[GR3ML1N] A Handheld Cyberdeck

I've built a few cyberdecks over the years. Pelican case jobs mostly, the knd that look great on a desk but are a pain to actually use in the wild. Too bulky, awkward power setups, not really something you'd pull out in a coffee shop without feeling like you're assembling a field operations kit. I kept building mechanical keyboards for a while after that but eventually I'd scratched that itch enough times that I needed a new challenge. Enter the [GR3ML1N] a handheld fun, flexible, low-cost cyberdeck.

Bill of materials:

• Waveshare 2.8" ESP32 S3 Touchscreen

• Waveshare RP2040 Zero

• 40 x 12mm Tactile buttons

• 20 x M3 x 5mm Heatset inserts

• 12 x M3 x 14mm Machine screws (hex head)

• 2 x M3 x 5mm Machine screws (hex head) 

• 4 x M2.5 x 6mm Machine Screws

• 40 x 1N4148 Diode

• 1 x 18650 battery cell

• 3 x USB-C Female Breakout boards

• 2 x USB-C Male breakouts

• Wire, Solder, Hotglue

• Software (or code your own!)

Printing:

If you want to print this with the hex effect you see in my pictures, use a translucent PETG (Prusa makes some great choices). Then use the following settings:

• Honeycomb infill 15%

• 2 top layers

• 2 bottom layers

• 0.15mm layer height

• 8 perimeters

• Single perimeter on the top and bottom

Warning:

Beyond the blog post linked above, there is no build guide or instructions for this build (and based on my typical behavior, their probably won't be either). You'll need to be comfortable with figuring things out for yourself (although I will try to answer questiions in the comments on Printables). You'll need to understand basic electronics, soldering and how to hand-wire mechanical keyboards (if you don't know how to do this, Joe Scotto on Youtube is a great resource).

This is V1 of the model. It's not perfect. The screws on the sides run a little close to some interior walls. It works, but doesn't look too pretty. I'll get around to fixing that at some point!

Donations: I am sharing my work for free (non-commercial). If you would like to support my work, you can make a donation via PayPal (but please don't feel obligated) or just download and share your makes to help me accumulate Prusameters!