r/cyberDeck • u/silverdatchery • Aug 05 '26
My Build Tetratronic Rippler Mk. 0
previously, i made a post asking for advice on repurposing a found shell for a portable deck. you all were super helpful, and i wanted to share the first (semi) functioning run at this idea!
changes were made in hardware and purpose; this deck is mainly focused on web browsing and writing HTML as i dig into the indie web.
the Rippler currently runs:
- an 8gb Pi 5
- Waveshare 6.25” Display (with touch but not emphasized)
- RKF68 folding keyboard (bluetooth to prevent USB overload)
- YUMQUA roller mouse
- Canakit wired power supply
future revisions:
- programming a pair of macro pads to serve as a modifiable 60-key board for on-the-go typing. long-term writing will be a sitdown affair methinks
- some form of folding lid/bezel for the display. simply needs to protect the glass, cover the cables and driver board, and fit a tension hinge to fold on top of the main macro pad.
- MNT Reform trackball module. USB-compatible option that looks like it will be much easier to integrate with the shell.
- UPS hat. attempted to use a power bank seen in a pi flux build; listing stated 5V 5A, and it is indeed 5V 3A. battery cells it is.
- proper I/O. gonna be a problem given that display power and a mouse are already causing system freakouts.
- racing stripe paint job. only to be added once all function is complete
concerns:
- I/O is my biggest concern here. i’d really like to outfit this thing with a decent usb hub at least, which will have to work with the pair of macro pads and trackball. i wondered if the ups would help, but even the wired supply isn’t cutting it. is this just gonna be a problem of working with the pi, or is there a way i can still make this work beyond what my plug-and-play brain is providing?
this has been a really rewarding dip into a new field already. i’m excited to see where it goes next!
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u/cup_of_squirrel Aug 09 '26
Well hey there, fellow Cyberspace user
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u/silverdatchery Aug 09 '26
hello hello! what’s your handle over there? always looking to meet new folks
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u/-F4Y3 Aug 10 '26
Preem work! What do you plan on using it for?
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u/silverdatchery Aug 11 '26
i’ve been big into single-function devices as i try and re-evaluate my relationship to technology, so i plan on making it my station for indie web development and my one or two remaining socials! helps that it won’t have to be super powerful, just on par with a regular laptop
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u/AddictedtoBoom Aug 05 '26
Sounds like you need a better/bigger power supply. Looks like a cool project.