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Day 3 - a few new discoveries and some decisions

A project log for Everything but the kitchen sink cyberdeck

My cut on the iconic project build. I have the case, I have the PI, I have a vision. Let's see if I can get it done.

curtis-soldanoCurtis Soldano 08/08/2023 at 01:220 Comments

I did some research on EMP's and learned about the E1, E2 and E3 phases of an EMP. 

Started modeling the interior of the deck then got distracted with other shiny cool things. I saw something in the background whilst browsing Ham radio stuff and it stuck in the back of my brain so I did a few searches and found this retractable short wave antenna.  Goes to like 23 feet long and fits in your pocket. That is going to be an accessory if I can't fit it into the core case somehow.

https://www.amazon.com/Sangean-ANT-60-Short-Wave-Antenna/dp/B000023VW2/ref=psdc_667846011_t1_B00066Z9XG

On the subject of space, although I like the idea of the imbedded hard wired network switch that you see on a lot of the earlier cyberdecks, I am not sure that is needed with improvements to BT, Wifi and other data over RF options. You still have the option to attach one later as I will expose the one RJ-45 port on the front panel but that leads my to my next idea.

I envision an EMP shielded bug out bag to go along with the core deck but would not be needed to make the deck work, just enhancement items and backups. It would protect and carry accessories like a network switch, extra mouse, antenna's, battery packs, hacking components, meters, radios, GPS modules, replacement parts, etc...I am doing my best to fit in all the core functionality into the deck and include this for add on items that could be useful but not necessary. 

That being said, the Network Switch hardware is not something I plan to integrate into my deck. My initial idea is to create a slot where the network switch would have been that allows a USB battery pack to be attached and placed into the slot then swapped out as needed. I envision this being in addition the a smaller, UPS backup battery inside the deck.

So at this point my design choices are being predicated on the deck being operated while open, it is not intended to operate when closed and sealed. Because of this I am focusing on providing ports on the front panel as opposed to the exterior of the case.

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