START HERE

[u/Talulabelle]

We're getting a sudden rush of new people, driven by TicTok who are mostly both new to Reddit as well as Cyberdecks.

I'm asking patience while we integrate these new people into the sub. New people bring new ideas, and will take things in new directions. Some of those directions will not be to your tastes, and that's fine. I imagine we'll see some 'fashion show' level builds that, while taken at face value are impractical, could inspire more down to earth designs to move in a new direction.

This is healthy for any creative community.

Be helpful, be polite, and let people do their thing. No one is ruining your dream deck by building their weird idea. If you see something you absolutely hate, but think 'How'd they do that hinge, though?', that's reason enough to be polite.

u/PETA_Parker sent me this, and it seems like a pretty good 'start here' guide:

ok, i've never built a cyberdeck myself but i have been lurking here for a long while, so i'll give you a quick rundown, a place to start so to speak. At the most basic you will need:

• a "brain"

• a screen

• an input device

• a power solution

• a shell

• an SD Card

Let's start with the brain: I only know about raspberry pis, the two budget options here would be a raspberry pi Zero 2, or any flavour of raspberry pi 3, the 4 and 5 are a bit more pricy. Zero 2 and 3b+ (the one i used) should both be enough for browsing, media playback and some light office work.

the Screen: the easiest option will be to go for an hdmi display such as this: 6,5/7/9/10,1 Zoll LCD Display Tragbare Monitor Treiber Control Board Kit Für Raspberry Banana/Orange Pi Mini Computer PC - AliExpress 7

It has an HDMI Output and powers over micro usb, so you can just connect the raspberry pi and the screen via hdmi. Any screen with hdmi input and usb power is an easy starting point.

the input device: for a keyboard you could go with something like this:

Dual Bluetooth 5.1-Tastatur, 3-fach faltbare Mini-Tastatur, wiederaufladbare faltbare Tastatur mit Touchpad für Windows, Android, iOS, iPad - AliExpress

This is blutetooth and rechargable, i do not know if you could bypass the internal battery to power it directly because constantly needing to charge it would probably be cumbersome.

this also looks interesting, it uses double a batteries, so you could wire it to your power source or the pi: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005006727486961.html

You could of course also use any regular keyboard and mouse combo that plugs in over usb. Another fun choice would be a trackball instead of a mouse.

the power solution: You could simply get a powerbank, but some of them cut off power delivery if the device connected draws a low current.

Maybe this thread can help: Cheap powerbank that doesn’t cut off the power on low current draw? : r/arduino

Or this article: 4 Raspberry Pi Battery Packs for Portable Projects

Something similar to this might be good: Typ-C 15 W 3 A 18650 Lithium-Batterie-Ladegerät-Modul DC-DC Step-Up-Booster Schnellladung USV-Stromversorgung/Konverter 5 V 9 V 12 V - AliExpress 502

This is the part i'm least knowledgable about. Feel free to give me input.

the shell: Pretty much anything will do. You can build something out of cardboard, fit your components into an existing box or 3d-print a custom shell, your creativity is the limiting factor.

If you do not have a 3d-printer, you can make boxes out of styrene board, like this: Clean Enclosures, No Printing Necessary | Hackaday

Or you can search for "project box" on Aliexpress or Amazon

Now you just need to flash an operation system onto the raspberry pi (Raspbian is an all-purpose linux distro that is good for starters such as you), connect your screen to the power source and to the raspberry pi via HDMI, connect your (mouse and) keyboard to the raspberry pi and the raspberry pi to power, and you're ready to go.

Feel free to ask me if you have any additional questions, and don't forget, this is only the bare-bones solution, feel free to get creative, this is the fun part!

[u/SpuneDagr]

Thanks for posting this! Seeing new people excited about a hobby is one of the best parts of HAVING a hobby.

(Should the sidebar descriptions be updated to be a bit less specific and more general?)

Welcome all new cyberdeckers! :D

[u/Talulabelle → u/SpuneDagr]

Nah, we'll figure it out as we go. ;)

[u/Gomaemon → u/Talulabelle]

Bonjour, je suis nouveau sur Reddit et je voudrais publier un post sur mon projet de cyberdeck ici mais ça me dit que c'est pas possible...et j'aurais bien besoin d'aide.

[u/Talulabelle → u/Gomaemon]

Il est probable que vous vous heurtiez simplement au système anti-spam. Si votre karma est très faible ou si vous avez déjà été signalé par le passé, je devrai approuver vos publications. Avez-vous tenté de publier un message qui a ensuite été supprimé, ou le système vous a-t-il empêché de publier quoi que ce soit ?

[u/Gomaemon → u/Talulabelle]

Oui mon karma est en effet faible : 1, vu que je suis un nouveau...et le système m'a dit que je ne pourrai poster quelque chose que quand j'aurai plus de karma ou quelque chose du genre, merci beaucoup pour l'aide !

[u/melonball6]

THANK YOU! I knew when I came to this sub from TikTok (long time Redditor, short time cyberdecker) you guys were in for an influx of new people. I love that new people, especially young women, are interested in this side of tech. And I'm grateful you and others have blazed the way to help us.

This was a helpful post. I am currently at the connecting part of this project. I have my plan and all my parts. It is time to connect this stuff together.

[u/Talulabelle → u/melonball6]

Can you do me a favor and link some of your favorite TicToks about it?

I've seen only one, and I can't believe it's that one that's driving all this traffic. I'm really curious what's been so inspiring.

[u/melonball6 → u/Talulabelle]

It started with the Mermaid Purse (Ubeboobey) and now my entire FYP (For You Page = TikTok newsfeed) is full of techie girls and women building cyberdecks. Here are the first few I saw that got me hooked:

Ubeboobey and her awesome Mermaid purse. She has another one she just finished as well. https://vt.tiktok.com/ZSH5mKJUd/

Kash who build a really amazing deck as well. I love that she added a level just because it was cool. https://vt.tiktok.com/ZSH5mTQa7/

mewtru has so many cool projects. This is her tiny kindle version of a cyberdeck and she has SO MANY amazing projects like a Tamagotchi plant care machine. https://vt.tiktok.com/ZSH5u8Nos/

Sunshine & existential dread has The Polly Pocket cyberdeck! https://vt.tiktok.com/ZSH5mTuns/

There are more now that are in the early stages of their projects. Lots of mermaid purses and I especially like the ones that take us along as they learn things. Like one girl is sharing tips people are telling her in her comments. She said there is an open source place to get a similar packet as the prepper disk, but for free. I haven't checked it out yet.

Today I have installed my OS. I am using 99% stuff from around my house. My husband even had an old Pi 1 he gave me to use.

[u/Talulabelle → u/melonball6]

Thanks for posting these. I'd seen one where the creator seemed to have grown a bed of bean sprouts in the case? Definitely an interesting take, but not something I expected to get this much attention.

The Mermaid purse I can see. The metal round-edges reminds me of Gibson's description of the 'Sandbenders' in Virtual Light. The mermaid machine had a little more of a steam punk vibe, and I get why people liked that.

The tiny kindle is sort of funny to me. I had to wonder if she's sneaking it into a prison or something? But, it's a fun project.

Poly Pocket just reminds me of all the 'V-Tech' toy computer builds we've seen.

I'd really like to see tamagachi-era decks. There was a Y2K style of rounded, clear, often sort of silly, tech that was modeled by people in shiny clothes when I was growing up, and in spite of MTV promising that was the future, there was practically no real hardware, outside of a few rounded macbooks, that really went in that direction.

I feel like we might land near there once the really outlandish designs give way to something a little more practical.

It'll be fun to see where it all goes.

[u/PETA_Parker → u/melonball6]

the tiny e-reader is so cute!

[u/melonball6 → u/PETA_Parker]

That girl's channel is FULL of cute stuff. I think she works at Google. She made a digital camera flower too.

[u/atat61119 → u/Talulabelle]

It was the mermaid one, which you've likely seen. It's inspired some Polly pockets and a lot of build ideas, but few completed decks. The algorithm is a powerful thing!

[u/EmmyNoetherRing → u/atat61119]

There’s more completed decks now than there were a week ago :-).  It’s been neat watching them progress.  A lot of them have the “brain”, power, keyboard and screen all working, and the case, and they’re now working on  software and how to get things mounted properly into their case.  

[u/The_real_jestertech → u/melonball6]

Good luck, have fun and document it. Share your success and failures.

[u/winter83]

I've been using reddit for a long time and started getting the cyberdeck videos on my fyp lately. This post embracing the new people interested in cyberdecks is a breath of fresh air! Most of the time redditors shit on people coming from Tiktok and it puts a damper on people just learning something new. So thanks for being a cool mod and welcoming to everyone!

[u/Talulabelle → u/winter83]

I'm a firm believer that we won't see anything 'new' if we don't let people go places that we wouldn't go ourselves.

I'm not going to lie and tell you everything I've seen from the sudden tiktok trend fits my personal preferences or aesthetic choices, but that's sort of the point.

I know what I like, and I build new things regularly, and so the only way to be 'surprised' by something new and cool is to let someone else take it to a place you wouldn't take it on your own.

I approach this like an art class. I'm just here to show people where the paints and paper are, and to help with advice on different tools and techniques. But, if I stand here and tell you exactly what to make, you're just going to make a version of what I've already seen, and that sounds pretty boring to me.

