r/cyberDeck

I finally got my cybertablet far enough along to take it for a spin in the wildernes.

I loaded it up with a few survival manuals, brought it on a short hike, and tried setting up a small fire using only the information on the device. It’s obviously not weatherproof or rugged enough yet, but it was a fun test.

Part of the motivation comes from living in Norway. Even in Oslo, the biggest city, you’re only an hour or two on foot from deep forest. And if you were to travel between cities like Oslo and Bergen on foot avoiding curious eyes,, you’d be crossing mountains, valleys, and dense wilderness the whole way.

So I’ve been exploring the idea of a device that works both as a cyberdeck in cities and as a survival tool in between. Curious what you think:

Is it better to combine both use cases into one device, or keep them separate?

Oh, and as requested by many in my last update, there is now a rechargeable USB c battery option.

The CAD-files can be downloaded if you want to tinker with them or build your own cyber-tablet: https://github.com/ArcticEnrichmentCenter/Arkiv-Cyberpad

Bluetooth Keyboard + Phone + Mini Case

Do you have any recommendations for someone wishing to amass hardware the handheld computer of their dreams? Something to get instead? Id like to run a linux desktop environment and emulation of 2010s handheld games in a handheld way...

I’m making an Android based cyberdeck because I have a stack of 2020-or-newer ones with solid specs and I don’t want to waste them or burn money. I’m using only tech i own or built, and only buying secondhand for anything i need. *I do not have a 3d printer*, I had to sell mine when I left the US.

I could use a pixel instead but I want Nintendo 3ds emulation and the two screens are perfect.

I could just buy a briefcase Wozniak-style and be done, but I’m trying to make it unusual or clever with upcycling, so I’ve even considered adding hinges to other retro tech to disguise it as things like answering machines or other unrelated devices. Any and all advice is appreciated!!

Hey r/cyberdeck 👋

Another update on my off-grid hardcase cyberdeck build. Since the last post a lot has changed, both in hardware and software.

**Hardware changes since last update:**

• Swapped the audio module for a 2.8" TFT audio board with dual stereo speaker panels

• Replaced the GPS module with a VK-172 USB GPS stick — simpler and more reliable

• Added RTL-SDR V4 to the stack

• Upgraded the LilyGO T-Deck antenna for better Meshtastic range

• Swapped the S200 powerbank for a Baseus GP12, better fit for the case layout

• Added a mouse trackpad to the input setup

**Software changes:**

• Gemma2 9B running locally via Ollama ✅

• Vesper, a custom AI assistant built on top of Ollama with two profiles (full and guest) and a dedicated SHTF emergency mode. Completely offline, no cloud, no internet required ✅

• SDR++ configured and pulling live signals ✅

• Marble installed for offline maps with NL coverage ✅

• Kiwix for offline Wikipedia and reference library ✅

• Jellyfin for local media playback ✅

• Meshtastic for off-grid mesh communication ✅

• RetroPie on SD card for when things get boring ✅

• Custom launcher in development — cyan HUD-style UI designed for fullscreen use on the 10.1" touchscreen

**What the bench looks like right now:**

Last photo shows everything live — SDR++ on FM, GPS locked, Meshtastic up, Ollama running, switchable USB hub toggling ports individually.

The whole stack is designed to be offline-first. No internet required for any of it, maps, AI, media, radio, mesh comms, reference library. It all runs on the Pi 5 16GB from a Baseus powerbank via a UPS HAT.

**What's next:**

Waiting on the hardcase. Once it arrives: ABS interior, final layout, permanent wiring.

Happy to answer questions — especially around the offline-first software stack or the Vesper AI setup.

Estou a um tempo montando um cyberdeck mas estou com um grande problema encontrar uma bateria com bms que entregue 5v e 7w, sigo alguns subs gringos mas ninguém ainda respondeu, acho que por eu estar utilizando um raspberry 5 com 8gb de RAM, estou tendo dificuldade de encontrar um pack de bateria que seja compatível com o setup, alguém tem alguma ideia de como eu posso fazer ou o que eu preciso comprar?

Update on my previous reddit post here .

Due to the great resonance on my Pi-Deck build...I modified some tolerances, fixed some things, added a neat desk stand and finally published all the files including CAD file!

You can find them now on Makerworld.

Pi-Deck including STEP files on Makerworld

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Please keep in mind, that this is tailored around my available parts - including their tolerances and dimensions. I only recommend this project for experienced CAD people, you will most probably need to change some dimensions for your parts.

So please - first measure, then print!

Here are again some keyfacts about the build :

• Display : Generic AliExpress 7 inch HDMI touchscreen
• Pi 5 Integration: Specifically designed to house a Raspberry Pi 5 with a Waveshare IO Board and NVME HAT.
• Fully Bolted Design : The entire assembly is held together using M2.5 countersunk screws and heatset inserts. Everything is serviceable and solid.
• Integrated Power: Features a dedicated compartment for a power bank (designed around the Anker Powercore III 10K).
• External Power Button: Side access for a little micro push button (Power on/off) - wired to the Pi5 J2 header.
• Keyboard: Dedicated housing for the famous Rii X1 Mini Keyboard with side access for USB loading.
• Cooling : The back panel includes a vent. There is also an optional backplate with mounting space for a small 4010 fan + riser feet to keep the Pi 5 from throttling.
• Accessibility : The SD card slot and PowerBank slot are easily accessable with magnetically attached flaps
• Stand : optional stand to place the PiDeck neatly on your desk

Have fun!

its a pi 5 8gb (with pwm fan and 3d printed case) attached to a thrifted display used to show advertisements in a retail shop. keyboard is a Logitech with a 2.4ghz dongle. outdoor gate hinges are used as to hold it together (and epoxy). its powered by a powerbank that pumps out up to 200w and has a capacity of roughly 50,000mah. assesories seen are a newer model Alfa card and a 1tb SSD. usually running parrot but chucked raspian on microsd for others use. should also mentioned its over locked fairly heavily hence the powered cooling and lack of hats. cheers.

im looking for a bluetooth keyboard in a style similar to the classic blackberry format. i know Clicks makes one thats very similar but im not dropping $100 on a dinky keyboard for a budget build lol

I'm putting together my first project with a raspberry pi zero 2W to make a writerdeck but I've gotten stuck. I attached the pi sugar to the zero 2w and finally got the screen to display but now I can't get anything to move so I can connect the Bluetooth keyboard and download my word processor. I've included close ups for the wires as well as what display I purchased but at this point I'm not sure if it's user error or something isn't right.

I also am not sure how I'm supposed to connect the power to the monitor from the sugar or did i misunderstand something and the screen needs to remain on a separate power source?

I had this old split keyboard kit I never finished sitting in a box and thought I should do something with it. Since I am starting on my second rackable kit, I figured why not now?

I forgot that this keyboard is basically almost entirely undocumented. {facepalm}

anyway it has a built in trackpoint (the little nub that comes on IBM/Lenovo laptops) which eliminates the expense and complexity of using a touchscreen.

For its modular backpack frame I went vintage military again, but instead of US style frame I found a WW2 UK one.

I was going to do Tan and black color themes this time, but I am just not digging it, so may end up doing a black and red or black and white.

I think I finished modelling the keyboard tray, so I am printing it now.