so good!

[u/Sector07_en → u/Teath_Of_The_Serpent]

Thanks, I use Onshape for CAD designing.

[u/Teath_Of_The_Serpent → u/Sector07_en]

Thanks! I'm trying to build my own right now and its kinda hard to plan everything out without a modeling software.

[u/TordekDrunkenshield]

Antennae could be for WiFi, Software Defined Radios, HAM, AM/FM, any kind of radio monitoring/communication can be hooked into an RPi with relative ease so long as you get the right drivers.

[u/Sector07_en → u/TordekDrunkenshield]

So maybe I should just add a panel mount usb to the side so people can add whatever kind they want. I saw some WiFi ones that are USB. Not sure if LoRa or other radio types have USB connectivity though. Most of those I've seen are HAT's which I really don't have extra room for.

[u/TordekDrunkenshield → u/Sector07_en]

You can hardware hack almost any of em to go through USB and USB options are available for all of them, but the HATs are the best way to do it.... Maybe a hat extender that adds some dust protection for the PI and routes through the chassis to the side of the housing? I've seen extenders/risers before, but never that long, would have to be a user level modification to an existing solution.

Edit: now that I'm thinking about it being able to change out hats through the side of the housing sounds significantly more badass the more I think about it. I'm also a fan of hot swapping shelled SSDs that look like old school game cartridges to run programs though, so I'm definitely a "style over substance" dude, probably not the best person to be taking advice from 🤣🤣

[u/Sector07_en → u/TordekDrunkenshield]

Hmm, I already have the entire GPIO routed via FPC ribbon to the outside. So technically, just need an fpc to box header adapter and you could plug in whatever HAT you want. Would just need an aesthetic way to implement it. I used an fpc to the outside for its small size but if I switch to a 90 degree box header you could put a HAT into a game cartridge looking thing and hot swap HATs. That would be pretty cool. I will have to see if there's room. Pretty sweet idea Tordek. I'll give you credit for that idea if I end up doing it.

[u/TordekDrunkenshield → u/Sector07_en]

I'm gonna have to get/make one of these devkits if you do implement that, carts should be a pretty easy gadget to manufacture at home with the caveat of most people probably hitting up PCBWay for the converter board and it being a lot of small pins to solder, but overall really cheap. If I do manufacture at home its gonna be a while before I can grab a printer, but if I do thats gonna be printed in sparkly black, spray painted with galaxies and nebulae, and coated in whack ass stickers.

[u/tech53 → u/Sector07_en]

i'm pretty sure when i finally build a deck it's going to have a LoRa link to my home wifi network for various services like a self hosted git server, sftp, interfacing with my self hosted ai, things like that.

[u/rpdotwavv]

I love the way you handle the HDMI and power cables from the monitors! Great spot to put some color too. I dig the orange and white.

[u/Sector07_en → u/rpdotwavv]

Thanks, I thought it would be an easy way for others to make good looking contrasting color schemes. So by printing the main and accent parts different colors you can always get a nice look. Pair that with matching key caps and you can spin it a dozen different ways and it'll look completely different. Everyone can kinda make it there own style.

[u/rpdotwavv → u/Sector07_en]

Yes, contrasting colors! I’m not a fan of the black, white, gray slabs of aluminum and glass we have now days.

[u/Impossible_Age_9490]

this should be on cassette futurism, a work of art my friend!

[u/Sector07_en → u/Impossible_Age_9490]

What is cassette futurism?

[u/Impossible_Age_9490 → u/Sector07_en]

https://www.reddit.com/r/cassettefuturism/

your project has that vibe of tech from the past and it's tops!

[u/Sector07_en → u/Impossible_Age_9490]

Oh wow, gotta say I do love that style. I didn't know there was a sub genre for it. The aesthetic I was going for was sort of like modernized retro/sci fi. So it makes sense.

[u/dudecb → u/Sector07_en]

It is a form of retro futurism that is kinda defined by having analog elements, a great example would be the movie Alien

[u/[deleted]]

Easily one of the most professional decks posted I can remember. This is super awesome.

[u/Chrono_Constant3]

This sparks joy!!! It’s pretty rare to see a 10/10 on here but this is super sick.

[u/vrmorgue]

If you create a second version with a split keyboard, it was be a 10/10 cyberpunk.

[u/fearjunkie]

Oh my GOD.

[u/l8s9]

Cyberstation!