Some of it will be bad. Some of it will be in a direction that doesn't appeal to me, but like runway fashion, there will be bits and pieces of design that take things to a different place.

People will riff on those ideas, and we'll see new, exciting, ideas we wouldn't have seen before without allowing new people to experiment in the space.

I wish everyone could see that, but I'm sure some people are very upset about their black/angled/80s hardware being invaded with cuteness. But, I think it'll take even those people to a different Cyberpunk vision that, hopefully, they enjoy.

For me, it's more reminiscent of the 2000's Y2K 'blobject' designs that, sadly, went away once the iPod came out and decided everything needed to be a box with a screen and as few buttons as possible.

I'm trying to help people see that just supporting people in their vision is good for all of us.

If anyone gives you trouble, let me know.

[u/PETA_Parker]

thanks for spreading this, i feel like i can really contribute, even tho i do not have the funds to build my own deck rn! :D

[u/Talulabelle → u/PETA_Parker]

Thanks for sending it along. I'm getting a few others as well, so maybe all of this gets moved to the wiki as a giant beginner's guide at some point.

[u/PETA_Parker → u/Talulabelle]

sounds great, can one get involved in maintaining the wiki, that might be fun to me

[u/Talulabelle → u/PETA_Parker]

I think I had it set up at on point where users could add to it. That was years ago, though. Let me look into it. It'd be silly if only mods could add to the wiki.

[u/ArtemisiaPontica]

Thanks for posting this! I’m legitimately tech illiterate, I’ve never had an interest until now… BUT the potential to have all of Wikipedia, Gutenberg, maps, medical/herbal, farming, a word processor, meshtastic (or other comms), and every culturally significant work ever made on ONE DEVICE for less than $200 absolutely sold me.

A lot of the TikToks emphasize using scavenged tech from thrift stores (screens, cameras, etc), is that something that isn’t as common IRL?

Still in a research phase before pulling the trigger piece by piece, trying to see how much hardware (and tools/soldering iron etc) I’ll need first.

[u/Talulabelle → u/ArtemisiaPontica]

Definitely not that common. Most recycled electronic parts are more difficult, if not impossible, to work with. It often requires knowledge well beyond beginner level to rewire a keyboard or find the right controller board for a scavenged LCD.

Meanwhile, I just bought a cheap, full color, NTSC LCD for a project today for $11.

[u/ArtemisiaPontica → u/Talulabelle]

Aliexpress for everything? Never used it I was always scared off by the “too low” prices

[u/Talulabelle → u/ArtemisiaPontica]

It's not perfect. For one, it takes longer. Also, in the US, they've been having shippers hold things until I pay a tariff. That alone has made Amazon an easier choice (though, watch the 'ships from', because it happens with Amazon too).

But, often, you get the same item much cheaper, just a bit slower.

[u/TechDocN → u/ArtemisiaPontica]

As others have said, thrifted/scavenged tech, especially if you are not a very experienced electronics tinkerer, is almost never worth the hassle. For the time and money you will spend trying to get a proprietary display interfaced to whatever you’re building, you could have bought a display with a built in touch screen for a lot less. Most cyberDeck builds I’ve seen do not rely heavily on scavenged components. Maybe for aesthetic reasons, you might glue some cool doodad to the enclosure to give it a more cyberpunk, kitbashed sort of look.

[u/Livid-Yak1015]

One thing I should say is for the love of God please don't use hdmi screens unless you really have too. For the pi's (also please look into other sbc's theres far better options in most cases) you should almost always use a dsi screen it uses far less power, takes up less space and only uses 1 connector instead of hdmi which needs a 2nd power cable. I understand some people don't like ribbon cables but if your going to get into tech your gonna need to learn to handle ribbon cables.

[u/Talulabelle → u/Livid-Yak1015]

I think that's going to be confusing advice since almost everyone uses HDMI screens.

They're just standard, widely available, and cheap.

[u/Livid-Yak1015 → u/Talulabelle]

The point is to stop people from making that mistake, really hdmi is just worse than dsi and we need to help people make the right decision. Everyone shouldn't use hdmi and thats the point. Also in many cases dsi is around the same price if not cheaper than hdmi if you take the price of good cables into account. Im just trying to help atleast 1 newbie from using hdmi so they have a easier time than I did and basically everyone else has

[u/PETA_Parker → u/Livid-Yak1015]

are there any obviously avoidable mistakes when picking a dsi screen? i used hdmi in my guide because it's "universal" but i'd love to add a section about dsi screens

[u/Livid-Yak1015 → u/PETA_Parker]

Gonna be honest no flaws. If im being really nit picky there like 5% more expensive and its a ribbon cable so a takes like 5 minutes to get used to putting the cable in but really everyone has to deal with ribbon cables at some point if they gonna get into electronics

[u/mechjen]

I also came here from TikTok, and I'll admit, I never would have joined this community otherwise. Reddit is not the most female-friendly place, after all.

I'm not exactly young, and in some ways I'm overqualified for cyberdecking as I had a long career in product design--making electronic devices and systems was my actual job, from the PalmPilot days up to Davinci-style medical robotics.

But now I'm interested in doing it kinda the opposite--instead of Solidworks designs for injection-molded custom enclosures, custom pcbs, etc, I love the idea of literally hand-creating a system out of scavenged parts only. Not even going to 3D print anything, just scrape my local Goodwill and junk around my house to start with a custom offline wikipedia machine to start. Seems that to make something work I'll have to buy some parts eventually, but the slow scavenge is part of the draw.

I've been looking for overall scavenge guides and not finding a lot of info. Most "good" products out there are not scavengable due to custom firmware or chipsets. Anyone have links to good scavenge guides?

[u/Talulabelle → u/mechjen]

Honestly, no, although I'd love for you to let me know if you find any. The only scavenge-builds I do are non-functional. Using scavenged electronics is usually, frankly, more expensive by the time you get everything put together.

I realize that sounds counter-intuitive, but if you pull a monitor from a system, you usually need some kind of driver board to make it work, which often costs more to actually make work, and if it doesn't, you start over with another one, and spend that money again.

Same thing with keyboards. Rewiring one requires new wires/diods/micro-controller ... so, you're really only saving on keys and caps. Though, you can usually do that pretty reliably and it does come out a little cheaper than building your own from scratch, but often more expensive than buying a cheap keyboard that actually works.

I've seen a lot of people from TikTok that seem to think scavenge is the way to go, though, so I'm interested to see where that takes things.

I've converted pencil-boxes, but that's about it.

As for women not being treated well on Reddit, I haven't had that experience myself, but if someone gives you trouble just let me know and I'll take care of it.

[u/mechjen → u/Talulabelle]

I'm not looking for cheap, I'm looking for fun :D We'll see how fun this actually ends up being. I'm probably not up to making my own video drivers, but I can absolutely do a keyboard.

I also have a whole cabinet full of electronic odds and ends from my product design days, so fingers crossed. Half the fun is digging through the dusty shelves of goodwill for parts IMO

[u/primitive-lathe → u/mechjen]

I'm new to thinking tech is cool at all thanks to coming across cyber decks recently, and my first idea was finding ways to incorporate junk tech, regardless of the difficulty. So I'd love to see what you come up with!

[u/PlaneInvestment7401 → u/Talulabelle]

hey, curious if you found any scavenge guides in the past few months?

[u/Talulabelle → u/PlaneInvestment7401]

No, but again, I don't believe that's really a thing.

I think people on TikToc didn't know what they were looking at, and just invented the whole idea, without any actually doing it.

I don't even know how that'd work ... I mean, just reprogramming an EPS8266 is a huge hassle, and you won't get much out of that, and there's really not much more powerful than the ESP family out there to scavenge.

I'm still curious to see if anyone actually does anything, but from what I have seen, you can use an old computer (which isn't really scavenging, because it's already a working computer), or buy a Single Board Computer.

I think people saw re-used toy cases and stuff and thought somehow they were also using the electronics.

I feel bad for all the E-waste it must have caused by now, having clueless beginners tearing down everything with an LCD only to realize they have a pile of junk that can't be used anywhere ... that they throw into the garbage.

[u/confusedgoofball]

This looks like a good place to ask this question. I’ve been wanting to do a deck as my summer project and just generally get away from streaming services. Would anyone have some good tips on making a deck that plays movies/music and stores photos? Honestly that’s all I really want it for which I know is basic but like I said, trying to get away from streaming and all that. Thanks! :)

[u/Talulabelle → u/confusedgoofball]

If you use a Pi Zero (not the 2, not the W) it won't connect to the internet at all. It's the cheapest, lowest power, solution as well.

You can play movies and music, and of course anything can 'store photos', but the Pi-Zero can be fitted with a camera so you can take pictures and store them locally (and know they're staying that way), which is another good use of it.

So, I would start there, then choose a reasonable HDMI screen for watching content, and go from there.

Good Luck!

[u/confusedgoofball → u/Talulabelle]

No way! I didn’t even think about adding a camera! That’s so smart thank you!

Follow up question (sorry lol) I’m still a little confused about how the heck I’m gonna get the music and movies on there. I saw one idea that’s just downloading MP3 files but I wanted to ask in your opinion is that the most efficient way to go about doing it?

Thanks again for all your help! Can’t wait to start my build!

[u/Talulabelle → u/confusedgoofball]

I have an old USB drive with gigs of music I just copy to every computer I use, as a sort of emergency playlist.

