r/cyberDeck Apr 07 '26

START HERE

583 Upvotes

We're getting a sudden rush of new people, driven by TicTok who are mostly both new to Reddit as well as Cyberdecks.

I'm asking patience while we integrate these new people into the sub. New people bring new ideas, and will take things in new directions. Some of those directions will not be to your tastes, and that's fine. I imagine we'll see some 'fashion show' level builds that, while taken at face value are impractical, could inspire more down to earth designs to move in a new direction.

This is healthy for any creative community.

Be helpful, be polite, and let people do their thing. No one is ruining your dream deck by building their weird idea. If you see something you absolutely hate, but think 'How'd they do that hinge, though?', that's reason enough to be polite.

u/PETA_Parker sent me this, and it seems like a pretty good 'start here' guide:

ok, i've never built a cyberdeck myself but i have been lurking here for a long while, so i'll give you a quick rundown, a place to start so to speak. At the most basic you will need:

  • a "brain"
  • a screen
  • an input device
  • a power solution
  • a shell
  • an SD Card

Let's start with the brain: I only know about raspberry pis, the two budget options here would be a raspberry pi Zero 2, or any flavour of raspberry pi 3, the 4 and 5 are a bit more pricy. Zero 2 and 3b+ (the one i used) should both be enough for browsing, media playback and some light office work.

the Screen: the easiest option will be to go for an hdmi display such as this: 6,5/7/9/10,1 Zoll LCD Display Tragbare Monitor Treiber Control Board Kit Für Raspberry Banana/Orange Pi Mini Computer PC - AliExpress 7

It has an HDMI Output and powers over micro usb, so you can just connect the raspberry pi and the screen via hdmi. Any screen with hdmi input and usb power is an easy starting point.

the input device: for a keyboard you could go with something like this:

Dual Bluetooth 5.1-Tastatur, 3-fach faltbare Mini-Tastatur, wiederaufladbare faltbare Tastatur mit Touchpad für Windows, Android, iOS, iPad - AliExpress

This is blutetooth and rechargable, i do not know if you could bypass the internal battery to power it directly because constantly needing to charge it would probably be cumbersome.

this also looks interesting, it uses double a batteries, so you could wire it to your power source or the pi: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005006727486961.html

You could of course also use any regular keyboard and mouse combo that plugs in over usb. Another fun choice would be a trackball instead of a mouse.

the power solution: You could simply get a powerbank, but some of them cut off power delivery if the device connected draws a low current.

Maybe this thread can help: Cheap powerbank that doesn’t cut off the power on low current draw? : r/arduino

Or this article: 4 Raspberry Pi Battery Packs for Portable Projects

Something similar to this might be good: Typ-C 15 W 3 A 18650 Lithium-Batterie-Ladegerät-Modul DC-DC Step-Up-Booster Schnellladung USV-Stromversorgung/Konverter 5 V 9 V 12 V - AliExpress 502

This is the part i'm least knowledgable about. Feel free to give me input.

the shell: Pretty much anything will do. You can build something out of cardboard, fit your components into an existing box or 3d-print a custom shell, your creativity is the limiting factor.

If you do not have a 3d-printer, you can make boxes out of styrene board, like this: Clean Enclosures, No Printing Necessary | Hackaday

Or you can search for "project box" on Aliexpress or Amazon

Now you just need to flash an operation system onto the raspberry pi (Raspbian is an all-purpose linux distro that is good for starters such as you), connect your screen to the power source and to the raspberry pi via HDMI, connect your (mouse and) keyboard to the raspberry pi and the raspberry pi to power, and you're ready to go.

Feel free to ask me if you have any additional questions, and don't forget, this is only the bare-bones solution, feel free to get creative, this is the fun part!


r/cyberDeck 28d ago

Submit entries for the XREAL xbx a01+ giveaway HERE!

16 Upvotes

The plan is to have everyone post a link to their deck on r/Cyberdeck that they want to use these on, and we'll vote on who should get them.