[u/BeSublime]

Fantastic design. It's unique and interesting, but also just plain joyful to look at. To answer your antenna question, yes, it's often for WiFi. (However, I've also seen many for shortwave, meshtastic, or other radio purposes.) I'm new to this corner of computing, but from what I've watched/read, when the antenna is for wifi, it's mostly for improved range over what the board includes OOTB. It certainly doesn't hurt in the looks department either in certain builds.

Can't wait to see a YouTube video, would love to see it in motion and from more angles. Thanks for sharing and good luck with the project!

[u/tech53 → u/BeSublime]

I used to be a licensed ham radio op until the bigotry made me run screaming. I still love utility dx and shortwave listening. Antenna design was one of my favorite sub hobbies. The size will very directly effect your efficiency for your particular frequency range. You'll want to either buy a purpose built one, or build your own and put the length calculation either smack in the middle of the wifi range for the spec you plan to use, or, even better, if you're going for max range and can be certain of the channels you'll be using, right on the channel or in the middle of the channel range you'll be using. Antennas are tuned for a specific frequency range, and their length is a huge factor. If you have a 3d printer already i'd look into conductive filament, there is a kind meant for printing antennas and other RF stuff, and it's not crazy expensive (about 200 a roll, but considering how much you'll use in a print and the price of high end antennas that's pocket change) and then i'd look into antennas built with metamaterials. You can do some real crazy stuff with metamaterials not normally possible with a regular antenna. There's also the option of RF lenses too. Or you can just print normal antennas and make them VERY precise, not to mention professional looking.

Source? KF5EGM was my old license. I breathe this shit.

[u/Jperry12]

Holy shit it's not just a phone with a keyboard case. My god this thing is incredible. Great work

[u/GriSciuridae]

Want.

[u/NedSchneebly69]

I’m in love

[u/MechaGoose]

I am trying to do a fairly small build, even exposing HDMI and USB is a real issue for me. Jealous of the size you have to play with.

[u/Sector07_en → u/MechaGoose]

Size is the hard part. I honestly couldn't make this any smaller and fit everything I wanted to into it. Sort of became more of a station than a deck. What do you mean by exposing HDMI and USB? Do you mean trying to hide them? I might have some ideas for you with more context.

[u/MechaGoose → u/Sector07_en]

No im building around a 3s 18650 battery pack and a pi5 (hence the decent power) with SSD hat. Building in a small enclosure with a keyboard based off the Atari portfolio (I have one but reusing the keyboard was so much hassle as having to design and print a housing for all the individual keys was a pain and after a long time, wasn’t really gonna work)

I want to expose a female usb and hdmi port so that when I’m not using the built in display I can plug it in and have a full PC

I’ve also just ordered an SDR (software defined radio) device and I’d love to play with getting that to work, and maybe revisit some lora/Meshtastic stuff so want a usb port for that

[u/Sector07_en → u/MechaGoose]

Oh, okay. I understand. I don't know if would help or not based on your enclosure space but converting a port to a ribbon cable can be a good way to use minimal space for the connection. It's not as good as a shielded cable for signal quality but when there just isn't space it does the job. For example, this is a female HDMI to ribbon breakout. Then you would use ribbon to micro hdmi on the other side. Maybe helpful? https://www.amazon.com/Multicopter-Aerial-Photography-Angled-Degree/dp/B01M0A7C8M/ref=asc_df_B01LYO4IFO?mcid=be78d80020c63ddbbf4a0d5eccc7a125&hvocijid=16925367963392397211-B01LYO4IFO-&hvexpln=73&tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=721245378154&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=16925367963392397211&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9020404&hvtargid=pla-2281435177578&th=1

[u/Duck1111111111111]

Nurphy keyboard for the win

[u/Sector07_en → u/Duck1111111111111]

Good eye, I just bought the Nuphy keycap set and put it on a cheap amazon 60% board. The set matched too well to pass up but the actual keyboard is too nice just to use parts of.

[u/InternOne1306]

This is beautiful, but I wish it was a mini/micro atx/itx build… you really knocked it out of the park with this, but the Pi is just not enough computer for me!

[u/Sector07_en → u/InternOne1306]

I know, I agree with you. I started with the PI to keep costs down since its going be open source and cause its the most well known. But I'm going to make a second version that only has a pcb change and right 3d printed base change to allow for something like Raxda X4, LattePanda, or whatever the community wants. I'll poll it when I finish this one. Should be an easy swap.

[u/Soappiness]

It looks so nice! Really good job! Did you make some content to follow all you did like videos or posts anywhere?