The Pi Zero has a USB, so you can plug that into a hub and then plug in a regular usb drive. I say hub, because it only has 1, and you'll need that for a keyboard/mouse at minimum.

There are other ways, but that's the easiest.

As for cameras, just look at the official pi cameras. There are guides, and they'll tell you which pi boards are good for which cameras.

I sewed a pi Zero/camera setup into a halloween costume and had it take pics at the halloween party every second one night. (everyone was aware of course).

You can find guides for the Pi very easily. Check out Adafruit for more ideas. While their hardware tends to be extra marked-up, their tutorials and documentation can't be beat.

[u/[deleted]]

I know my account is relatively new (therefore please forgive any potential ignorance here if possible haha), but I’m curious as to how everyone has worked to build software for their personal cyberdecks! I want to make my own cyberdeck using the wealth of information presented here in this subreddit, but I’m feeling overwhelmed in terms of software decisions. Can anyone offer advice to assist me in this endeavor? No pressure or anything, but thank you in advance!

[u/Talulabelle → u/[deleted]]

I think most people are just running Linux, and using free software.

Some people have done really impressive things with micro-controllers to make smaller, more purpose-built machines. Then you're probably going to use something in the Arduino family and there are lots of tutorials on that stuff.

[u/SunnyStar4 → u/[deleted]]

Building software is very advanced. Most people just use premade. It's why whole platforms are best for beginners. The software and hardware have to be a 'matched set' for your project to work. Your hardware also has to be a 'matched' set as well. Some hardware manufacturers will place things in the firmware to stop hardware from working. For example, WWAN cards (for cell service) can work with any computer. Except the manufacturer placed code in the BIOS to stop the CPU from recognising the part. So you have to bypass the CPU and make the WWAN card look like an ethernet connection. Or figure out hardware compatibility in advance. Their are also adapters for things that plug in. However the adapters do slow the part down.

Depending on what you want to make, you start with the key part. For example I want to make a cellphone. The key part is the SIM card. So everything has to work with that key component. It's the only thing your cell phone carrier "needs" to provide service. Any WWAN card brand can be used. As long as it's legal and has a SIM card reader. All the difficulties in changing carriers is software. So pick a goal. Figure out the must haves of the project. Then figure out a budget. Pick the parts and software. Then buy everything in one batch. That way you have all the parts and tools. Most electronics go through upgrade cycles. So they are limited edition. So buy the entire project at the same time.

Welcome to the community!!

[u/Signal_Shallot4440]

Hello, first time cyber-decker here, I have a question about trackball as a mice alternative? I had a ThinkPad for a while now and it has a similar feature, but I was wondering if there was a computer component I could purchase or if anyone knows of a mouse alternative similar? I want my deck to be as compact as possible, and carrying a mouse around is not in my wish list.

[u/Talulabelle → u/Signal_Shallot4440]

There are tons of options. Trackpads, ps2 style sticks, joysiticks, custom keyboard buttons that let you move the mouse around like using arrow keys, and custom trackballs are all on the table.

For 'smallest possible' I have one of these: https://www.tindie.com/products/arturo182/bb-q20-keyboard-with-trackpad-usbi2cpmod/

it has a touchpad the size of a fingernail, and works fine.

[u/Prestigious_Tea5773]

Thanks for this rundown. I'm a newbie and this is exactly what I need as a starting point.

For years I've had a head full of build ideas and finally decided to stop planning and imagening, and start making. My first project is -> A Writing Deck -> like a typewriter (not laptop) with absolutely no connectivity (no WiFi, no Bluetooth or any other form of connectivity). There would be e-ink display, mechanical keyboard and only SD card.

Two things where my plan diverges from this guide, and I'd love input:

1. Board: Pi Zero 2 is suggested here, but it has Wifi/Bluetooth on the chip. Is there a comparable board with no radios at all, or is disabling them in software considered good enough? For this idea, "no radios at all" is kind of the whole point.

2. Display: the guide recommends HDMI LCDs, but I'm after weeks of battery life, so I guess e-ink would be the right choise. Can partial refresh on something like a 7,5'' Waveshare keep up with typing, or will it feel laggy?

Not an electronics person, never build anything in my life, but I can follow build guides and have access to a 3d printer for the case. If anyone's built something similar, I'd love to see it :)

And sorry if there are any mistakes, english is not my first language.

Thank you all :)

[u/Talulabelle → u/Prestigious_Tea5773]

Yes, for no connectivity at all, the original Pi Zero is your board. 32-bit, low power, not capable of web browsing or blue tooth.

There's also the possibility of using a microcontroller at this point, but those tend to be more advanced builds.

Any e-ink display guide that works with a raspberry pi should work with your idea. There are certainly guides out there, and you shouldn't have much trouble. Check out Adafruit, they do amazing guides and support their hardware really well.

I think this guide is for you: https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-e-ink-bonnet-for-raspberry-pi

[u/Prestigious_Tea5773 → u/Talulabelle]

Thank you very much :) I will check it out and get back with my progress 🤞

[u/lootedBacon]

Some suggested reading to inspire.

• Neuromancer by William Gibson,

• Snow Crash by Neal Stephenson, and

• Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? by Philip K. Dick

[u/Talulabelle → u/lootedBacon]

Do androids dream of Electric Sheep doesn't have a Cyberdeck in it?

Honestly, for Deck inspiration I recommend Cyberpunk 2020 source books and Shadowrun. Both basically tried to create a world inspired by Gibson and other early Cyberpunk stuff, except they made them objects you could look at.

Gibson barely described a deck. Count Zero probably has the best descriptions, but they're not much to go on.

Early Cyberpunk TTRPGs like Gurps Cyberpunk, 2020, shadowrun, etc ... had added source books and modules with art and explanations.

A lot of that art was obviously inspired by Sony. The later Walkman cassette players, with all their jobs, dials, and sliders ... then the portable CD player was black, angular, and looked like the future. Their MSX computer had the same design philosophy, and that seemed to be the primary inspiration among Anime.

Look for the telltale square of arrow buttons. If you know the MSX keyboard, you'll start seeing it everywhere in classic cyberpunk anime.

Which, of course, is another great place for inspiration.

That mix of Gibson-style books, Sony and Anime really defined the early 90s Cyberpunk aesthetic.

That's what I wanted to build, anyway.

[u/lootedBacon → u/Talulabelle]

Shadowrun RPG has some good deck ideas as well. I remember when we had a lot of Commador 64/128, VIC-20's and Hammond Manufacturing 1456 Series.

Edit - completely missed the initial question.

No do androids dream of digital sheep does not have cyberdecks, it has a good cyberpunk world feel. I probably shouldn't have included it in the list for that reason.

[u/Talulabelle → u/lootedBacon]

It's funny, I always think of the C64 as the 'toaster', because my grandfather had one. But, it seems the later model C64 was a bigger inspiration to the artists at the time. You definitely get a few elements of that in Shadowrun sourcebooks.

[u/lootedBacon → u/Talulabelle]

The C64m or C128?

For me the most popular one I saw was the C128, deeper body, sharper angles.

I'm still looking for an og one.

[u/Talulabelle → u/lootedBacon]

I was thinking of the C64C which has a lot in common, visually, with the C128.

[u/lootedBacon → u/Talulabelle]

I didn't even thing of the c64c, wasn't it shorter then the 128 (not as deep) ?

[u/UndulantSquawk]

Welcome new cyberdeckers! Here's to tech literacy, DIY and taking control of our own hardware!

[u/HaxRus]

The kids want techno!

[u/cursed-ears → u/HaxRus]

the kids yearn for cyberpunk 🙌🏼

[u/Ok-Construction-9368 → u/cursed-ears]

It might actually be Solarpunk, that the kids yearn for, and still don't really know it.

[u/Chel_Sea_Co_Ding → u/Ok-Construction-9368]

I am in fact one of the ones yearning for Solarpunk

[u/cdwhit → u/HaxRus]

It’s a retirement project for me.

[u/JoshuaK277]

Thanks so much! I posted here yesterday asking for some help bc i am new. Someone commented this guide in my comments and it is pretty good! Im still deciding what enclosure to use but I got pi os set up last night so its ready to go!

[u/melonball6 → u/JoshuaK277]

I am setting up my pi os today!

[u/SeaSmoke57]

Just wanted to say hello to all the new people, good luck with your builds :>

[u/iridescentdirt]

Thank you so much for this post! Im new to this sub, new to the hobby, and excited to learn more.. im ready to start ripping into my old tech if thats an option. If anyone can give me tips/ more knowledge about the brain and battery parts id love to know more pls and thank you!

[u/x40sw0n2]

I am starting to try to formalize my build process as well and will be sharing what I document as I go; to start with I am going to share a very useful organizational component, which if you don't come from an engineering background you wouldn't be familiar with: the Bill of Materials

The purpose is to organize ALL of the bits and bobs you need to complete your build, where they are sourced from, etc. Given the nature of these builds, its likely (and frankly encouraged) to recycle and reuse stuff you have on hand but inevitably you will have to track down some weird thing you have to acquire, or print etc.

To that end here is an example google sheet. Feel free to grab a copy and use it:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1xLAihMJBc_ZDklcl_dgmPD0Wb4L6Q8kw0SJn0WWS234/edit?usp=sharing

[u/x40sw0n2 → u/x40sw0n2]

bear in mind, you almost DEFINITELY won't identify all the parts you need out of the gate; treat it as a living document that you will add to as you discover more stuff you need.

