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update all docs: Orange Pi 3B 8GB purchased (89)

Browse source 
- docs/sbc-selection.md: full rewrite for OPi 3B specs (RK3566, 8GB, 256GB eMMC, built-in WiFi)
- README.md: SBC description, checklist, components table, quick ref, cost estimate
- docs/parts-list.md: SBC marked purchased, eMMC/controller/WiFi changes
- docs/design-decisions.md: WiFi exclusion reason, native eDP, power input
- docs/salvage-analysis.md: WiFi card not needed, cooling fan, summary tables
- docs/storage-architecture.md: rewritten for 256GB eMMC primary boot
- docs/usb-expansion.md: 2x USB3 native, port allocation, power budget
- docs/port-layout.md: OPi3B port differences (eDP, power-only USB-C, built-in WiFi)
- docs/power-system.md: lower power draw context
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33
README.md
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@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
# K501U Cyberdeck
A cyberdeck built from salvaged ASUS K501U laptop components and Orange Pi 5 SBC.
A cyberdeck built from salvaged ASUS K501U laptop components and Orange Pi 3B SBC.
## Project Status
@ -8,7 +8,8 @@ A cyberdeck built from salvaged ASUS K501U laptop components and Orange Pi 5 SBC
- [x] Salvage analysis (K501U components)
- [x] Display identification and controller board ordered
- [x] SBC selection (Orange Pi 5 16GB)
- [x] SBC selection (Orange Pi 3B 8GB with 256GB eMMC)
- [x] SBC purchased and delivered ($189)
- [x] Storage architecture planned
- [x] USB expansion design
- [x] Case nomenclature and orientation defined
@ -38,15 +39,15 @@ A cyberdeck built from salvaged ASUS K501U laptop components and Orange Pi 5 SBC
**Not reused:**
- RAM (DDR3L soldered, incompatible with modern SBCs)
- SSD (owner repurposed)
- WiFi card (Intel 7265NGW, no E-key slot on OPi5)
- WiFi card (OPi3B has built-in WiFi+BT — no external card needed)
### New Components
| Component | Selection | Status |
|-----------|-----------|--------|
| SBC | Orange Pi 5 (base, 16GB) | eBay bid pending |
| Display controller | 30-pin eDP to HDMI | Ordered (~$24) |
| Storage (boot) | MicroSD 64GB Endurance | To purchase |
| SBC | Orange Pi 3B (8GB, RK3566, 256GB eMMC) | Purchased ($189) |
| Display controller | 30-pin eDP to HDMI | Ordered (~$24) — may be unnecessary, OPi3B has native eDP |
| Storage (boot) | 256GB eMMC (onboard) | Incl. with SBC |
| USB hub | Powered 7-port USB 3.0 | To purchase |
| Storage (data) | USB 3.0 SSD enclosure | To purchase |
@ -72,20 +73,22 @@ A cyberdeck built from salvaged ASUS K501U laptop components and Orange Pi 5 SBC
### SBC
- **Board:** Orange Pi 5 (RK3588S, base model, 16GB RAM)
- **Storage:** MicroSD slot + USB 3.0 external
- **USB:** 1× USB 3.0, 2× USB 2.0 native
- **Power:** USB-C PD via IP5389 power board, 18650 cells
- **Board:** Orange Pi 3B (RK3566, 8GB RAM, 256GB eMMC)
- **Storage:** 256GB eMMC onboard + MicroSD slot + M.2 M-key
- **USB:** 2× USB 3.0, 2× USB 2.0 native
- **WiFi/BT:** Built-in WiFi 5 + BT 5.0 (no dongle needed)
- **Power:** USB-C 5V/3A via IP5389 power board, 18650 cells
- **Draw:** ~3-5W under load
### Cost Estimate
| Category | Cost |
|----------|------|
| SBC | ~$104 |
| Display controller | ~$24 |
| Storage (SD + hub + enclosure) | ~$34 |
| SBC (w/ 256GB eMMC, WiFi+BT) | $189 |
| Display controller | ~$24 (may be optional — OPi3B has native eDP) |
| Storage (hub + enclosure) | ~$30 |
| Power system (board + cells + fuse + charger) | ~$44 |
| HDMI switch + panel cables + SD reader | ~$33 |
| **Subtotal** | **~$258** |
| **Subtotal** | **~$320** |
(Excludes case materials and misc hardware. Battery included in power system.)
