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Abstract:
This video details the process of building a custom "Cyber Deck" portable computer centered around the Latte Panda Mu, a powerful x86 single-board computer (SBC). The project involves designing several custom components, including a carrier board for the Latte Panda Mu and a compact, ortholinear mechanical keyboard with an integrated trackpad controlled by a Raspberry Pi Pico running QMK firmware. The build utilizes an 11.6-inch touchscreen, an M.2 SSD, a WiFi module, and an off-the-shelf 12V battery bank modified for integration. The enclosure is a hybrid design featuring a 3D-printed main body and custom-machined anodized aluminum side panels, incorporating a sliding mechanism for the keyboard and a built-in stand. The video documents the component selection, PCB design challenges (including incorrect reference files and an initially non-functional audio solution requiring a USB workaround), physical construction, assembly, and final features, including multiple usage modes and performance testing with applications like Fusion 360 and Doom. Key shortcomings, such as the device's thickness and the lack of integrated battery monitoring, are also acknowledged.
Building a Custom Latte Panda Mu Cyber Deck
00:00:02 Introduction: The video introduces the Latte Panda Mu (a powerful SBC) and the goal of building a custom Cyber Deck around it.
00:00:11 Latte Panda Mu Overview: Explains the Mu is an SBC similar to Raspberry Pi but more powerful (Intel N100 CPU), has onboard storage, x86 architecture (runs Windows/Linux), and requires a carrier board via its SODIMM-style connector.
00:01:15 Carrier Board Necessity: Highlights that needing a carrier board allows for customization, using the open-source DF Robot reference board as a starting point.
00:01:55 Project Goals: Aims for a smaller form factor than a previous project, incorporating a touchscreen and a slide-out mechanical keyboard.
Layout: Ortholinear, split design for compactness and trackpad integration.
Switches: Kale Chalk Red low-profile switches.
Trackpad: Azotech TPS43 (I2C communication).
00:07:03 Keyboard Controller: A Raspberry Pi Pico is chosen due to its sufficient GPIO pins for the keyboard matrix (5 rows + 14 columns = 19 pins) and trackpad (2 pins).
00:07:30 Keyboard PCB: Designed using KiCad and Joe Scotto's library, featuring surface-mount diodes on the back and connections for the trackpad.
00:08:32 Keyboard Firmware: QMK firmware is flashed onto the Raspberry Pi Pico to make the keyboard functional.
00:08:45 Battery Solution: Opts for modifying an off-the-shelf 12V (3S2P 18650) battery bank instead of designing a custom one due to complexity. The Mu requires 10-20V.
Based on DF Robot's open-source "light carrier" KiCad files.
Modified to be smaller, reposition ports (USB, HDMI), remove unused features (PCIe, Ethernet), and add extra USB headers + an audio chip (MAX98357 intended for I2S).
Encountered manufacturing issues due to incorrect part specification and reference file dimension errors.
Hybrid construction: 3D printed main body (split in two due to printer size) and CNC-machined anodized aluminum side panels (dark green).
Features: Angled screen, internal rails for sliding keyboard, carry handle, swing-out arms forming a stand and locking the keyboard.
00:13:21 Keyboard Housing: A 3-part 3D printed frame surrounds the keyboard PCB, holds the trackpad, and uses a custom USB Micro to JST cable for internal connection.
00:14:19 Audio Problem Identified: No audio output despite including an audio chip. Learns that I2S audio output is not currently supported by the Mu firmware/BIOS, contrary to documentation.
00:14:56 Audio Workaround Implemented: Uses a small, off-the-shelf USB audio adapter board, desolders the USB-A plug, and wires it to an internal USB header on the custom carrier board.
00:15:49 Battery Modification: Desolders bulky capacitors on the battery bank's PCB and replaces them with smaller ones bent sideways to fit the enclosure. Wires are soldered for power output.
00:16:17 Final Assembly: Glues the 3D printed body halves, installs components (Mu, carrier board, battery, speaker adapter), attaches aluminum sides with heat-set inserts, installs screen and front plate, and assembles the stand.
00:17:44 Usage Modes Demonstrated: Can be used closed like a tablet (touchscreen only), flat on a desk with keyboard slid out, or propped up on its stand (with keyboard in or out).
00:18:12 Extra Battery Features: The integrated battery bank can charge external devices via a dedicated USB-A port and output 12V through its original barrel jack.
00:18:44 Connectivity & Screen: Features HDMI output and four full-size USB-A ports. The touchscreen supports Windows brightness control.
00:18:58 Performance: Runs Windows 11 and Linux Mint well for basic tasks, programming. Fusion 360 is usable (especially with anti-aliasing off). Gaming (Doom 2016) is poor (~30-40fps on lowest settings).
00:20:14 Downsides Acknowledged: The device is thick and relatively heavy due to components and metal sides.
00:20:36 Design Oversight: Admits forgetting to include any battery level monitoring circuit on the custom PCB. A simple external voltage meter plugged into the charge port is shown as a crude workaround.