These aren't side projects — they're the builds I think about constantly but haven't had the time, money, or skills to pull off yet. Ranked by how badly I want to make them happen.
#1 — Modular Cyberdeck In Progress
Hardware · Raspberry Pi 5 · Python · Shell · CircuitPython
A fully custom, hand-built portable computer — not a laptop, not a tablet, something entirely mine. Based on the open-source DFCD (DesignatedFreeCadDevice): Raspberry Pi 5 8GB brain, sliding 10.1" touchscreen, hidden NOS C-450 TKL mechanical keyboard, Logitech Marble trackball, NP-F battery, and a rotary encoder scroll handle. Every part is either 3D-printed or off-the-shelf — nothing is welded or machined.
The video below is the upstream build this is based on:
What's already built (software side):
✓ Full custom OS layer for Raspberry Pi OS — idempotent installer,
systemd boot scripts, zram memory tuning, themed terminal
✓ Opt-in AI layer — Claude Code + Ollama, memory-tuned for Pi 5
✓ Opt-in extras — deck-mode (stealth/work/bright), deck-vault (LUKS2
encrypted container), Conky status bar, RTL-SDR radio
✓ Grimoire — offline documentation search engine (SQLite + BM25 FTS5,
ingest from DevDocs .zim files)
✓ Clamp-on Comms module — Pico USB bridge, NFC (PN532) + LoRa
(RFM9x, 923 MHz AS923), custom CAD enclosure, CircuitPython firmware
✓ Custom 3D-printed parts — raised GFPIO lid, modified screen frame
with status LED
✓ Full build guide (PDF), bill of materials, shopping lists (USD +
THB)
What's blocking the physical build:
Cost of the mechanical keyboard components and the 3D printing time for the chassis parts. The software and OS layers are ready — it's purely a hardware/cost/time problem at this point.
Full project page →
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