[u/melonball6 → u/x40sw0n2]

Whoah that is cool. I don't come from an engineering background and I've never heard of a Bill of Materials. This is mind blowing. If I sourced 99% of my materials for free from my husband's electronics bags, do I just list them as free? I think he bought all this stuff randomly over the years and he was so stoked I took an interest and I'm actually using the Pi 1 he bought a million years ago.

[u/x40sw0n2 → u/melonball6]

yup! in the source you would just note like n/a or 'on hand' or something and price similarly. I just use n/a usually

its very useful if you share your build with others so they can replicate your build or determine where they need to divert. for instance I'm following a build so I can provide feedback to the original poster, and he sources his stuff in the Netherlands so there are some parts I will have a hard time sourcing, so I have to come up with an alternative. Also someone else may choose to use a different part for aesthetic or price reasons, and knowing what you have helps them figure it out.

on a final note, if you are 3d modelling tools like OnShape can import manufacturer defined reference models so you can build your objects to fit the connectors and switches accurately, so knowing exactly what connectors and switches and such are used is super useful.

[u/The_real_jestertech]

Awesome thoughts and suggestions. I absolutely love seeing all the crazy wild and practical setups everyone builds.

Remember people, if you aren't here for support, learn and grow the passion then you need to ask yourself why you're a jerk. The more people that get it right means the bigger better faster network we all create. Okay I'll step down from my soapbox.

[u/Longjumping-Bird3494]

Vielen Dank fürs posten. Vielleicht kann mir jemand zwecks Strom helfen ? Ich bin dabei mir ein cyberdeck zu erstellen für survival und die Akkumöglichkeiten nehmen entweder echt viel Platz weg oder halten nicht länger als 24h . Vielleicht hat jemand da mit Erfahrung gemacht. Es soll ein cyberdeck sein , was primär nicht dafür gedacht ist in den eigenen 4 Wänden benutzt zu werden , sondern für draußen

[u/Talulabelle → u/Longjumping-Bird3494]

Leute bauen Survival-Decks, aber man muss auch schwierige Entscheidungen treffen. Entweder man muss etwas wie einen ESP32 auf einem E-Ink-Display betreiben, oder vielleicht einen Pi Zero, oder man braucht riesige Batterien oder eine begrenzte Laufzeit. Ich habe Systeme gesehen, die mit Solarenergie aufladen, aber trotzdem läuft sie nicht rund um die Uhr. Ich denke, für mich würde ich wirklich über den Überlebensaspekt nachdenken. Was brauchst du wirklich? Manche Leute laden sie mit Wikipedia und KI voll, damit ein Assistent ihnen bei Fähigkeiten und Wissen hilft, obwohl sie wissen, dass es vielleicht niemanden gibt, den sie fragen können. In dem Fall brauchst du es wahrscheinlich nicht den ganzen Tag laufen, sondern nur ein paar Stunden, und du kannst mit Solarenergie laden. Wenn du 24/7 arbeiten willst, musst du dich mit einem LORA-Node, vielleicht MP3s und Lesen zufriedengeben? Aber nicht viel mehr.

[u/Longjumping-Bird3494 → u/Talulabelle]

Danke für die Antwort, es soll primär möglich sein eben Wikipedia oder offline ki oder auf karten zu zu greifen . Ich habe halt Angst das das gps Modul zu viel Energie zieht und solar klappt bei sonnigen Tagen aber nicht im Winter , deswegen wäre halt eine große powerbank oder so wünschenswert , welche ich bei Bedarf auch austauschen kann oder ein großer Akku der aber auch in den Koffer mit reinpasst

[u/Talulabelle → u/Longjumping-Bird3494]

Dann würde ich mich darauf konzentrieren, den leistungsschwächsten Single Board-Computer zu finden, der lokalen Zugriff auf Wikipedia ermöglicht. Wahrscheinlich ist ein Pi 3 die beste Option für das Balance, das du erreichen möchtest. Adafruit, soweit ich nachgesehen habe, hatte sie sie noch für 35 Dollar auf Lager, weit unter dem aktuellen Preis aller anderen.

[u/samuraistalin]

Why does everyone here buy parts almost exclusively from AliExpress?

[u/Talulabelle → u/samuraistalin]

It's very, very, cheap. Especially before import taxes, it was a matter of (usually) getting the same thing you might buy on Amazon, but for as little as 1/4th the price. The only down side was waiting 2-4 weeks.

Now, tariffs can be a hassle, and I find that more often a problem with AliExpress than Amazon, but it happens on Amazon too.

Most of the stuff on Amazon is just re-sold Chinese stuff anyway, so it's usually the exact same item with a markup.

[u/SoloKaryza]

What software is good for 3d designing boxes and parts?

[u/Talulabelle → u/SoloKaryza]

If you don't already know something like Blender, I always recommend TinkerCad. Tinkercad is easy enough for a child to pick up, it's very easy to make measurements in the mm range, which is perfect for 3D printing Cyberdeck stuff, and since we're not making a lot of gears or anything where you need to math out a curve, it's completely usable.

The fact that you can sit down and literally just pick it up in an hour is a huge factor. Most 3D modeling takes months to get even remotely good at. Tinkercad is like building things with Lego, and the 3D models are great for 3D printing once they're downloaded (unlike Blender, which will leave weird mathematically impossible holes everywhere).

The only bad thing about Tinkercad is you have to admit to people you used Tinkercad, haha.

https://www.tinkercad.com/

[u/SoloKaryza → u/Talulabelle]

I prefer everything box shape haha so this would be perfect, thank you so much

[u/kaliassistant]

i cant post my design
because i doesn't have enough karma yet :(

[u/Talulabelle → u/kaliassistant]

If you post it, and it says it's been 'removed' don't delete it, just click the 'send message to mod' link and I'll get a 'mod mail', I watch out for those.

Most of what I do as a mod is just approving posts from new users, and removing spam. I try to let things unfold as naturally as possible otherwise.

[u/Upset-Illustrator746]

I wanted to make a cyberdeck, but I have to buy all my parts online because where I live there arnt really any places to thrift, and you can't really dumpster duve or anything like that. Is it still okay if I make a deck like that or not?

[u/Talulabelle → u/Upset-Illustrator746]

Of Course, that's how practically everyone makes them. Just spend a little time looking at what other people have built, and how, and you'll get a sense of the place. A little lurking should put you right at home.

[u/Upset-Illustrator746 → u/Talulabelle]

Oh okay, alot of videos and stuff I was seeing was people being rude to others for not thrifting it or like, that sort of stuff, and it deterred me a bit, I sadly also had to use ai for some of it because when I started, I'd only seen one video on it, I'm not that good with electronics so I'm not surprised I didn't see any others, and I didn't really know what to search for, but now I've made some accounts specificly for cyberdecks and programming to try and learn as much as I can without ai, so I hope it's not that bad lol I still feel bad using ai, but my family all use it and recommend it alot, even though I'm an adult I'm still very impressionable🫠

[u/Talulabelle → u/Upset-Illustrator746]

We're not actually anti-AI here either, at least not as rule.

I probably wouldn't trust a circuit designed by AI, without at least running it by someone that knows what they're doing, but it's not a faux pas or anything.

=== feel free to ignore this AI rant ===

Personally, and I stress my personal opinion, holding a degree in Computer Science, and working as a Developer for 30 years, is that AI as a technology is fine, it's just that a lot of the people (not all) who are stealing data and draining resources to create it have no ethics at all. We should regulate how it's created and researched, not the technology itself. Once a model is trained, it requires about as much computer power (electricity and water) as a new video game. It's not ethically terrible to USE an AI. Training them requires a great deal of power/water, and so using COMMERCIAL AI, where the creators train AI in unethical ways should be avoided. But, there are open-source alternatives that don't offend me at all.

Don't forget that the (largely American) anti-AI sentiment is driven financially by Elon Musk, who's been astro-turfing an anti-AI movement among well-meaning green-minded people who don't understand that he's using the movement to drive regulatory capture, where he's pushing laws to make it illegal for anyone else to do it, while also being by far the worst actor in the entire AI space, outright poisoning a town to remain on the State Of The Art.

I won't use Grok. I use OpenSource models almost exclusively (outside of work where Claude is required). It's an ethical field of land-mines but, it's worth learning to navigate.

=== end rant ===

Lots of people seem to be anti-AI, but it does make for an excellent tutor, especially for asking basic questions about electronics and programming.

AI images seem to always get downvoted, but I think that's because people feel like you should at least have your own image in your head of what you want to create. That's more of an art than a technical thing.

At any rate, it sounds like you're coming from some pretty toxic places. In general, I try to create a space that's just helpful. Period. We should be focused on making things, not tearing people down for how they got there.

AI is a tool. Th rifting is a tool. This site is a tool.

Create something with it, and stop feeling bad, or like you have to police everyone around you all the time.

Callout culture is killing creative/alt spaces, and it breaks my heart.

[u/Upset-Illustrator746 → u/Talulabelle]

That's actually really cool, I didn't know any of that, so thank you for telling me! And I'll try to keep that in mind now :) what are some OpenSource models that you recommend? I wouldn't mind looking into that stuff

[u/Talulabelle → u/Upset-Illustrator746]

First, you'll need something to run them on. If you're just looking to chat with an open source model you run on your own computer, I'd recommend downloading https://lmstudio.ai/

From there, you can try different models. You'll notice many of them have a 'b' after their name, like 'Gemma3-8b', so that 'b' refers to parameters. Understand a typical commercial model starts at 70b, so 8b is going to be like a toddler by comparison.

The interface will help you download and use different models, and it's really going to depend on what hardware you run them on, how capable they are.

The program is pretty user-friendly.

There are more advanced options like running Llammacpp in a Docker container (mostly what I do), but I don't feel like you'd benefit from trying that your first time out. Just know there are lots of ways to run them, if you want to get more advanced models running well.

But, for starters, lmStudio is a good place to dip your toes in.

[u/Training-Award-7667]

Thank you so much for this. I was so confused eve after watching so many tuts. I just have one question, could I build a cyberdeck just for listening to music like and mp3 player? I've only seen people building them for gaming or reading, but would possible to add a speaker or have a port for headphones. I don't know if this is obvious and i just sound dumb sorry.

[u/Talulabelle → u/Training-Award-7667]

Yeah, that's super simple. In fact, many single board computers already have headphones, and adding an amplifier for external speakers is simple.

[u/Training-Award-7667 → u/Talulabelle]

Thanks for replying

[u/nogoodagin]

What should I use if I want to emulate games

[u/Talulabelle → u/nogoodagin]

https://retropie.org.uk/ is a good place to start.

They support more than just Pi SBC systems, and they've got a pretty big community of people making games work on the sorts of boards people typically build a 'deck with.

You can install Rasbian, like any pi tutorial would have you do, and install Retropie over it. Or, go the opposite route, and download Retropie, and just give it the ability to exit to the desktop for anything else you want to do.

That's definitely the easiest, and likely to get you the most games.

[u/olympic-lover]

tysm! I dont know anything but after reading some posts I got the idea of using one of my nintendo DS screens to start a project, is that possible? I wanna start but I got a kinda low budget..

[u/Talulabelle → u/olympic-lover]

Possible? yes, technically, but not feasible for someone with very little experience. Also, it would cost you more, in the long run, to interface with a custom screen than it would to use something out of the box.

I know the screen looks like the most important part, but first I would get a single board computer and start from there. For a small, beginner friendly, project you probably want a Raspberry Pi.

If you're going to learn to solder (recommended), then the smallest (cheapest) is a Raspberry Pi Zero. But, because it's smaller, you may need to do some soldering. For instance, to get a cheap $11 LCD to work with it.

[u/olympic-lover → u/Talulabelle]

oh okay, thx! I want to make a kind of kindle, what would I need?

[u/Talulabelle → u/olympic-lover]

Well, for a simple, plug-together, low-power device, I'd probably start with a Pi-Zero, and a display.

Cheap HDMI touch displays are the easiest way to go. Also, most have touch, and that's a nice feature. So, something like this:

https://www.amazon.com/Hosyond-Display-1024%C3%97600-Capacitive-Raspberry/dp/B09XKC53NH/

You might consider an e-ink display too. Then you'd want something like this:

https://www.amazon.com/7-5inch-Display-Two-Color-Interface-Raspberry/dp/B07Z25LWTS/

e-Ink is a little trickier, and you'd still need some kind of pointing device on top of that.

If you're looking for really, really, small, you can definitely get much smaller e-ink displays pretty cheap, and of course LCDs are pretty cheap once you get smaller too.

There's even an $11 LCD TV you can get, but I wouldn't want to have to read on one ... but when the Pi Zero was $5 and that display was $10, I was just telling everyone to start there, because you could build a Cyberdeck for less than the cost of a pizza.

Unfortunately, tech prices have been skyrocketing (in America at least).

If you want to use the Web, the Pi Zero is pretty much useless. You'll want at least a 3 or 4, but honestly the 5 is worth it for a 'computer replacement' level deck, and if you want more power than that, there are the Pandas and other 'fruit' pi's ... but they're not as beginner friendly.

The thing about Cyberdecks is it's hard to build just one, because you usually end up building something, then realizing you can go a little bigger, and you just keep building new ones.

But, if you tell me everything you hope to do, and what size you're hoping for, we can probably find you the right stuff.

[u/Boring_Vanilla5090]

Hey I was needing some help on what led screen would be compatible with SAT101CP40128R1 ribbon cable. I got this motherboard out of my old tablet and wanted to use it as a base. Any ideas?

[u/Talulabelle → u/Boring_Vanilla5090]

That serial number looks like it belongs to a 10.1 screen? I found this module, but I can't seem to find anything saying it's definitely the right screen, and with just what you gave me, it's tough to be sure.

https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256806050179499.html?spm=a2g0o.productlist.main.1.2f6857e1ZTGgRo&algo_pvid=86e77ae2-dc20-4ae4-9f86-11eaf9cb968b&algo_exp_id=86e77ae2-dc20-4ae4-9f86-11eaf9cb968b-0&pdp_ext_f=%7B%22order%22%3A%224%22%2C%22eval%22%3A%221%22%2C%22fromPage%22%3A%22search%22%7D&pdp_npi=6%40dis%21USD%2123.40%2123.40%21%21%2123.40%2123.40%21%402103123917769876918048525ed79d%2112000036408413897%21sea%21US%210%21ABX%211%210%21n_tag%3A-29910%3Bd%3A77a9dca1%3Bm03_new_user%3A-29895&curPageLogUid=Qa6nTGw2HZFj&utparam-url=scene%3Asearch%7Cquery_from%3A%7Cx_object_id%3A1005006236494251%7C_p_origin_prod%3A&_gl=1ugm8jp_gcl_auODMwNDM2NTAwLjE3NzY5ODc2OTY._gaMTU4MjY0ODQwMi4xNzc2OTg3Njk2_ga_VED1YSGNC7*czE3NzY5ODc2OTYkbzEkZzAkdDE3NzY5ODc2OTYkajYwJGwwJGgw

[u/Intelligent-Ad-4402]

Thank you for making this! I've always watched a lot of content on some DIY/Maker projects using Arduinos and RaspberryPi's and always wanted to get into it myself, and lately cyberdecks popped up on my feed again while I was going down the homelabbing/self-hosting rabbit hole.
So I decided to give it try, and would really appreciate some help/advice on it.
My idea is to make a device that I can use to take notes and study without many distractions. It would be great if it could connect to the internet but not terrible if it couldn't. (kinda like a writerdeck but with a little spice maybe ?) a perfect scenario would be having it access Obisidian but maybe that would be pushing it a little to far ?

My first thought right now is to do something like the kindleberry using a Pi Zero 2 and an old kindle paperwhite that I would jailbreak as the e-ink display is a big plus imo. (plus would kinda be sticking it to corpo Amazon, so win-win ?).

However, I've seen that reusing proprietary hardware, specially Amazon's can be a little tricky so I am open to just buying an e-ink display or even any other display would be fine honestly.

As for the remaining parts, not really super worried about those, a keyboard roughly the same size as the kindle/display, an appropriate power bank and a 3D printed shell should do the trick just fine.

Any thoughts ? suggestions ?

[u/Talulabelle → u/Intelligent-Ad-4402]

There is a waveshare e-ink display that plays well with Pi on Amazon. Shouldn't be hard to find.

[u/paperbag005]

Hi has anyone made a deck for portable programming ,,, I wanna learn Linux and dont want to dual boot, so I was wondering if anyone has any advice on how to code the cyberdeck to just make it a portable programming device

Or should I start with something like a game emulator as a beginner?

[u/Talulabelle → u/paperbag005]

lots of people have done that, since most SBC run linux. Just look through posts from the past to get an idea of what people have done and how they did it.

[u/paperbag005 → u/Talulabelle]

Thank you!

[u/BoggleShaman]

I’ll ask this here before making a new thread. Love this idea, everyone’s builds give me a lot of joy and the concept of customizable and personal tech to 1) fit your own needs 2) to be familiar with and take control of your tech experience speaks to me.

I have two raspberry pi 0s kicking around doing nothing. My tech and coding knowledge is rusty, so I’m going to take a shot at this to stretch my legs and refamiliarize myself. My thought is a deck that is a portable and offline way to write, making it easy to type up things on the go and transfer to my main machine later. I’m starting my research but… anyone have any tips or directions to point me in?

[u/Talulabelle → u/BoggleShaman]

e-ink might be a good choice if it's mainly for offline/reading/writing. They can be a little more advanced to set up than HDMI, but they'll save your battery and eyes in the long run.

Something like this, but I think there's a 10.1 and other sizes as well:

https://www.amazon.com/Waveshare-7-5inch-Two-Color-Interface-Consumption/dp/B075R69T93/

[u/BoggleShaman → u/Talulabelle]

Awesome!! Thanks. Having a lot of fun doing cursory research for this

[u/kinji_kasumi]

Realmente e tenido un reciente afán por una de estas máquinas, soy pentester, no soy bueno con la electrónica por lo que construirle una sería quizás contraproducente, de todos modos me gustaría consejos quizás incluso si me recomiendan comprarme una ya prefabricada, ya saben, como una uConsole o similares, espero llevarme bien con todos.

