DeskNode // System Control Interface v0.4
DeskNode is a modular, desk-integrated system interface designed to merge industrial hardware design with digital control precision.
It’s not just a front panel — it’s the command center of your machine.
Machined to fit flush into a corner cutout of the desk, DeskNode centralizes all essential I/O and control features into a clean, tactile layout:
Power and Reset switches, connected directly to the motherboard via extension lines.
Power and HDD status LEDs — hardware-level indicators with that old-school diagnostic vibe.
Four USB 3.0 ports, front-mounted through internal extensions for fast peripheral access.
Analog-style volume controls for instant audio adjustment.
A 3-way toggle selector for multi-OS boot control — because one system is never enough.
At its core, a Raspberry Pi Pico handles all logic, boot management, and media control. Acting as the digital cortex of the interface.
So, at first I was trying to use a rotary encoder for the media control, after some rage outburst I remembered of some gesture sensor I have in a box here, tried with them, no success again – another rage attack... I was going to blame the cheap chinese components but, I'm sure it was all my fault...
Now – as I think I haven't suffered enough – I've decided to try a gesture touchpad using an ATMEGA328P and some copper tape. Let's see where I can get with that now.