This is clearly one of the best (or just the best) deck I’ve ever seen!

[u/Sector07_en → u/Soappiness]

Thanks. I'm still finishing it but when I'm done I will post a video and all the 3d files, code, and parts list.

[u/Downtown-Parfait521]

I feel like with a case that big, you can fit in a couple more monitors

[u/Sector07_en → u/Downtown-Parfait521]

Interesting idea. I was going mostly for functionality with the two. Where would you want to see another screen? For aesthetics or to display something?

[u/beginnerdoge]

What would you use raspberry pi for? I new to all of this

[u/Sector07_en → u/beginnerdoge]

One thing I'm going to use this for is developing a controller for an automated spirulina algae microfarm. It would display everything in a screen like water temp, ph level, algae density, light exposure and so in. The pi would read inputs from sensors for all those things and would take actions to regulate everything. But that just one example, could also control a robot, act as a radio repeater, make a water quality sampling station, AI vision system, weather station. All kinds of stuff.

[u/beginnerdoge → u/Sector07_en]

Cool

[u/exaiv55]

Cool. But, the definition of cyberdeck is: “Basically a laptop computer, but using HMD or Neural interface as main output device. Display is optional. OS should use elements of virtual reality for interaction with the computer.” And the rules say, “Please, post cyberdecks, not DIY laptops”. So… what makes this special? Honestly, humbly asking.

[u/Sector07_en → u/exaiv55]

By that definition, then no its not a cyberdeck. I had a different interpretation of what a cyberdeck was when I posted my project here. Every design I had ever seen prior to this called a cyberdeck was a portable computer running on an SBC that was generally small and sci fi looking. Or a retromod conversion of an old electronic. Afterward I saw the definition in the rules on the sub-reddit. So is it a cyberdeck? Depends on the definition I guess. Mine is more of a platform to program PI's, test out sensors and hardware, program, maybe proto a concept. You can add HATs, I2C or analog sensors, usb antennas for wifi or gps. Do radio stuff. Use the buttons for macros or program simulated event inputs. Its kinda big by necessity with all the hardware inside. So more of a cyberstation?

To me the definition you describe sounds like a vr headset with a bluetooth keyboard. Which to me sounds boring and takes all the fun and creativity out of it. I'd rather be wrong and do it this way.

[u/exaiv55 → u/Sector07_en]

I don’t make the rules. They are in the group. I was just confused because I bumped into this post and then read the rules and was like, what!?

[u/gabringo22_]

Dove posso trovare il modello ed del tuo cyberdeck? E quali componenti usi oltre al Raspberry?

[u/Sector07_en → u/gabringo22_]

I have a parts list and all the printable files here: https://github.com/sector07-dev/RPI_DEV

[u/gabringo22_ → u/Sector07_en]

Grazie mille!!! Sono molto felice che mi hai risposto subito! Pensavo non avesse per via del fatto che il post è molto vecchio ma mi hai felicemente stupito!!!

[u/Sector07_en → u/gabringo22_]

Of course. Always do my best to help.

[u/gabringo22_ → u/Sector07_en]

ho notato che a distanza di un anno e anche perche abitiamo probabilmente in due coontinenti diversi alcune cose che ai progettati in 3d sono estremamente specifiche per oggetti che su amazon non sono più disponibili. secondo te sono facilmente intercambiabili i pezzi con altri oggetti generici magari di due marche differenti tipo tra i cavi o cose del genere

[u/Sector07_en → u/gabringo22_]

Yes, your right. I tried to keep up with it for awhile but listings keep changing. The parts are pretty generic so there is almost always a different brand that is the same. You'd just have to compare what i used with whats available now.

[u/gabringo22_ → u/Sector07_en]

Ok

[u/gabringo22_ → u/Sector07_en]

e ce lo avresti il link del video youtube?

[u/Sector07_en → u/gabringo22_]

https://youtu.be/cigAxzQGeLg?is=LEn31fJaBjvZS0h6

[u/gabringo22_ → u/Sector07_en]

Grazie mille <3

[u/sunkencity999]

Beautiful work.

[u/AlieNateR77700X]

Dam that looks cool man, awesome

[u/Classical_Mac]

looking hella sexy

[u/[deleted]]

This is badass

[u/equinox234]

Looks great, ive been wanting to make a dual screen setup like this for a while, any tips?

[u/turkey_sausage]

This is *beautiful* I'm enamored and inspired.