(Excludes case materials and misc hardware. $189 SBC cost is actual after tax/shipping.)

17
docs/design-decisions.md
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@ -10,7 +10,7 @@ Wooden case with salvaged laptop lid (screen + hinge) as the canopy. Approximate
- **Keyboard/trackpad:** Proprietary connectors, not reusable.
- **RAM:** DDR3L soldered, wrong generation.
- **SSD:** Owner repurposed.
- **WiFi card:** Intel 7265NGW needs M.2 E-key, OPi5 base lacks it.
- **WiFi card:** Intel 7265NGW — OPi3B has built-in WiFi+BT, no external card needed.
## Case Orientation & Nomenclature
@ -36,7 +36,7 @@ User sits at the **stern**, facing the **bow**. Hinge axis runs port-to-starboar
### Bow Wall Functions
- Power input (USB-C for IP5389 board charging)
- Power input (5V USB-C for charging)
- Exhaust fans blowing away from user
- Heat management surface
@ -48,9 +48,20 @@ Stern edge (lip). Screen is lightweight, hinge is rigid, and a lid latch is plan
IP5389 power bank board (preliminary). All-in-one: charging, BMS, USB-C PD output. See [power-system.md](power-system.md) for details.
## Display Connection
The Orange Pi 3B has a **native eDP port** in addition to HDMI. This means:
- The Innolux N156HGE-EAB panel (30-pin eDP) may connect directly — bypassing the external controller board
- Needs verification: the OPi3B's eDP connector type and pinout must match the panel
- If compatible, saves ~$24 and eliminates an external component
- If not, fallback is the eDP-to-HDMI controller board (already ordered)
See [sbc-selection.md](sbc-selection.md) for eDP compatibility notes.
## Video Output
Mechanical HDMI A/B switch (passive, no power). Routes OPi5's single HDMI to either the internal eDP-to-HDMI controller or a panel-mount HDMI jack on the starboard side. DisplayLink doesn't work on ARM — no drivers exist. Dual simultaneous display is not possible on the base OPi5.
Mechanical HDMI A/B switch (passive, no power). Routes OPi3B's single HDMI to either the internal display (via eDP or eDP-to-HDMI controller) or a panel-mount HDMI jack on the starboard side. DisplayLink doesn't work on ARM — no drivers exist. Dual simultaneous display is not possible on the OPi3B (single HDMI output).
## Input Device

74
docs/parts-list.md
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@ -6,17 +6,16 @@
| Item | Specification | Source | Est. Cost | Status |
|------|--------------|--------|-----------|--------|
| SBC | Orange Pi 5 16GB (base) | eBay | $99 + $5 shipping | Bid pending |
| Display controller | 30-pin eDP to HDMI | Amazon/eBay | $24 | Ordered |
| MicroSD card | 64GB Endurance | Amazon | $10-12 | To purchase |
| SBC | Orange Pi 3B 8GB + 256GB eMMC | Amazon | $189 | **Purchased** |
| Display controller | 30-pin eDP to HDMI | Amazon/eBay | $24 | Ordered — may be optional (OPi3B has native eDP) |
### Salvaged from K501U
| Item | Status | Notes |
|------|--------|-------|
| Display (Innolux N156HGE-EAB) | Available | Controller board ordered |
| Display (Innolux N156HGE-EAB) | Available | May connect via native eDP on OPi3B |
| Hinge mechanism | Available | Intact |
| WiFi antenna | Available | In hinge |
| WiFi antenna | Available | OPi3B has built-in WiFi — antenna may still be useful for signal |
| Webcam | Available | In bezel |
| Cooling fan | Available | 4-pin PWM |
@ -35,13 +34,14 @@
| IP5389 power board | USB-C PD, 3S, bare PCB | AliExpress | $8-15 | Preliminary selection |
| 18650 cells | 3S or 3S2P, quality brand | User's pick | $12-24 | To purchase |
| 5A blade fuse + holder | Automotive | Amazon | $2 | To purchase |
| USB-C wall charger | 45W+ PD, for charging | Amazon | $10-15 | To purchase |
| USB-C wall charger | 5V/3A, for testing | Amazon | $8-12 | To purchase |
### Networking
| Item | Specification | Source | Est. Cost | Status |
|------|--------------|--------|-----------|--------|
| WiFi dongle | USB, Linux-compatible | Amazon | $10-15 | To purchase |
| WiFi | Built-in OPi3B | Included | $0 | **Built-in** |
| WiFi antenna | K501U salvage or new | — | $0 | May reuse K501U antenna |
### Video & Case Integration
@ -51,7 +51,7 @@
| Panel-mount cables | USB-A, USB-C, HDMI, Ethernet, audio | Amazon | $15-25 | To purchase |
| Panel-mount SD reader | USB 3.0 | Amazon | $5-8 | To purchase |
| Item | Purpose |Source | Est. Cost |
| Item | Purpose | Source | Est. Cost |
|------|---------|--------|-----------|
| Heatsink + fan | Cooling | AliExpress | $5-10 |
| Panel-mount cables | Case integration | Amazon | $10-20 |
@ -61,36 +61,32 @@
## Cost Summary
### Minimum Viable Build
### Actual Spend
| Item | Cost | Status |
|------|------|--------|
| Orange Pi 3B 8GB + 256GB eMMC | $189 | **Purchased** |
| Display controller | $24 | Ordered (may be optional) |
| **Spent so far** | **$213** | |
### Remaining to Purchase
| Category | Cost |
|----------|------|
| SBC | $104 |
| Display controller | $24 |
| MicroSD | $12 |
| USB hub | $22 |
| USB enclosure | $12 |
| Power system (board+cells+fuse+charger) | $44 |
| WiFi dongle | $12 |
| HDMI switch | $10 |
| Panel-mount cables + SD reader | $23 |
| **Subtotal** | **$258** |
| Storage (USB enclosure) | ~$12 |
| USB hub (powered 10-port) | ~$22 |
| Power system (board+cells+fuse+charger) | ~$44 |
| HDMI switch | ~$10 |
| Panel-mount cables + SD reader | ~$23 |
| **Remaining** | **~$111** |
### With Optional Items
### Total Project
| Category | Cost |
|----------|------|
| Base build | $258 |
| Heatsink/cooling | $10 |
| **Total** | **$268** |
### Future Additions
| Category | Cost |
|----------|------|
| Battery pack (portable) | Integrated in base build |
| Case materials | TBD |
| Custom PCB | TBD |
| | |
|---|----|
| Spent | $213 |
| Remaining | ~$111 |
| **Estimated total** | **~$324** |
---
@ -98,21 +94,20 @@
| Item | Date Ordered | Est. Arrival | Source | Tracking |
|------|-------------|--------------|--------|----------|
| Orange Pi 3B 8GB + 256GB eMMC | Before May 24 | Delivered | Amazon | — |
| Display controller board | TBD | 2-4 weeks | Amazon/eBay | TBD |
## Pending Purchases
- MicroSD card
- Powered USB hub
- Powered USB hub (10-port USB 3.0)
- USB enclosure or flash drive
- IP5389 power board + 18650 cells
- 5A fuse + holder
- USB-C PD wall charger (45W+)
- Powered 10-port USB 3.0 hub
- USB-C wall charger (5V/3A)
- Mechanical HDMI A/B switch
- Panel-mount cables (USB-A, USB-C, HDMI, Ethernet, audio)
- Panel-mount SD card reader
- WiFi dongle
- Heatsink for RK3566
---
@ -120,7 +115,6 @@
*Add actual links when ordering:*
- Orange Pi 5: eBay search for "Orange Pi 5 16GB"
- Orange Pi 3B: Amazon "Orange Pi 3B 8GB 256GB eMMC"
- Display controller: Amazon search "N156HGE-EAB controller board" or "30-pin eDP to HDMI"
- USB hub: Amazon "Sabrent 7-port USB 3.0 powered"
- MicroSD: Amazon "SanDisk Endurance 64GB" or "Samsung PRO Endurance 64GB"

25
docs/port-layout.md
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@ -2,7 +2,7 @@
## Overview
10 accessible ports + SD reader + Kensington lock, split across four case surfaces.
10 accessible ports + SD reader + Kensington lock, split across four case surfaces. Built-in WiFi+BT eliminates need for USB dongles.
## Port Side (Left, Facing Bow)
@ -10,7 +10,7 @@ Data connections. "Plug and unplug frequently" zone.
| Port | Count | Source | Notes |
|------|-------|--------|-------|
| USB-A 3.0 | 4 | Powered hub | Flash drives, peripherals, keyboard, hardware |
| USB-A 3.0 | 4 | Powered hub | Flash drives, peripherals, hardware |
| USB-C (data) | 1 | Powered hub | Modern peripherals, data transfer |
| USB-C PD out | 1 | IP5389 board | Phone charging, 5V/??W |
@ -20,9 +20,9 @@ Networking + AV. "Plug in and leave" zone.
| Port | Count | Source | Notes |
|------|-------|--------|-------|
| Ethernet RJ45 | 1 | OPi5 native | Gigabit, panel-mount extension |
| HDMI out | 1 | HDMI A/B switch | External display, switched from internal screen |
| 3.5mm audio out | 1 | OPi5 native | Headphones, speakers, line-out |
| Ethernet RJ45 | 1 | OPi3B native | Gigabit, panel-mount extension |
| HDMI out | 1 | HDMI A/B switch | External display, switched from internal |
| 3.5mm audio out | 1 | OPi3B native | Headphones, speakers, line-out |
## Bow Wall (Back Edge, Spine Side)
@ -30,7 +30,7 @@ Power and cooling. No data ports.
| Feature | Notes |
|---------|-------|
| USB-C power input | For IP5389 board charging |
| USB-C power input | For IP5389 board charging (5V/3A) |
| Fan exhaust grilles | Blowing away from user |
## Stern Edge (Front Edge, Lip)
@ -48,12 +48,15 @@ User-facing. Clean for typing.
| Component | Connection |
|-----------|------------|
| Powered USB hub (10-port) | Decased, wired internally. Feeds all USB-A and USB-C data ports. |
| HDMI A/B switch (mechanical) | Passive toggle. OPi5 HDMI in, two outputs (internal controller + starboard panel jack). |
| eDP-to-HDMI controller | Connected to A/B switch output A. Drives internal display. |
| HDMI A/B switch (mechanical) | Passive toggle. OPi3B HDMI in, two outputs (internal display + starboard panel jack). |
| eDP-to-HDMI controller | Connected to A/B switch output A. Drives internal display — **may be unnecessary if native OPi3B eDP works with panel** |
## Constraints
- OPi5 has **one HDMI output**. The A/B switch selects internal or external — not both simultaneously.
- OPi3B has **one HDMI output**. The A/B switch selects internal or external — not both simultaneously.
- OPi3B has a **native eDP port** — if the Innolux N156HGE-EAB panel pinout matches, the external controller board is not needed.
- DisplayLink USB graphics adapters **do not work on ARM Linux** (no drivers). Not a viable path for dual display.
- Dual simultaneous display would require a different SBC (OPi5 Plus has 2× HDMI) or x86 board.
- USB-C on the OPi5 is power-only in this build (consumed by IP5389 board). All USB data goes through the powered hub.
- Dual simultaneous display would require a dual-HDMI SBC.
- USB-C on the OPi3B is **power only** — no DisplayPort alt mode. All video goes through HDMI or native eDP.
- Built-in WiFi 5 + BT 5.0 on the OPi3B — no USB dongles needed for wireless connectivity.
- Two native USB 3.0 ports available for direct connections (keyboard, mouse) without hub contention.

13
docs/power-system.md
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@ -20,7 +20,7 @@ All-in-one power management PCB. Replaces separate charger module, BMS, and boos
```
USB-C wall charger → IP5389 board → 18650 cells (3S or 3S2P)
↓ (passthrough)
USB-C PD output → OPi5 (5V) + peripherals
USB-C PD output → OPi3B (5V) + peripherals
```
One board, one cell pack, one output cable to the SBC. No separate modules to wire together.
@ -33,6 +33,15 @@ One board, one cell pack, one output cable to the SBC. No separate modules to wi
- Protection: overcharge, overdischarge, short circuit, thermal
- Price: $8–15 bare PCB
## OPi3B Power Context
The Orange Pi 3B draws ~3-5W under load (vs OPi5's ~8W), which simplifies the battery system:
- Lower peak current means the IP5389 board doesn't need to push its limits
- A smaller cell pack (3S vs 3S2P) may suffice
- Less heat generated, less thermal management needed
- The OPi3B's 5V/3A input spec is well within what a USB-C PD board can provide
## Cell Configuration
TBD — need to select specific board first. Likely 3S (3 cells in series) or 3S2P (6 cells, pairs in series). 3S2P with quality 3000mAh cells gives ~6000mAh at 11.1V nominal.
@ -59,7 +68,7 @@ K501U battery (B31N1429, 4240mAh, 11.4V, 3S) assessed and rejected:
- Passthrough charging not guaranteed on all models
### UPS HAT (Waveshare / DFRobot)
- Designed for Raspberry Pi, works via USB output with OPi5
- Designed for Raspberry Pi, works via USB output with OPi3B
- Premium price for unused GPIO header
- Capped at 5V output, no 12V rail without extra boost converter

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docs/salvage-analysis.md
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@ -82,19 +82,13 @@ The K501U had an M.2 NVMe SSD installed.
### Reusability
**Not directly usable with Orange Pi 5 (base model).**
**Not needed — OPi3B has built-in WiFi 5 + BT 5.0.**
- Orange Pi 5 Plus has E-key M.2 slot → WiFi card works
- Orange Pi 5 (base) has no E-key slot → requires USB WiFi dongle
The Intel 7265NGW card is not required because the Orange Pi 3B has integrated WiFi and Bluetooth. The K501U's dual-band antenna (U.FL connectors embedded in the hinge) may still be useful — it could be adapted to the OPi3B's onboard WiFi for better signal than the built-in PCB antenna.
### Workaround
USB WiFi dongle (Linux-compatible):
- Realtek RTL8812BU (USB 3.0, AC1200)
- MediaTek MT7601U (USB 2.0, N150)
- Any dongle with in-kernel driver support
**Cost:** $10-15
Not needed for WiFi — built-in covers it. If the K501U antenna can be adapted (U.FL to IPEX connector), it may improve reception over the OPi3B's onboard antenna.
---
@ -123,9 +117,9 @@ USB WiFi dongle (Linux-compatible):
| Connector | Standard laptop fan connector |
**Potential reuse:**
- Could cool Orange Pi 5 (with GPIO PWM adapter)
- Requires mounting solution
- Might be overkill for OPi5 power draw
- Could cool Orange Pi 3B (with PWM adapter)
- RK3566 runs cooler (~3-5W) than RK3588 — passive heatsink may suffice
- Blower fan may be overkill but provides headroom
### Keyboard/Trackpad
@ -173,9 +167,9 @@ USB WiFi dongle (Linux-compatible):
| Component | Effort | Value |
|-----------|--------|-------|
| **Display** | Low (with controller) | High |
| **Display** | Low (with controller or native eDP) | High |
| **Hinge** | Low | Medium |
| **WiFi antenna** | Low (with adapter) | Low |
| **WiFi antenna** | Low (with adapter to OPi3B onboard WiFi) | Low |
### Not Reused
@ -183,7 +177,7 @@ USB WiFi dongle (Linux-compatible):
|-----------|--------|
| SSD | Already repurposed |
| RAM | Wrong generation |
| WiFi card | No E-key slot on OPi5 |
| WiFi card | OPi3B has built-in WiFi+BT |
| Keyboard/trackpad | Proprietary connectors |
| Motherboard | Failed |
@ -191,9 +185,8 @@ USB WiFi dongle (Linux-compatible):
| Component | Estimated Cost |
|-----------|----------------|
| eDP controller board | $24 |
| USB WiFi dongle | $10-15 |
| SBC (Orange Pi 5) | $70-100 |
| eDP controller board | $24 (may be optional — OPi3B has native eDP) |
| SBC (Orange Pi 3B) | $189 (purchased) |
---

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@ -1,137 +1,113 @@
# SBC Selection: Orange Pi 5
# SBC: Orange Pi 3B
**Decision:** Orange Pi 5 (base model, non-Plus) 16GB RAM
**Purchased:** Orange Pi 3B 8GB, with 256GB eMMC module
**Cost:** $189.00 (incl. tax and shipping)
**CPU:** Rockchip RK3566 (quad Cortex-A55 @ 1.8GHz, 22nm)
---
## Options Considered
## Specifications
| Board | RAM | Price | NVMe | WiFi | Notes |
|-------|-----|-------|------|------|-------|
|**Orange Pi 5 16GB**| 16GB | $70-100 | PCIe 2.0 M.2 | No | **Selected** |
| Orange Pi 5 Plus 16GB | 16GB | $130-150 | PCIe 3.0 M.2 | E-key slot | Better specs, higher cost |
| Raspberry Pi 5 8GB | 8GB | $80 | HAT required | No | Familiar ecosystem, less RAM |
| Rock 5B 16GB | 16GB | $140 | PCIe 3.0 M.2 | No | Higher cost |
---
## Orange Pi 5 Specifications
### Model Variants
| Model | NVMe Slot | WiFi Slot | NVMe Speed |
|-------|-----------|-----------|------------|
| Orange Pi 5 (base) | M.2 M-key (PCIe 2.0) | None | ~300 MB/s |
| Orange Pi5 Plus | M.2 M-key (PCIe 3.0) + E-key | E-key for WiFi | ~2000 MB/s |
### RK3588S SoC
### SoC: Rockchip RK3566
| Attribute | Value |
|-----------|-------|
| CPU | 8-core (4× Cortex-A76 + 4× Cortex-A55) |
| GPU | Mali-G610 MC4 |
| NPU | 6 TOPS AI accelerator |
| Process |8nm |
| CPU | 4× Cortex-A55 @ 1.8GHz |
| GPU | Mali-G52 2EE |
| NPU | 0.8 TOPS AI accelerator |
| Process | 22nm |
### Memory
| Attribute | Value |
|-----------|-------|
| Configurations | 4/8/16/32GB |
| Type | LPDDR4/LPDDR4X |
| Selected | 16GB |
| RAM | 8GB LPDDR4/LPDDR4X |
| Onboard storage | 256GB eMMC module |
### Storage Support
### Storage Options
| Interface | Speed |
|-----------|-------|
| MicroSD | Up to 512GB |
| M.2 NVMe (base) | PCIe 2.0 x1 (~300 MB/s) |
| M.2 NVMe (Plus) | PCIe 3.0 x2 (~2000 MB/s) |
| USB 3.0 | 5 Gbps |
| Interface | Speed | Notes |
|-----------|-------|-------|
| **eMMC** (onboard) | ~300 MB/s read | **Primary boot.** 256GB module installed. |
| MicroSD | Up to 512GB | Backup/expansion |
| M.2 M-key | PCIe 2.0 x1 (~300 MB/s) or SATA III | NVMe or SATA SSD |
### Connectivity (Base Model)
### Connectivity
| Port | Count | Speed |
|------|-------|-------|
| USB 3.0 | 1 | 5 Gbps |
| USB 2.0 | 2 | 480 Mbps |
| USB-C | 1 | Power + DisplayPort |
| Ethernet | 1 | 1 Gbps |
| HDMI | 1 | 4K60 |
| MIPI DSI | 1 | Display |
| MIPI CSI | 2 | Camera |
| GPIO | 26-pin | I2C, SPI, UART, PWM |
| Port | Count | Speed / Spec | Notes |
|------|-------|-------------|-------|
| USB 3.0 | 2 | 5 Gbps | **Two** native USB 3.0 ports (vs 1 on OPi5) |
| USB 2.0 | 2 | 480 Mbps | |
| USB-C | 1 | Power only (5V input) | |
| