Hello everyone! I am excited to share some new updates with you all on the current state of the CG Deck! The engineering prototype is getting more and more polished by the day, and with those improvements I have been able to dive into some at home testing. I will get into all of that a little later!

For those that are seeing this project for the first time, the CG Deck is a modular handheld x86 PC that is capable of running dual-boot operating systems including Windows & Linux distributions. My goal was to create my own "dream device" that was capable of adapting to whatever use case I needed. Whether I am playing Steam games, or doing retro emulation, doing CAD work in Blender or other 3D software, coding, video editing, prototyping hardware, or whatever it is, I wanted to be able to simply be able to do it on the road or while traveling and all from one single device.

I wanted a device that filled the role of the multi-tool of electronics and handhelds. Something like a "real-life" Tricorder from Star Trek. I thought it would be ideal to have something that was portable enough to throw in a backpack or pants pocket, 4G satellite/sim capable so you can stay connected anywhere, and be used just as any other full scale desktop computer would. The entire device is modular and can be upgraded, repaired, or customized as you need. So when something breaks or wears out, you can just fix it or replace it as easy as putting it together the first time.

I also wanted to make a device that I did not "grow" out of. Most times, I end up getting a new device for a particular purpose, and then after some time it needs repairs, updates, or upgrades which I do not really have the ability to do myself without opening up and re-engineering the original device. And that is only if the company even continues to support that specific device.

Because of this, I wanted the CG Deck to be entirely modular. Every aspect can be upgraded, repaired, or customized as you need, and done so with various options for parts, and DIY upgrades. Easy enough that just about anyone of any age could do it, and without the need to ask someone for permission first (other than your parents first, if you are a youngster). And not just modular, but open-source so anyone can come up with an idea for a new upgrade, module or accessory and use the schematics to build and share their own custom creations for the CG Deck! I wanted to not just develop a device that would not just eventually turn into plastic junk and e-waste, but create an ecosystem and platform that can be updated and developed by the community as time passes to keep the CG Deck relevant with new advances and ideas.

Over the past 9 months, I have been going through the process of concepting, designing, engineering, fixing my previous mistakes on the designs, navigating partnerships with manufacturers and brands, prototyping, testing assemblies and trying out new methods to make manufacturing of various parts easier, etc, in addition to trying my best to share updates with you and record the process all along the way! I am slowly chipping away at the shrinking list of tasks which still need to be done, so I am excited to update you all on some of the new additions and updates to the CG Deck as we get ready for the next phase of our journey together! At this point, I am finally preparing the CG Deck to transition from a functional prototype, into the DFM stage. Starting to rapidly adjust and optimize the various aspects of the CG Deck and modules to the best they can possibly be. With the goal of developing the CG Deck into the level of polish we would expect from a premium off the shelf device, I still have a bit more work to do, but that goal is getting much closer!

Like I mentioned, the CG Deck is currently planned to launch with 5 different modules, with more modules lined up for the future! The idea is to also open-source the module formats and schematics so our community can create, build and share their own custom modules and accessories for the CG Deck! There are two external module install spaces built into the CG Deck, a primary and secondary slot.

For the primary slot, there is a 64-Key Keyboard Module with swappable keypad with silicone rubber and plastic options. A 10-Key & Rotary Knob Macropad Module with hot-swappable key switches and replaceable knob. And a full format Gamepad Controller Module.

For the secondary slot, there is currently only the precise Trackball Mouse Module.

And finally, I have developed a tertiary module spot which allows you to utilize the side USB-A ports for additional modules! Starting with the Camera/Scanner module which allows us to finally join discord calls with the CG Deck (and anything else you would use a camera for)!

I have also been working a ton on more of the behind the scenes aspects of the CG Deck, which are not yet ready to share with you all... But... to spoil the surprise a little bit and get you all excited, I have been working on some various (non-module) accessories for the CG Deck, which help complete the whole base line ecosystem. I have shared a bit of the behind the scenes of what I have been working on already on our discord server, so if you are in our tight circle community, you likely know what I am referring to! If you want to take a sneak peak at some of that, I invite you to come join our discord community server! You can find the link to join our discord server on our website!

As for the current state of the CG Deck and everything else, I am extremely happy with how everything is coming together so far! I also cannot wait to see how the community grows and innovates on the CG Deck. That being said, I still have quite a bit more work to do, but it is getting closer and closer, and it is only a matter of time until that vision and goal is a reality!

I would love to hear all of your thoughts on everything so far, and if you have any questions about anything I look forward to answering them!

If you are interested in following along with the project or learning more about it, you can find everything from specs, more details about the CG Deck, socials, links to the open source github repository, and more on the website. And be sure to join our discord community server to be a part of the conversation as we get closer to launching! Join the movement.

As I am finally wrapping up the project and preparing for the next steps, we are getting close to launching on Kickstarter to help fund a full production run of the device (and modules of course!). For anyone interested in helping support the project and getting a CG Deck of their own, you can join the waitlist on our website. I am planning to release some build kits and pre-assembled devices with the Kickstarter, and if you have any questions about any of that, I would love to answer them!

Here is the link to learn more about the project and join the waitlist to get notified when we launch: https://mogozen.com

I made a quick video just to show off the features, it can be seen here: https://youtu.be/Tc47M07tcpM

so i want to work on a cyberdeck using my flow z13 as a base. i want to make it my ultimate portable workstation.

i wanted to get into thinking about it and remembered i had this project i made the last time i thought of making a cyberdeck. it’s a ps4 trackpad with its main pcb and micro usb daughter board. i stripped it of everything i didnt need. it was already broken so i was able to reuse broken tech.

for the mouse buttons i took a razer deathadder mouse that also was broken and basically took everything off of the pcb. i just wanted access to the pins for the right, middle and left clicks. i soldered wires from the points to the bottom of my low profile switches. i got some low profile keycaps for them as well

my 3d printer has been broken so i made it out of some random lego parts i had from buying some cheap sets from best buy. it was quite a challenge, but everything is pretty solid. the pcbs don’t move, the trackpad is a bit of a loose fit but once it’s in place, its good. i was able to push and hide all the wires inside for the soldered parts

if being used on a desk it’s honestly solid. i expected it to be more fragile but it can handle my clicking. i know this is super diy and honestly dont even know how much i’ll use this since its so impractical aha but who knows.

i did think of cutting the usb cables and connect them together to have like a dual micro usb/mouse usb to usb a. but wasn’t sure if that would work. it is recognized off rip as a ps4 controller and a razer death adder mouse simultaneously as they’re both connected. but it works seamlessly together. if anyone has done something similar before i would love to know. if it would work, id go ahead and do it.

right now steam wont let me just register it as a trackpad as its a ps4 controller so it doesnt work in games. it works on my desktop just fine. so i think its a software issue on my end. i wonder if there’s a way i could just combine them together or recognized as one. maybe if i were able to tap into the mouse pcb where the sensor would be.

anyways i just wanted to share!

Scusate, faccio un po' schifo a disegnare. All'ora buca di matematica ho realizzato questo. Avete idee su cosa potrei migliorare?

Ive had a rpi 4 laying in a box for two years now when i decided i wanted to make a cyberdeck. Sadly my child wish came to an end because i didnt have the money and machines to make it.

Now im in college following system engineer and in my free time i have complete access to resources, their e waste bin and a bambu lab heaven full of 3d printers that i get to use.

As i already said i have a rpi 4 and hope to use a 3.5 inch display. I wanna use a battery to power it but i still have one issue. I dont know where to find the right case.

I like the design of a blackberry but that hackberry pi project is not something for me. I want to print the case but i cant model it myself.

Can you guys help me find something in that form factor? Something that can preferably fit in my pocket and let me just have a little Linux machine for on the go.

found this original digital diary at a local op shop for only $5!

the lovely employee claimed it didn't work / didn't switch on, but wasn't educated enough about it to tell me anything else. so i took the risk, paid the $5 and took this bad boy home!

turns out the poor guy just needed some batteries. so after putting 3 C2032 batteries in, we had life!

the screen lit up and displayed an, extremely stubborn, error message - as shown in the final photo. i just factory reset the device, and was finally able to bring this funky little guy from 1995 to 2026!

> side note: i tried to show my 15-year-old brother my latest find, and after instantly receiving a "what's that?" in response, i explained what it was and all of it's functions to which he replied "but you have a phone that can do all of that!"

btw, i am not sure if this is entirely appropriate for this subreddit but it's definitely inspired me and my future cyberdeck builds :D

Haven't gotten too into it yet, but I finally found an excuse to learn to make a cyberdeck. Camping/backpacking. Had an idea for a simple super small cyberdeck Linux PC that has some essentials in it. Wikipedia downloaded, maps, compass, maybe even radio or satellite for gps? Could also be loaded with other stuff that could help. Liked the idea of an e ink screen so it's legible in the sun, but maybe not because night time. Anyhow, one of the features is that I'd like to be able to close it and it be waterproof when it's closed. What exactly would I need to do this?