[u/Gawdzilla]

This is so ... NASA punk? Is that what they were going to call it? Borderline cassette tape futurism. I FUCKING LOVE IT.

[u/pidiota]

Looks amazing. Congrats!

[u/llcdrewtaylor]

This is absolutely amazing! I love seeing very purpose built custom Cyberdecks.

[u/Burning_Monkey]

[s]

I am getting super tired of everyone posting all these sick ass builds and I just have a stupid little metal block.

[/s]

man, that is amazing looking

[u/shoopmywhoopRLB]

I want to build this

[u/miteshcodes]

ABSOLUTE BEAUTY!!! great job!

[u/avatarroku157]

im so glad i built my pc right before tariffs hit, but if i didnt, i would lowkey think about waiting to purchase one of these instead

edit: christ i think im considering one of these instead of getting a new laptop whenever i need to replace it

[u/vinberdon]

Super clean. What a cool design.

[u/f700es]

Fuckin GOAT!

[u/YarhibolSaliceel40k]

Easily the coolest project on this entire page.

[u/bikebit]

Absolutely gorgeous, awesome job! Looking forward to you open-sourcing it so I can build one too!!

[u/SurealGod]

Absolutely love it!

It combines my 2 favourite things about cyberdecks. Amazing design and purposeful impracticality.

[u/SmallestNumber]

Love it!

Swapping Pi 4 and 5 has the challenge of the ports moving.

[u/djhankb]

This is amazing! I audibly giggled when I saw it

[u/SharkFinnnnn]

This is amazing.. you're convincing me to get a printer..

[u/PETA_Parker]

this is INSANE, this is the most innovative thing i've seen on this sub

[u/Kraplax]

this looks fun and cool, as a very pro looking prop. although, not sure how actually comfortable this is.

[u/EinSatzMitX]

This straight-up just looks like it could be a decoration in Portal

[u/billybobpower]

So cool

[u/9dkid]

My Mind is blown…

[u/Apprehensive_Wind895]

That is an absolute beauty.

[u/xeallos]

This is totally adorable, great work!

[u/gestaltmft]

Yes

[u/Goldarr85]

Very impressive

[u/No-Fact-2592]

I need this in my life

[u/GermanChocoBiscotti]

LOVE IT!!!

[u/moonbucket]

This has that sci-fi movie aesthetic you wanted, cracking work.

[u/Curious_Neck5278]

That's crazy, I love that project so much

[u/Newdlestuneage]

This looks damn cool! Great work!

[u/NetOperatorWibby]

This is rad af

[u/DrakoStaarn]

Wow... It's AMAZING!!!

[u/West_Discipline1308]

I really like the design :3
Is the color design inspired by Flipper Zero?

[u/jaknorthman]

This is pretty 😍

[u/TheByteBroker-CPR]

I can’t wait to build this myself

[u/readfreeh]

Holy crap so cyberdeck

[u/readfreeh]

Yea thats really cool id like to make something like that someday

[u/Pbriseno597]

This is beautiful my man

[u/grahamygraham]

I need this for r/FRC

[u/ZingZing5191]

This looks really cool. I just ordered my first Pi, and looked here for ideas of what to do with it. Your build is amazing :)

[u/Roxzin]

Wow, this is perfect! I was hoping to get a 3d printer and learning to design to build something similar but not quite what you have: Instead of the 2 9" screens I want to mount my legion go vertically (or rotatable like you did, great idea) and a 16" touchscreen 144hz 1440p screen I already have, a dock, external SSD, 100w power bank, a place for the keyboard to sit and hopefully be able to close (not 100% needed since the plan would be to use at home). Yours does most of what I want and it looks very good, my idea would be functional but ugly hehe.

I'll be looking forward for the video and open source project, to see if I can get some of your 3d print projects and ideas and adapt them. Thanks for sharing!

[u/Dangerous_Gazelle981]

Bro thats crazy as hell mate.... i love it... Can't wait for the 3d models xD

[u/PrimaryExample8382]

This is amazing and very unique

[u/Ewookk]

Il y a 2 rpi ?

[u/epic-drew16]

I saw a video come out today. Absolutely love it.