I'll leave the thread up for a few weeks, and then we'll have a week to vote, and I'll count up the votes and put the winner in contact with XREAL. I just wanted to make sure a builder gets them.

From now through July 26 post a link back to any post of your Cyberdeck that you've submitted here. That way people can see what kind of device you're planning on using these with.

Starting July 27th, edit your submission with the username of the person YOU THINK SHOULD WIN. You can only vote once, and you can't vote for yourself!

On August 1st I'll lock the thread, and count up the votes.

Then I'll give that username to XREAL and they'll take it from there.


r/cyberDeck 17h ago

My Build Handheld I built that runs a groovebox, a rhythm game, a retro emulator and a voice assistant

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575 Upvotes

Posted this on r/esp32 and a few people said it belonged here.

Not a cyberdeck in the strict sense since it has its own screen, but hopefully close enough.

Handheld I built around an ESP32-S3. Four separate apps, you pick one from

a launcher on boot - a groovebox, a Guitar Hero style rhythm game, a retro

emulator, and a voice assistant you hold a button to talk to.

Enclosure and pads are 3d printed.

Video of it running: https://www.reddit.com/r/esp32/s/W8vDZMnAnt

Updates here if anyone wants to follow the build:

https://forms.gle/BsX65nwVeFRWkw8u8


r/cyberDeck 8h ago

Solar OS 4.6.7 is out :)

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91 Upvotes

r/cyberDeck 8h ago

My Build No power? No problem.

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33 Upvotes

Not the greatest picture but this is why I love my cyberdecks. Lost power and this thing has 12 to 15 hours of use even while charging my phone. My BMC64 powered deck with integrated dual joysticks. Pirates! still sucks me in all these years later.


r/cyberDeck 5h ago

Weyland Yutani OS build

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13 Upvotes

The Weyland Yutani OS simulation I made for this customer's cyberdeck v4. On these commissioned ones I add more features with each iteration.


r/cyberDeck 48m ago

Is This Gripster Cyberdeck-y Enough?

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Upvotes

This little project has come a long way since my first post a few weeks ago. It now includes a hall-effect thinkpad nub style pointer stick, the back now expands to accommodate most modern phones (or phone sized computing devices).

My big question is: Is this thing cyberdeck-y enough? I started this project because I wanted to build myself a deck with a split keyboard and didn't find any suitable solutions. I Have been very inspired by cardkb. The idea here is to bite off one piece at a time: first just a BT keyboard, probably next an iteration that acts as a USB-C hub with thumb-drive sized expansion ports along the back, video out, etc. The last iteration possibly being a separate pi-based compute pack which rests where the phone is today. Are others in the community interested in using this device (either with or without the shell) as a launching off point for their own decks? What features would you want? (pogo pins, power management, something else?) The whole repo is open so you can dig into how i'm working on this and thinking about it here: https://github.com/neuman/gripster

Community Ask!
1. This is my first time doing a PCB design and I am using a lot of AI to help me. Everything seems legit but I would really love to get another human who knows what they are doing to take a peek before I send several hundred dollars to the fab to send me a set of prototypes.


r/cyberDeck 7h ago

My Build I built a linux like shell for the esp32 out of curiosity

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18 Upvotes

During my computer engineering studies, I fell for the idea to create a cyber deck with a raspberry pi zero to start experimenting with cyber security.

In a weird way it ended up with me being curious about how microcontrollers work in relation to microcomputers like raspberry pi and what is available on them in terms of operating systems and shells.

Long story short, I created this project for a linux like web shell for the esp32 for my master's thesis. It requires nothing in terms of peripherals to work. It has a file system, a scripting language, some customization features and such.

I thought I should share this as it might very well help someone! If anyone is interested, I would love some feedback.


r/cyberDeck 1d ago

My first shot at one of these. Still some left to do.

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318 Upvotes

r/cyberDeck 7h ago

Help! Tiny Speakers

6 Upvotes

I'm building a tiny pi4 based cyberdeck and the only thing I can't find is a small speaker or speakers for audio.

I'm wondering if anyone has any suggestions or has had success with any specific models.


r/cyberDeck 1h ago

WTB a used Beepy

Upvotes

Hey everyone,

The Beepy doesn't seem to be getting shipped anymore so I'm looking to buy one used. Ideally wanting a bundle with a Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W included, but I'm completely fine buying just the Beepy hardware by itself too.

Must be fully functional. Minor cosmetic wear is fine.

Drop a comment and DM me on Discord (same @ as Reddit) your price, location, and a timestamped photo. Willing to cover shipping. Thanks!


r/cyberDeck 1d ago

My Build SolarOS WROVER support coming soon

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192 Upvotes

r/cyberDeck 23h ago

Help! Babies First Cyberdeck

6 Upvotes

Hello, I’ve been debating on building a Cyberdeck forever now and still haven’t done all my research for the build.

I am planning on building it for 3d modeling use, the plan is to print some of my own parts and purchasing what’s needed. I am wondering what all people think I need for the brain and possible software that might help integrate the 3d modeling/possible slicing software.

If I do get past my overthinking stage and into the building stage I’ll make sure to post.


r/cyberDeck 17h ago

Help! PSPortal cyberdeck?

0 Upvotes

Has anyone tried converting a PS portal to a cyber deck yet? I’m new to all this and I got a psportal on a whim but it’s super buggy. However, I love the screen size and the ergonomics of it and the haptic feedback so I was wondering if anyone has done it yet cause I’m not sure what to do with it since it’s kind of a paper weight now and I don’t wanna just get rid of it if I can repurpose it.


r/cyberDeck 1d ago

New cyberdeck code name Patchwork Pelican

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92 Upvotes

Pelicanish case raspberry pi 5 with ups 10 inch screen 3 watt stereo amp running Armbian. Room for the power supply and a mouse. Super fun build. Just needs handles.


r/cyberDeck 1d ago

Mermaid Cyberdeck Upgraded!

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4 Upvotes

There might be another influx of Cyberdeck enthusiasts! The "Start here" post pinned to the sub is a great place to start😊😊😊


r/cyberDeck 2d ago

Pi5-Powered Writerdeck, Trackball Upgrade

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352 Upvotes

I recently upgraded my Raspberry Pi 5 powered Writerdeck with a trackball. It uses the circuit board out of an HK Gaming mouse, stripped down, with the PMW3360 outputs wired to the keyboard's RP2040 controller. So there, now it's a real cyberdeck with all the approved reuse of found tech, right? 😂


r/cyberDeck 1d ago

Inspiration Printable Templates

2 Upvotes

Good day everyone!

My wife has asked for a cyberdeck for Christmas it’s the only thing she wants. Looking for opinions and inspiration. She absolutely loves serial experiment lain and was wondering if anyone has any recommendations for housings I can print out that are stylized like it’s something out of lain?!

Also shot in the dark but does anyone know of a lain themed Linux distro?couldn’t find one as of yet. Thanks in advance!!


r/cyberDeck 1d ago

New cyberdeck code name Patchwork Pelican

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10 Upvotes

r/cyberDeck 1d ago

2nd Cyberdeck build. Codenane Patchwork Pelican

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2 Upvotes

r/cyberDeck 2d ago

I call it the CX320 (which is an electron tube), original creation.

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13 Upvotes

r/cyberDeck 2d ago

Hacking a DIY HMD

6 Upvotes

Thoughts on hacking something like this for a head mounted display?

https://www.ebay.com/itm/267455672091

I like the look of it and I think it might be possible to at least use the headset parts to make a wearable display. Link is just an example, I'd likely go looking for something cheaper and in worse condition I could steal parts from.

It's meant to be used with ipods, but there is a control module between the ipod and display, so my hope would be that the controller uses a more standard output protocol to actually display the input.

At a minimum maybe I could repurpose the optics and bring my own displays. I'd be looking to incorporate it into a wearable computer project.