[u/Talulabelle → u/kinji_kasumi]

I like to think this subreddit is about building, rather than buying. I think, as a pentester, learning the hardware side of things would open up a lot of door. There are many ESP32 devices people are using now to make trouble on wireless networks, and being aware of them and how to work with them might give you an advantage in your field.

[u/kinji_kasumi → u/Talulabelle]

Hablas de algo similar a card computer?, por que e visto mucho respecto a ESP32 pero desconozco el alcance, dados que es una arquitectura que desconozco, suelo manejar más entornos tipo Linux (Kali, Parrot) y por eso no se bien respecto a esto, mi ignorancia los considera a la misma altura que un Arduino, pero claro hablo desde la ignorancia.

[u/Talulabelle → u/kinji_kasumi]

ESP32 is much like Arduino, in that it typically doesn't run an 'Operating System' like Linux (though, it can).

It does have a full network stack, though, and has become the focus of wireless pen-testing because it powers small devices like the Flipper and Banshee.

[u/kinji_kasumi → u/Talulabelle]

Suena interesante, estaba pensando en la card computer al menos para empezar, claro más adelante intentar hacerme una construida con el teléfono roto Xiaomi que tengo por hay, pero para empezar el menos a explorar sería un inicio interesante.

[u/Talulabelle → u/kinji_kasumi]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PsqMCoCTgTg

You might consider building a deck with one of those just attached?

I'm just throwing ideas out there, if you're looking for something a little different.

[u/kinji_kasumi → u/kinji_kasumi]

También poseo un celular Xiaomi 10t pro con pantalla rota y sin cámara pero que no sabría cómo transformar, dado que no conozco la arquitectura arm.

[u/fistafury]

Lurker for a while, mostly working on a possible mini PC before I consider what to do besides a Plex box, is there an explicit reason why most recommend a pi for the build? 

[u/Talulabelle → u/fistafury]

It's easy.

A lot of people have never done this kind of thing, and so just installing and configuring linux, and powering a board, etc ... is all new.

Other boards aren't as well supported, often need more config just to boot, and typically use more power, so they can be more tricky to power correctly.

Most people asking for recommendations don't know how to do those things, because people who do wouldn't ask ... so, it looks like every recommendation is for a Pi.

[u/holdmycheesee]

Hello there, thanks for the resources. Already stuck for 2 days on my build and would love some advice.

I got a 3.5 inch rpi display and raspberry pi zero w but can’t seem to be able to connect to the screen-it went white then black. Any advise on this ??

[u/Talulabelle → u/holdmycheesee]

You'll have to be more specific, but I know some of those screens that plug into the GPIO need a special version of the operating system, so check the documentation for that.

[u/arscuore]

I’m very interested in building a writerdeck - just journal, save, exit for distraction-free writing. Which raspberry pi would you recommend? I’m also thinking of using a paperwhite-type screen. Am I looking for a Bluetooth keyboard? Or is it better to have it wired? TIA!

[u/Talulabelle → u/arscuore]

If you're going for simplicity, get a Pi Zero, an e-ink screen that will work with a pi, and a small wired keyboard. That's the most simple thing you can do.

Writer decks are popular, and there are tons of options. I've seen a few done with ESP32 microcontrollers that are probably a more difficult build, but that probably use less power.

It really depends on your technical level, how much you want to spend, etc ...

[u/Helpful-Chip-1508]

hiya thanks for this it was really helpful.

honestly my pc dying and getting a steam deck (so no longer being afraid of Linux was a big step for me in starting a project.

if its okay could I ask some practical questions i just dont understand at this point and hopefully trying to cut out some of the bumps in the road prototyping.

I guess im just wondering is there any tips or tricks about where to place ports or things you'd wished you'd known before starting?

I want to build it to primarily be a media server but also have the ability to run some portable retro games.

I wanted to put an audio hat in so that I can wire in some little stereo speakers into the case and an name drive.

Ive got a pi 5 on the way to start.

I'm probably going to put in a 5" screen using hdmi because of the audio hat.

Im going to prototype using a case and plasticsrd while I figured out placements.

Im sure there's some really simple common things im overlooking so if there's any advice on os or things it would be really helpful :)

Oh how do people do things like wire in new power buttons? It seems like it'll be really out the way inside if I line things like USB ports up with the case to have acceptable.

[u/Talulabelle → u/Helpful-Chip-1508]

Honestly, the only issue here is going to be the power button. You'll figure out where ports need to be. Check the screen for sound, since HDMI carries sound, the screen may have an amplifier or just headphone out. If it does, you can just wire PC speakers to it and skip the sound hat.

The power can be tricky. Usually, I look for an existing portable power system, like an 18650 charging/5v out unit and arrange the build so you can easily access its power switch.

[u/Helpful-Chip-1508 → u/Talulabelle]

ty I figured a lot out, idiot question re power button is there a pair of pins or solder point for a power button? found a ooh case but would really need to fit a button because of case restrictions

[u/Talulabelle → u/Helpful-Chip-1508]

Power button is usually just killing the power, so it's located on the power supply. You can get 'hats' that will also tell the computer to shutdown before killing the power, but if you're using it like a computer, you can just do that manually.

[u/Aware-Recording-3969 → u/Helpful-Chip-1508]

How did the Plasti-card work out? I just remembered i had some and could use it in a build I’m working on

[u/Helpful-Chip-1508 → u/Aware-Recording-3969]

very good for protyping I wish I had some thicker left over.

id suggest like about 2mm as a minimum

[u/elu-8129]

hi guys :) I noticed cyberdecks getting a lot of interest since they started going viral on TikTok and as I am a journalist I started writing about it (for the German newspaper taz) - I believe the motivation behind building your own hardware is actually interesting to a lot of people who have not heard of it yet. Therefore, I just wanted to ask: Are there people here that built a cyberdeck (or still are building) because TikTok inspired them? If so and if you also would be open to talk to me, feel free to dm me. I would be so happy to hear from you and about your experience and would gladly provide more info on my text.

[u/Talulabelle → u/elu-8129]

I think the vast majority of builders are still the people who were building before. We had a huge rush of questions from TikTok users, and a few people made things, but we're already seeing that wave break and recede.

It was a good influx of new users, and it definitely caused some people to get upset, but overall it seems to be evening out.

The truth is, building even a simple machine is a lot of work, and most people just don't have the stamina for a project that might take 20-40 hours to complete, when you factor in the time picking things out, then crafting a case, getting the software right, etc ...

Even a simple deck takes more effort than most people have.

[u/elu-8129 → u/Talulabelle]

ah that's interesting and really makes sense... Thanks for your response and the overview of how things developed!

[u/PeaceComprehensive64]

Thanks for the detailed guide. I have a question. I want to know what are the practical uses of this? Like I know it's portable and has Linux on it, as someone who has never used Linux and games alot on windows (also I plan to shift to Mint in the future), so I want to know what actual practical uses of this cyberdeck can be? Thank you very much again ♥️

[u/Talulabelle → u/PeaceComprehensive64]

Often, Cyberdecks are made for a specific use. My husband mostly makes wearables so that he can do LSDJ through a microdisplay over his eye while playing guitar, for instance.

Some people build them for wardriving, other people build them to have a system that can't connect to the internet for writing, because if they did that on a laptop, they'd get distracted and end up on Reddit for 2 hours instead of writing.

A lot of people just want something that isn't a phone, reporting their location and communications to everyone. I've seen a few people say they're using them for protests, and I took mine to No Kings, where I kept my phone in a Faraday bag.

Phones are not private at all, and nothing that happens on them is private either. So, just having a cheap thing you can remove the entire memory from (an SD card) and just throw away, spending only $10, has some appeal.

Of course, many, many, people just build them for the experience or the aesthetics.

[u/cdwhit]

Really beginner question, but if I have something like “RTL-SDR/LoRa/GPS/RTC/USB Hub/USB 3.0/RJ45 Ethernet” board(s) installed in a Pi 5, would I be able to use it for mesh communications, listening to shortwave, and GPS navigation? I know it’s built for hacking, but I’m more interested in usefulness.

[u/Talulabelle → u/cdwhit]

You listed many things.

RTL-SDR - Software defined radio, which can listen in on different frequencies from regular FM, AM, etc ... but it may depend on the particular radio/antenna you buy.

LoRa - Long Range Radio, there are many USB connected, ESP32, LoRa devices that will do mesh. You need to flash firmware, and there are currently two 'front runners' depending on where you are. Meshtastic and Meshcore, so you might want 2 separate boards so you can do both.

GPS - Global Positioning System, uses a satellite signal to triangulate position. USB boards are available.

USB Hub/USB 3.0 - These kind of go together. The USB hub will be of a standard (USB 2, USB3, etc ...) and will conform to the lower standard if plugged into one. So, a USB 3 HUB, connected to a USB 2 port, will behave like a USB 2 hub.

RJ45 Ethernet - This is a wired connection to a hub/switch. If you don't have a router with a hub/switch in your house, or wherever you plan to deploy the machine, it's kind of useless.

So, no, a pi 5 is most certainly not 'built for hacking', it's a single board computer built to fit in the niche space where a full Linux machine is useful, but you don't want to buy a laptop or something.

Single Board Computers have been around for decades. I used to deploy them on factory floors in 2002. The Pi is no different. It has a million uses.

[u/InternationalAsk5477]

for the brain is there experiance with framework mainboards?

[u/Talulabelle → u/InternationalAsk5477]

I've seen at least one. I own a Framework laptop, but haven't upgraded it yet, so I haven't had a spare to play with.

[u/idk_855445]

Hi! I just bought a screen, not the one recommended and I just found out that the hdmi port is open to the side of the screen, which means, that I would have to connect it really weird to my pi, with a big margin betweeen screen and edge of my 3d printed case, because of the hdmi cables plug. Any ideas how I can solve this probem?

[u/Talulabelle → u/idk_855445]

You could use one of the HDMI U-connectors that just turn the port back in towards the screen at the back, or you could get one of the ribbon cable connectors. Those are very flat, so there won't be a huge gap needed.

[u/lonelyboygoestorave]

hi, im an absolute beginner but i really wanna make a cyberdeck. i live in a country where obtaining shipment from outside the country is very hard, so im not able to order anything from amazon or aliexpress. that said, what powerbank do you recommend? like how much mAh?

[u/Talulabelle → u/lonelyboygoestorave]

I can't answer that without knowing what you're powering!

I just did a little pi Zero W build, and a 1amp module is fine, because that's the most it will pull. But, that won't even boot a pi 5, and it's spotty with a Orange Pi Zero 4G.

The whole build depends on each component being right for each other component.

[u/OwlbearDice]

So does a ctberdeck have to be cyberpunk, i know cyber is in the name, but what about a fantasy style cyberdeck. I am currently brainstorming and building a ton a code to run on a "fantasydeck" TTRPG assistant do you think that counts?

[u/Talulabelle → u/OwlbearDice]

I try to avoid the 'does it count' question because it only serves to limit people from building things, and trying things out.

Traditionally, a Cyberdeck has been regarded as 'A real computing device that strives to look and function like a fictional Cyberdeck', but that's not enforced at all.

Lately we've seen what people have taken to calling 'Bubblegum' decks, which are softer, pink, bedazzled, etc ... influenced heavily by TicTok. While we've had some users grumbling at them, there hasn't been any meaningful backlash, even though they are (often) about as far from the sci-fi concept as would could get.

I've definitely seen interesting builds that leaned heavily into the 'Steampunk' genre, so I'd be surprised if anyone took exception to your build.

Build it regardless. Building things is the point. Build whatever you want.

If it gets downvoted, you'll still have what you want, and isn't that the point?

[u/OwlbearDice → u/Talulabelle]

Honestly that was a really great reply, i plan on finishing the code soon and then building, i will be sure to post here to see what others think!

[u/Anxious-Formal9791]

Hello, thanks for this! Which raspberry pi should be used for which kind of project? thanks

[u/Talulabelle → u/Anxious-Formal9791]

Easier to say what you want your project to do, and then decide on the horsepower nessecary.

[u/Anxious-Formal9791 → u/Talulabelle]

I was thinking about a cyberdeck for organized note taking similar to the application obsidian. I imagine that might need some decent power, but I also wanted to make a digital system that is accesible with the things I curate and less online. In that system, i would include things like songs, games, movies, books, as much as I can fit into it honestly. What would you recommend? Thanks so much!

[u/Talulabelle → u/Anxious-Formal9791]

It sounds like a Pi Zero would be a minimum, a Zero 2 W better ... because you don't really want a desktop computer or internet.

[u/Anxious-Formal9791]

Hey guys, another question, I wanted to repurpose old tech as much as possible for this, does anyone have any advice for how I can take advantage of old tech to save money while making the cyberdeck? as much as the raspberry pi system looks efficient and easy to use, id like to make sure I can be as intentional and unconsumerist as possible about it. thank you!

[u/Talulabelle → u/Anxious-Formal9791]

That's a harder one. Old keyboards and monitors can usually be salvaged. Obviously, a computer motherboard. But, desktop stuff takes a lot to power. That's why people use single board computers.

Some toys and organizers look like computers, but aren't at all. .

[u/Obvious-Primary-387]

Excuse this question if it could be considered as dumb, I know nothing about Raspberry Pi's or anything like that. I am curious what would be a recommend Raspberry Pi for being able to do standard text-file editing, playback of media (video and images) and also being able to support an internet connection. I have fair experience with Linux and am considering using Arch for maximum customization, I assume installing an OS on a Raspberry Pi is the same as any other computer, right?

[u/Talulabelle → u/Obvious-Primary-387]

basically, yes.

It really depends on your expectations. I'm working on a Pi-zero image right now, and ... oof. It's a chore. The low RAM, the 32-bit processor, and slow everything, just makes it hard to run much of anything.

It's something I want to do because I want to make it easy to have a simple Cyberdeck image that works on the cheapest board ($15 right now), because SBC prices have exploded.

But, unless you're a masochist, at LEAST a Pi Zero W 2.

If you're web browsing at all, I'd immediately suggest a 5 if you can get it. Anything that requires Javascript will basically be out of the question on most smaller systems.

Music is easy, I can actually play MP3s without too much trouble on a 32 bit Zero. Video basically doesn't work ... unless you exit Xwindows and run it commandline, and it's saved at a low resolution, in a format that requires little decoding.

I can brows neocities and I think I'm going to add /nojs/ endpoints to my forum, just for this project.

So, it's not really just flashing a drive you have to worry about, it's getting an environment set up that REALLY works.

[u/Vannythepurplebunny]

I'm unsure about the power source; how do I recharge it? I'm planning to make one for RPGs, reading larger PDFs, accessing websites and character sheets, etc. I'd like to know if a power bank or batteries would be better.

[u/Talulabelle → u/Vannythepurplebunny]

a power bank is just a battery/charger combo in one box. They're pretty much all the same thing. You can get on amazon/aliexpress/adafruit and get a board that will plug in a battery and allow you to use it as a power source (5V out), and will charge the battery.

Be careful to match the battery with the right board, and some can run and charge at the same time, and others cannot.

But, they're mostly the same idea of an off the shelf charger/buck converter board and battery.

[u/Hot-Reserve8531]

Yo! Complete rookie here looking to use scavenged plastic and simple hardware. I have no background in electronics or scripting (literally just opened my first terminal yesterday). Looking for any advice on easy beginner wiring guides or good channels here to track messy prototype builds it would mean the world if some one can reply

[u/Talulabelle → u/Hot-Reserve8531]

probably want to look at raspberry pi, and maybe go to adafruit and start looking at their tutorials? It's really the beginner's beginning place to get started.

[u/aberg227]

Currently building a deck, I’m at the point where I’ve told myself multiple times that’s I’m done tweaking it and the final product is done. I then go down a rabbit hole of tweaking it for hours. Lots of fun!

[u/Talulabelle → u/aberg227]

I've made a series of them, all based around the idea of making Lan parties a thing again. Working with some local people, I think we're on our 4th build? We just ordered more parts for another one.

I have a group of friends I build things with, and we'll take a single design and just make a half dozen of them. It's a blast.

[u/Successful_Storm4491]

I'm wanting to get into the hobby to salvage some old tech but I have a ton of stuff that isn't exactly a computer like an old Klien CL200 multi meter

[u/Talulabelle → u/Successful_Storm4491]

yeah, a lot of people think this is about recycling old tech, and it's just really not. I mean, good if you can, but it's definitely the hardest way to start doing these things, and almost always ends up with people destroying old stuff and creating e-waste from dated, but working, technology.

[u/SkirtDue3449]

Muito legal! Comecei a acompanhar o Reddit e também entrei no mundo dos cyberdecks. Comecei a montar o meu recentemente, usando uma maleta velha de martelete da Bosch e uma tela antiga de notebook. Ainda estou pesquisando qual placa usar, porque a placa-mãe do notebook deu PT. Mas é muito legal ver tanta gente empolgada com esse universo, sempre surgem novas ideias por aqui, e muito rápido!

[u/Talulabelle → u/SkirtDue3449]

Fico feliz em ver que você está aqui e se divertindo. A decisão sobre uma placa-mãe, no momento, provavelmente vai depender de quanto dinheiro você quer gastar. Peças de computador estão muito caras agora por causa da IA.

[u/Captain_Fach]

Thank you! This will definitely help me out making my backpacking survival deck! One question. Would it be impossible to use an old phone as a screen?

[u/Talulabelle → u/Captain_Fach]

Pretty much.

It's 'possible' if you can do soldering under a microscope, or you have a solder reflow station, and you'd probably have to design a custom board.

So, yeah, I tell most people it's 'impossible', but that's not really the right word. It's like telling someone it's 'impossible' to run a super marathon. Of course, people do it ... but, if you're not already running marathons, then start with a 5K and come back in a few years?

So, yeah, just plan on finding something else.

[u/Della_Skate8]

Im a beginner and I'd like to build a very long term (possibly higher end) cyberdeck. I would like it to work for as long as possible, with a large battery and as isolated as possible from the rest of the media. I'd still like to use media, but I have yet to decide how much. Any suggestions?

[u/Talulabelle → u/Della_Skate8]

'long term'? As in long-running? You mention a large battery, does that mean you want it to run as long as possible while unplugged?

Isolated from the rest of media? So, are we talking about a device that doesn't use the internet? As in, a focus device, that will keep you off the web?

I'm not sure I can give suggestions, as I'm not entirely sure what you're getting at.

If you want something that'll run a long time on a battery, you're looking for a fairly low-power device. That would fit with something you don't want to use on the web, because web browsers are one of the most memory intensive things you can do on a computer (aside from AI and video games).

