Summary

Summary

A custom-built handheld cyberdeck designed for portability. It features:

• A compact case.
• A 4.3-inch touchscreen.
• A powerful Raspberry Pi 5 with the cooler addon for better performance.
• A Linux-based OS tailored for mobile use (like Plasma Mobile), though any OS compatible with the Pi can be used.

Parts List

• Raspberry Pi 5 with the cooler addon.
• 4.3in 800x480 DSI Touchscreen:
  AliExpress Link
• Waveshare 3s UPS:
  Waveshare Link
  AliExpress Link
• Rii Bluetooth Keyboard with Backlight:
  AliExpress Link
• 180°/U-Shaped USB-C Adapter for routing the USB power cable between the Raspberry Pi and the display (used a glowing one with the case removed):
  AliExpress Link
• Rubber Pads for the corners (you have to cut and round the corners of 4x 39mm x 20mm strips):
  AliExpress Link
• 8x 4mm x 1.5mm Magnets (for the USB and HDMI ports/covers):
  AliExpress Link
• 3x 18650 batteries
• 16x Threaded Inserts (M2): Used 3.2mm x 2mm inserts.
• 16x Short Flat Head M2 Screws: something like 3-4mm long.
• 4x Female to Female Jumper Cables for the I2C connection that allows the raspberry to check the battery status.

Disclaimer

This is a first iteration, and some improvements should be made:

• Use bigger/stronger magnets on the USB port because i found it too easy to remove (i'll work on a mod that can be printed and glued on the existing design to add an extra magnet or something).
• Maybe switch to a keyboard that connects directly to the Raspberry Pi via USB, I2C, or similar (with a form factor similar to the Rii keyboard).

For now, make sure to connect the keyboard to the Pi before sealing it in the case.

In the future, I’ll add the code to check the battery status.

plasma mobile rpi.txt contains the steps to install plasma, if you get a error, let me know.

Build Guide

Follow these steps, using the photos provided, to assemble your cyberdeck.

Preparation

1. Start by adding the threaded inserts to their designated positions before assembling anything else.

Step 1: Attach the Raspberry Pi to the Display

• Connect the Raspberry Pi to the display.
• Route the ribbon cable between them (under the Pi). This will cover the Ethernet port, which isn’t needed for this build.
• Use tape to hold the ribbon cable in place if necessary.

Step 2: Secure the UPS Module

• Screw the UPS to the holder using its own screws and risers.
  • Tighten just enough to hold it securely without damaging the parts.
• Remove the case from the USB-C U adapter, and use it to route the USB-C power between the Raspberry Pi and the display.
  • It will be a tight fit, and the USB-C adapter might bend slightly.
• Also connect the I2C between the Raspberry Pi and the UPS using 5V.

Step 3: Sandwich Components Together

• Place the screen and keyboard between the holder and the front shell.
  • This will hold everything in place.

Step 4: Attach the Back Shell Temporarily

• Screw the back shell to the tips of the UPS risers to hold the assembly together temporarily.

Steps 5, 6, and 7: Final Assembly

• Glue the case parts to the shell (leave the back plate to the end), ensuring proper alignment (you'll have to remove the screws on the sides).
• Screw all corners again.
• Add the magnets to their slots in the case and covers.

Adding Rubber Corners

• Use the included PDF template to cut the rubber corners to size.
• Attach the rubber corners to their designated spots.

Final Touches

1. Open the case and add the power input and switch.
   • Connect them to the UPS and ensure they’re positioned correctly.
   • Label cables and ports beforehand if needed for easier assembly.
2. Close the case and secure it.
3. Use the small hole on the side to charge the keyboard.
   • The keyboard can stay on, as it will go to sleep when not in use.

Printing Notes

• Most parts don’t need supports, except for:
  • Holes for the keyboard, USB port, power, and charger.
• Rotate Case_mid_back, internal_holder, and shell_back on the print bed as well.
• The magnet side should also be on the bed for the covers and the usb one will need some supports at the bottom (you'll see why)

You’re done! Enjoy your new handheld cyberdeck.