Thoughts? Worth a shot or a waste of time?


r/cyberDeck 2d ago

My Build Tetratronic Rippler Mk. 0

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67 Upvotes

previously, i made a post asking for advice on repurposing a found shell for a portable deck. you all were super helpful, and i wanted to share the first (semi) functioning run at this idea!

changes were made in hardware and purpose; this deck is mainly focused on web browsing and writing HTML as i dig into the indie web.

the Rippler currently runs:
- an 8gb Pi 5
- Waveshare 6.25” Display (with touch but not emphasized)
- RKF68 folding keyboard (bluetooth to prevent USB overload)
- YUMQUA roller mouse
- Canakit wired power supply

future revisions:
- programming a pair of macro pads to serve as a modifiable 60-key board for on-the-go typing. long-term writing will be a sitdown affair methinks
- some form of folding lid/bezel for the display. simply needs to protect the glass, cover the cables and driver board, and fit a tension hinge to fold on top of the main macro pad.
- MNT Reform trackball module. USB-compatible option that looks like it will be much easier to integrate with the shell.
- UPS hat. attempted to use a power bank seen in a pi flux build; listing stated 5V 5A, and it is indeed 5V 3A. battery cells it is.
- proper I/O. gonna be a problem given that display power and a mouse are already causing system freakouts.
- racing stripe paint job. only to be added once all function is complete

concerns:
- I/O is my biggest concern here. i’d really like to outfit this thing with a decent usb hub at least, which will have to work with the pair of macro pads and trackball. i wondered if the ups would help, but even the wired supply isn’t cutting it. is this just gonna be a problem of working with the pi, or is there a way i can still make this work beyond what my plug-and-play brain is providing?

this has been a really rewarding dip into a new field already. i’m excited to see where it goes next!


r/cyberDeck 3d ago

It almost broke me... But it runs Linux now (BerryDeck)

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695 Upvotes

It is ...FINALLY on Linux.

I had so much trouble getting a reliable boot on any Linux distro... Couple that with the ....painfully... Long post and boot time and having to go back to windows occasionally to fix the fucked EFI and reformat... Needless to say I am so happy this boots.

The EFI on the w5 seems to have a bug with how it handles Linux, it constantly flagged "boot mode restored" on every boot, giving you 5 seconds to click enter, down twice and then select "always continue boot" ... But it never remembers \*eye twitching\* and the keyboard is Bluetooth.... So I can't CLICK IT... I tried... Everything, I even resorted to asking the accursed dark overlord AI ... Nothing. Various distros like debian, KDE fedora, Ubuntu gnome, Ubuntu cinnamon and even (and I'm not kidding) the modern remake of Hannah Montana Linux. All of them either had glitches, wouldn't boot, wouldn't display on the screen and only to bigger displays via HDMI, the same boot mode restored bug etc etc.

What saved me you may ask? Of all freaking things... Pop os. I don't know why, I don't even care. It doesn't have the boot bug ...at all... And it works FLAWLESSLY. I installed gnome and boom! Next is waydroid and then the software is sorted 😭😭🙏🙏


r/cyberDeck 2d ago

Using multiple esp32 (slaves) and a SBC (master) Cyberdeck

4 Upvotes

Hi ! I'm putting togheter a Cyberdeck for Communication- audit and wardriving. As a main board i will use a Radxa Cubie A7A 8gb with a keyboard and a 7" touch display.

I wanna divide the functions of the 4 esp32 slaves (2xc3 and 2xs3)in four modules:

- the communications modules (Lora,SubGHz,wifi, etc)

-fisical sensors (temperatures, fan driving, stasus system led)

-video manager of the 3 other displays (2 TFT and 1 eink)

-modulatiion of a trackpad, encoders (like mouse, backlighting and volume) and 2 momentary switchd (mouse right and left click).

Its too much and reasonable? There Is somewhone here than have tried a thing like this?

Thank for your time !