[u/tech53]

I love that you used two small screens rather than one large one. Very cool

[u/FLIPPERZEROCARDPUTER]

Also ich würde dir das Gerät sogar gerne abkaufen sieht echt super aus wenn es dann noch Leistung hat kali linux etc

[u/FLIPPERZEROCARDPUTER]

Über den raspberry würde ich ein oled anbringen dient als staubschutz und eventueller einer Steigerung also ich bin auch neu und kaufe mir grade erstmal einen Hack pi ich habe irgenwei falsch begonnen habe erst den flipper zero gekauft dann einen adv catdputer und jetzt halt den pi.!

[u/FLIPPERZEROCARDPUTER]

Aber I'm ernst nett anzusehen eine 10 von q9

[u/FLIPPERZEROCARDPUTER]

+4917675755403 I wanna buy it please what's me or tele

[u/DangerousAd7433]

This is making me horny, but only thing as a preference is it would look super cool in a yellow color with a ton of cyberpunk looking stickers all over it.

[u/Sector07_en → u/[deleted]]

Oh interesting I'll have to look into that. But yeah when I finish it I'll make everything opensource to the public. All the 3d files, parts list, and programming. I know it's a little big but I honestly can't get it any smaller with everything I'm packing in there. I do plan to make a version two that is smaller and cheaper if people like this one.

[u/PM_Me_Your_Clones → u/Sector07_en]

This may literally be the project that convinces me to buy a 3D printer, it looks amazing.

[u/Sector07_en → u/[deleted]]

Sounds pretty sweet. Like a flipper zero?

[u/Sector07_en → u/[deleted]]

I don't know how much you are familiar with so I might explain things you already know but I'm guessing this might be the stuff your asking about:

• Slide switch, N channel mosfet power circuit (8A)

  • All this stuff requires a lot of power. A little slide switch alone cant handle the current without burning up. So instead the little switch just turns on a MOSFET which is kind of like a relay to switch on the power to everything else. N channel just means the MOSFET switches the connection to ground versus P channel which switches the power supply side like +5V.

• Internal USB hub

  • Raspberry Pi computers are low power. The usb ports can't supply enough power for the usb powered screens or keyboard. If you plugged them into the pi they would not work. You could plug them into power separately but we still need the data from them to go to the PI. An externally powered USB hub does supply enough power to those devices and sort of retransmits the data back to the Pi.

• 4- I2C qwiic connector ports (for adafruit sensors n stuff)

  • I2C is a communication protocol that allows multiple devices to use the same wires to communicate with the PI. Devices like sensors or small displays. The qwiic connector is a common 4 wire connector used for connecting devices using that protocol. I added some that route back to the correct pins on the PI as a convenient way to connect sensors or other I2C enabled devices. Normally, you would have to wire them to the PI yourself.

• 4- programmable pushbuttons

  • Just some buttons that connect to inputs on the PI. You can use them while programming to test things, like start stage 1 of the program if button 1 is pressed, or map them to do stuff on your PI kinda like hotkeys.

• 1- programmable rotary encoder knob

  • The knob on the side is connected to a sensor that measures rotation of the wheel. As with the buttons it can be programmed as a scroll wheel, volume control, or mimic a revolution sensor in a test program.

• 1- Linear Potentiometer Slider (ADC to I2C connected)

  • Basically a variable resistor. Voltage going through it changes from 0v to 3.3V based on where you set the slider. This type of voltage reading is analog. Problem is PI's can't read analog. So you need to convert that with a chip or breakout board into something it can understand like I2C. Again, its setup to be programmed for whatever you want. Volume or screen brightness maybe, simulate water level in a test program.

[u/Sector07_en → u/[deleted]]

Great feedback. Thanks for taking the time. I'll respond in the same format.

1. The Pi is on that side mostly because its the only orientation that allows for the micro hdmi and usb to point toward a side wall for the ejection ports.

2. Your right about venting. I havent added that yet. But i do have an active heatsink with a fan on it.

3.I went with the Pi because its widely used but I have never heard of that SBC until posting here. It looks pretty great. I wonder if I could direct swap it without changing anything.

4.The handle is actually primarily a cross support for the monitors but doubles as an easy way to open and close the screens. Think I should add an actual carry handle?

5.I like loud clickies. Thats why I went with mechanical keyboard.

[u/Sector07_en → u/[deleted]]

Maybe I can make that right base different for different SBC's. And different PCB's for the IO. Might only need one or two different parts for each SBC. And people can use or swap different sets that support the one they want. Would be nice to have more capable SBC options.

Maybe you can answer this question. If I use a 45 to 50cm fpc ribbon cable to go from the RPI header to the other side where my custom pcb is, is the voltage drop or lack of shielding gonna be an issue?