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NetHunter C-deck

Pixel 3 XL NetHunter Clamshell Palmtop

sergiySergiy
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A DIY portable cyberdeck built from a Google Pixel 3 XL running Kali NetHunter, paired with a Bluetooth keyboard and enclosed in a custom 3D-printed clamshell case. This compact setup provides a highly portable, low-cost platform for penetration testing and network analysis. The clamshell form factor enables comfortable typing and efficient mobile workflow, turning a smartphone into a practical pocket-sized command terminal for on-the-go technical tasks.

The Idea

This project converts a Google Pixel 3 XL smartphone into a clamshell-style palmtop, paired with a Bluetooth keyboard and enclosed in a custom 3D-printed case. The result is a compact, low-cost portable device ideal for field work, diagnostics, and general-purpose computing.

I’ve always been a fan of clamshell palmtops — a fascination that started years ago when I worked as a network field engineer. Back then, I used a NEC MobilePro 900 to configure and troubleshoot network equipment on-site. I really liked how practical and easy to use that form factor was.

Though the Pixel 3 XL is an older smartphone, it’s still a capable piece of hardware. By repurposing it and combining it with a folding Bluetooth keyboard, this project gives it a second life as a functional palmtop — one that’s easy to carry and quick to deploy.

The current version of the case securely holds both the phone and keyboard in a folding layout. I'm working on refining the 3D-printed design to make it easier to print, assemble, and customize for others who share a love for classic computing form factors.

Version 1

The first version of this device was created with a rugged design in mind. It appears that this design could lead to a more sophisticated assembly. While it is nice to be able to make the device in two colors with a pretty attractive appearance, a less complex assembly will be prioritized in the next version.

Version 2

The second version of this device has fewer 3D-printed parts and are much easier to assemble. I've tried to preserve the device’s attractive appearance, even with fewer options for using different filament colors.

Both models have a panel on the back of the lid that can be used to mount external wireless modules connected via an OTG cable. I reused a panel I had originally designed for organizing cables in my work bag, but never ended up using

The panel's shape and design make it ideal for strapping external cards.

Version 2.1.0

This is the latest, and probably the final, version of this case. I’ve moved the phone to the center of the lid, removed the parts of the case that were meant for securing cables and external cards with plastic ties, and modified the upper panel design

Pixel 3 XL NetHunter Clamshell Palmtop v2.1.0.zip

3D Model Files v2.1.0

Zip Archive - 445.45 kB - 06/05/2025 at 19:24

Download

Pixel 3 XL NetHunter Clamshell Palmtop v2.0.1.zip

3D Model Files v2.0.1

Zip Archive - 541.78 kB - 05/24/2025 at 19:21

Download

Pixel 3 XL NetHunter Clamshell Palmtop v1.0.zip

3D Model Files v1.0.0

Zip Archive - 639.06 kB - 05/23/2025 at 08:31

Download

  • Completed printing and assembly for v2.1.0

    Sergiy • 06/05/2025 at 19:11 • 0 comments

    I've printed and assembled version 2.1.0 of the case. It needs Velcro ties at least 200 mm long now. I really like how it looks.

  • Design update v2.1.0

    Sergiy • 06/04/2025 at 08:29 • 0 comments

    After a few days of testing, I decided the OTG cable doesn’t need to stay connected all the time, so there’s no reason to hide its connector deep in the case. I also dropped the idea of using cable ties, which made the circular holes (and really the whole original panel design) unnecessary. Built a new  version of the case.

  • Completed printing and assembly of Version 2

    Sergiy • 05/24/2025 at 17:37 • 0 comments

    Just finished printing and putting together Model V2. It turned out a bit more work than expected. I had to do quite a bit of sanding and filing to get the parts to fit right. I tweaked the design and made a 2.0.1 version to fix the worst of it, but it still needs some cleanup after printing.

  • The second version of the design is completed

    Sergiy • 05/22/2025 at 08:06 • 0 comments

    The new case has fewer parts to print and should be much simpler to assemble. Two main changes made this possible: the protective bumpers on the corners were replaced with a thicker layer of plastic, and the hinges were completely redesigned to be printed together with the case parts.

