Exercising Ingenuity
Full Build Video
Build Overview
This build can be split into 4 sections
- Raspberry Pi CPU and Peripherals
- Keyboard Construction
- Frame and Fit
- Finishing Touches
More details in the works in the instructions section of the project.
1. Raspberry Pi CPU and Core Components
A cyberdecks core is its CPU. Given the size and power constraints, as well as what I happened to have on hand, I went with a Raspberry Pi Zero W. For the core components I used the following, see the components section for full details.
- CPU: Raspberry Pi Zero W (V1.1)
- Display: Waveshare 2 inch IPS LCD
- Power: Waveshare Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) HAT For Raspberry Pi Zero
- Battery: Lithium Ion Polymer Battery - 3.7v 750mAh
Getting the LCD and UPS hat functioning required using a legacy version of Raspberry Pi OS, as well as some changes to the raspberry pi config. See the instructions section for details.
2. Keyboard Construction
For the keyboard design I took a lot of inspiration from the Mechboard Pocket-Type keyboard kit. I cut down a cheap protoboard to fit exactly in the Altoids Tin lid. Using push buttons and a RP2040 Zero, I managed to fit a fairly functional keyboard on a very small footprint.
- Microcontroller: RP2040 Zero
- Keys: 4 Pin Push Button 6x6x4.3mm
- Diodes: 1N4148 Fast Switching Diode 200mA 100V
3. Frame and Fit
Fitting everything inside the Altoids Tin required stacking the Raspberry Pi and UPS board on-top of one another and soldering them together, as well as removing some connectors and components to free up space. The frame was 3D printed to flex enough to fit inside the Altoids Tin, with the front panel holding everything inside.
4. Finishing Touches
I painted the front panel a nice beige, like a vintage desktop computer.
I also engraved the labels for all the GPIO pins on the side of the tin.
And I labelled all the keys with a white ink pen.
Lithium ION
Dmitry
jer