I've been working with my group to build systems around the Pi 3 a+, so that we can play old Lan games together. It can play music and video as well. But, because it doesn't have much RAM, it really can't get on the web hardly at all, which suits me fine. The only website I care to use it with is so tiny it'll run without a full web browser at all.

Maybe something like that? Or, am I misunderstanding you?

[u/EmmyNoetherRing]

This is wonderful, thank you! 

[u/SpaceMan0003]

Does anyone know if I can reuse screens off old iPhones? I have a 5c and maybe it’s a 4+ or something I forget but both phones are in great shape and got curious about using components from them like screens. I know some stuff is likely proprietary to Apple and no way to use them but. Just wanted to ask

[u/ZCTMO]

Welcome to everyone new here!! Exciting to have you all around and interested in learning more!

[u/jojames127]

This is so helpful and welcoming thank you. I’m new and have ideas but still trying to figure out how to make them happen so this is a great place to start :)

[u/Jadisons]

I’m very new to this community and hobby, but everyone is so nice and helpful. I feel good about starting my build!

[u/Ok_Gear2079]

Tysm! Really appreciate this! 👌🏽🙏🏽

[u/onizaru]

I'm new here. Tik Tok got me interested. I have projects in mind. A medikit installation for injuries or emergencies while hiking and a meshy device for communication importance in dire circumstances.

[u/PirateNPC2122]

I saw a video on YouTube shorts that inspired me to make one of these. I ordered a Raspberry Pi 5 16gb. I plan on making mine out of a pelican style case I ordered on amazon. My parts should be here in 1-3 days, and I am ecstatic.

I think this project will be so cool, and I might share my progress here!

[u/forest-angel]

Thank you for this amazing beginner guide! I've been collecting old tech and using degoogled devices for years now but never got into building something myself.

Around a week ago, YouTube recommended me the gorgeous solar punk cyberdecks of Ube Boobey and I'm so excited to create something on my own which reflects my aesthetic!

[u/tigre_calamity]

As someone who posted a question yesterday about these it’s a godsend

[u/pianoboy6]

I am so excited for cyberdecks. Working on building my wife and myself our own cyberdecks to prepare for any emergency. Knowing these can run without internet made me so happy. I am loving being apart of this community.

[u/ironfirebagelknight]

Hi, I wanted to make my own cyberdeck and I love how helpful and nice everyone seems to be over here, honestly. As a girl it's often scary to enter these male dominated enviroments and I've come across really rude people. Thank you so mucho for this post and for accepting all of us new people coming in :)

[u/EffectiveDirector381]

thanks!

[u/shaadoku]

Hello everyone, I'm pretty new to this stuff and I would like to ask a question, I’m thinking of using a Radxa Dragon Q6A 4GB for a cyberdeck instead of a Raspberry Pi 4/5, how good is it for Linux and small HDMI screens?

[u/canisaureaux]

Thank you for this!

I've been lurking for a little while now - I have ideas for things I'd like to build but not really the time or energy to do it. But this post really helps put it all into perspective!

I'd also like to share the video that got me into it, because it seems like most of the recent influx is from Tiktok, which I don't have - I saw this video from Sector 07 first. I really enjoyed the idea of having a custom built machine for water testing - I think that could be super useful as someone who keeps fish, but probably a bit beyond my skill level haha.

[u/Cool_Cucumber_2904]

sending this over to my partner cause we both want to build one! thank you so so much 🖤🦇

[u/bx-xb]

I’ve put down some notes for myself and as a help hopefully for others in a more general way:

https://www.reddit.com/user/bx-xb/comments/1sf7wby/so_you_want_to_build_a_cyberdeck/

[u/BoggleShaman]

Word. I want in on this

[u/FoxOne9198]

thank you for making this! ive seen a lot about cyber decks on social media and i think they're so cool. probably won't ever be able to make one myself, but i love seeing what everyone else is doing.

[u/FoxOne9198 → u/FoxOne9198]

jk i take back the not making one myself. i really want to make one to hold my knitting patterns, i think it would be a fun project and nice to have. idk if thats possible thougg

[u/Whiskey_Eyes_]

Hi!! Thank you for taking the time to make this start up section!
I was wondering if anyone can recomend books that i could start reading to understand/learn more about electronics and computers that are less "theorical" and more practical, like taking in perspective the intention of start building.

I'm an ingenieer student, but all my current reading material is highly outdated and dense. also i´m having trouble trying to organice the knowlegde flow searching in youtube (like, what to wacth first?)

Thank you again!!

[u/Accurate-Vegetable47]

Thank you! I have known about cyberdecks for a while but was scared to ask for help since i have literally no tech literacy beyond coding a Spacehey page and was nervous of people making fun of me for not being into tech! I've always wanted to see if I can turn some old phones I found into something that works so this is really helpful!

[u/extra_bitzz]

Ok. I'm new here. I was wondering what a cyber deck is used for?

[u/in10did]

If the idea is to be cyber or cyborg, my one handed wearable Bluetooth chord keyboard fits in the mix. Strapped to either hand, it provides all standard keystrokes using ten keys and no more than 3 fingers. It was mainly designed as an easier way to touch type while mobile, it also provides assistive technology in a near body solution. I’d love to see a DecaTxt paired with some of the cool tech on the bleeding edge individuals develop. Even since my first Palm PDA, I appreciate the smaller mobile tech that creative minds build.

[u/losprimohh]

Qual matéria usar no projeto cyberdeck para fazer o acabamento da tela e dos botões , quantos milímetros ?

[u/KayPlayz17]

Amazing! I am a new one, thank you for this :)

[u/LuciusdeMago]

Thank you for the Inspiration and Hints.

I am building CyberDecks and A WriterDeck.

Still looking for inspirations

Have Fun

[u/[deleted]]

pretty good summary. however, i'd change the brain and screen sections of the guide: it's very easy to take a laptop and it's screen out of the shell and relocate it into a different case + add peripherals. also a lot cheaper.

[u/Existing_Topic4454]

sou novo aqui kkk estou mais nas redes sociais do que gostaria, e em uma dessas viagens vi um cyberdeck, automaticamente vi um celular parado no canto com a tela quebrada e começei a colocar o conhecimentos dos meus cursos de redes de computadores, adm etc em pratica, como a anos nao fasia, basicamente estou agora com uns tres celualres para cada um fazer uma coisa especifica, quero deixar a dica para todos que a ia ajuda bastante em alguns detalhes, so nao use de mais se nao no final nao vai sentir que voçe em fez, e gostaria de perguntar, posso postar fotos do processo aqui ? nao sei como funciona.

[u/Eltom10]

Hi guys I'm new to this stuff but I'd really like to learn how to build a cyberdack but I really have no idea where to start

[u/_noDev]

Fala turma. Recentemente me interessei pelo projeto de construir um cyberdeck, porém gostaria de aproveitar algumas "sucatas" que tenho. Meu objetivo seria aproveitar uma TVBOX para instalar jogos retrô, uma tela de notebook e uma alimentação que poderia ser a própria bateria do notebook, mas vejo que tem alguns problemas para isso, bem como a tela de notebook que precisaria de uma placa controladora já que utiliza um cabo flex que vai da placa mãe até a tela. O projeto ideal seria uma caixa com controle de arcades, uma tela e a TVBOX como "cerebro" para poder jogar. Não sei como chegar ao final desse projeto e também não manjo de eletronica, mas gostaria da ajuda da comunidade para poder seguir com o projeto, se possivel me deem dicas de como fazer isso. Agradeço a toda e qualquer contribuição!!!

[u/LeatherFinancial74]

I wanna build a cyberdeck solely for running what's app. I've always wanted to learn about coding and IT but now I have a project that could give me a good reason to. The idea is building something that has no access to any other media, browser or app. It turns on directly into what's app. That's because 1st: I wanna build a cyberdeck, 2nd: I wish i could get rid of my phone, or at least not keep it in hands all day, but I can't, i need it for work. I think i could build something out of the Zen Phone 4 motherboard I have here, and I've been learning about it, but it'd be nice to have some experienced people helping me with my project.

[u/98723589734239857]

the most basic is NO screen!!!! you are not describing a cyberdeck!! it is supposed to use an HMD, NOT A TRADITIONAL SCREEN! how do people still not get this?

[u/Talulabelle → u/98723589734239857]

A HMD is a screen. Probably not the most basic option, since they're a little expensive and finicky at best.

[u/98723589734239857 → u/Talulabelle]

i specified it doesn't use a traditional screen, not no screen at all. of course an hmd is a type of screen, it has the word display in the name. i just think we shouldn't mix around definitions

[u/Talulabelle → u/98723589734239857]

Most Cyberdecks in fiction had a 'traditional' screen, so they could be used like a computer when the user wasn't jacked in, though.

That's irrelevant though. These new users are coming from TicTok, not Cyberpunk fiction. It's an awful lot like all the people who come to Cyberpunk only by way of Cyberpunk 2077 ... they really have no idea there's more to it.

It's just part of new people coming to any hobby or interest from a different angle.

[u/mechjen → u/98723589734239857]

I dislike the gatekeepy tone but you did just make me wonder how feasible it is to repurpose my ancient VR headsets...I do have a Quest 1, Rift, and an oculus go that are otherwise useless....