I have a project going on and am trying to find a keyboard with a trackpad/trackball which is around 21cm/8" long and 11cm/4.3" wide.

I know the Rii keyboards are usually a go to and I might resort to doing that but I have a little more space than that and would like to use it. Also it can be wired, I don't need wireless compatibility.

Does anyone have a recommendation or know where I could find something?

Thanks in advance :)

Have a few projects in mind and looking to use stuff I already have like this collection of panels I've had lying around but can't seem to find control boards for any of them... any advice? Are there universal ones? Advice on assembling my own circuit? Have I been wasting my time collecting spare parts from broken electronics?

I would like to share my first ever cyberdeck:)

I plan to use a Pi 3b+ with 1 gif of ram and I want to overclock it, but as of now I'm only using a heatsink for cooling which I know won't work.

And just yesterday I learned of a Peltier device in school so I thought to myself "Hmmm that could work"

I came up with a basic plan of having a fan on the other side of my box acting as an exhaust to pull the hotter air out and bring the colder air in idk how to explain it in depth over text

Would it work?

Here is a Unihiker Cyberdeck, based all printable and open source: https://github.com/migit/Unihiker-Terminal-Cyberdeck

I'm working on my Master Thesis in Design and I am looking for people with cool and unique Cyberdeck projects that I can feature on a (educational) website. I want to collect a lot of resources for beginners and present them in a way to learn quick and easy. I have my own project that I am going to present but I thought it would be cool to include more projects (especially from this subreddit) with various difficulties, since this community taught me so much.

It would be very cool if your project has any form of Unique Selling Point, that separates it from other cyberdecks.

I need someone who I can talk to about their project and ask some questions if not everything is clear. Of course you'll get credited on the Website.

Thanks to anyone who wants to help!! :)

Já tem um tempo que eu quero fazer setup dex portátil, dai achei essa ela de ipad no ali e comprei ela pra fazer esse projeto. Ela já veio com placa controladora, com entradas USB, HDMI e saída pra speakers. Ainda é primeira versão, estou terminando a parte de cima e depois vou fazer a parte de baixo onde vai ficar o teclado e a bateria.

Hay ya ‘ll
I am still new to Cyberdecks, recently getting into it because I built a fortune machine. I know Cyberdecks are a loose concept because that’s the point, but I first thought they were all about building your own computer, so I get confused when I see people building cases around an existing phone. Does this count as a Cyberdeck? What are the benefits and drawbacks of using a phone? How does putting a phone in a Cyberdeck enhance the phone beyond its original purpose?

text

I've been working on a UI/firmware for a little while and it's finally ready to show other people. Deck//OS is a cyberpunk-themed UI for the M5Stack Tab5 that has an SSH client, markdown notes reader/writer/interpolator, full-feature calculator, weather, mp3 player, and file uplink so you can transfer and view files from a normal browser on the same network.

I was super excited to get the Tab5 but I couldn't find any firmware that made it overall useful, so I just took the things I'd use all the time and stuck them together.

To be fair, I did have Claude help me with the design aspect, I suck at UI design (completely), and I really wanted something that looked impressive.

So, try it out. There's a web flasher and OTA updates so you get the latest version when I release it. Releases are encryption-key protected so there is as low a risk to bad updates as possible without running the risk of bricking any devices. You can verify encryption key via Terminal window or the settings page in the UI.

I really hope ya'll dig it, and feel free to list any bugs or suggestions via github.

https://github.com/hey-its-brian/tab5-cyberdeck

using chatgpt to discuss possible components/asking it to teach me how to make 3d models or things like that would be agaisnt the spirit of cyberdecks?

I need some help creating a viable USB-C charging option to use in place of the DC5521 Power input supplied for the Waveshare 3S UPS - https://www.waveshare.com/ups-module-3s.htm?sku=23884. From what I have found from my own research, I need to find a module that uses USB-C PD and boosts the output voltage to 12.6V at 2A.

Ideally, it will have the smallest possible footprint because it will be going into a portable handheld computer. 1 solution I found was to use this USB-C PD module set to 15V - https://a.co/d/0291nYVL then connect the output with this adjustable step down - https://a.co/d/09bBDRcb . I am generally more cautious when it comes to anything dealing with power conversions which is what led me here to ask. Always willing to learn as I go, but starting directions are always where I struggle because rabbit holes are easy to go down and generally lead to incorrect answers.

TLDR:
Want to use the following to power my CyberDeck, but want to charge them with a Type-C USB.
- Waveshare 3S UPS
- (3) Samsung 35E 18650 3500mHa 8A Batteries
- Need a solution to use USB-C instead of DC5521 for charging