  • NetHunter Installation Instruction

    Sergiy • 05/21/2025 at 15:45 • 0 comments

    I've added detailed instructions on how to convert a Google Pixel 3XL smartphone into a network diagnostic and penetration testing device.

  • Device Redesign – Phase 1

    Sergiy • 05/21/2025 at 14:25 • 0 comments

    I started working on the second version of the device.

View all 6 project logs

  • 1
    Prerequisites

    Flash Stock Android 12

    Enable Developer Mode & USB Debugging 

    • Go to Settings > About phone
    • Tap Build number 7 times to enable Developer Mode
    • Go to Settings > System > Developer options
    • Enable OEM unlocking and USB debugging

    Unlock the Bootloader

    • Go to Settings > System > Developer options
    • Enable OEM unlocking
    • Confirm the prompt to unlock the bootloader
  • 2
    Download Required Files

    Download the following files to your PC:

  • 3
    Installation

     Reboot into Bootloader

    adb reboot bootloader

    Boot TWRP Recovery

    fastboot boot twrp-3.7.0_12-0-crosshatch.img

    Push Installation Files to the Device

    adb push twrp-installer-3.7.0_12-0-crosshatch.zip /sdcard
adb push magisk28.1.zip /sdcard
adb push Alynx-12-nethunter-bluecross.zip /sdcard
adb push Wireless_firmware.zip /sdcard

    Install Files via TWRP (in this order)

    • twrp-installer-3.7.0_12-0-crosshatch.zip
    • magisk28.1.zip 
    • Alynx-12-nethunter-bluecross.zip
    • Wireless_firmware.zip

    Use TWRP > Install for each zip file.

    Reboot to System

    Once installation is complete, go back to TWRP > Reboot > System

    Set Up Magisk

    • Open the Magisk app 
    • Follow on-screen instructions to finish setup
    • Reboot the phone if prompted

    Install Kali NetHunter Module

    • Copy the NetHunter archive to your device using file transfer.

    • Open Magisk > Modules

    • Tap Install from Storage and select the NetHunter zip archive

    • Reboot after installation

View all 3 instructions

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Discussions

Kai Morgan wrote 05/24/2025 at 15:19 • point

Would  love to see this as a modular case to change devices as I have the OnePlus 8Pro with a full Nethunter install. This is beautiful work!

  Are you sure? yes | no

Adam wrote 05/23/2025 at 03:44 • point

What are the contents of the Magisk zip?  Is it just the source zipped up?

  Are you sure? yes | no

Sergiy wrote 05/23/2025 at 05:32 • point

Yes.  You just need to change .apk to .zip and write it. Forgot to mention it. I will update the manual. 

  Are you sure? yes | no

Fabricio Robles wrote 05/22/2025 at 07:54 • point

I love this! That is hell of an asset to have. Now I am wondering if my Oneplus 8T would be a good candidate for a similar project.

  Are you sure? yes | no

Mike wrote 05/21/2025 at 16:53 • point

I love the idea!  There's so much that can be done with a palmtop in that form factor.  Now you've got me thinking of what hardware I've got laying around that could be used for a similar purpose.  Maybe it's time to build my own.  Thanks for sharing!

  Are you sure? yes | no

Sergiy wrote 05/21/2025 at 17:13 • point

I'm really glad to hear my project inspired you! You're very welcome!

  Are you sure? yes | no

X1tedless wrote 05/21/2025 at 16:26 • point

what a great project, keep it up 

  Are you sure? yes | no

Josh wrote 05/21/2025 at 16:23 • point

Just came to say this looks awesome! I love the clamshell style too, just looks so cool as well as being useful. 

Out of interest, what's the external aerial and circuit board shown in the pictures, it's not in the list of parts?

  Are you sure? yes | no

Sergiy wrote 05/21/2025 at 16:39 • point

This is "naked" TP-LINK TL-WN722N wireless card which is pretty common device for testing 2.4 WiFi network. I've added a custom minimal casing 3d model for it in the files.  I used it to depict the use of the panel on the back side.

  Are you sure? yes | no

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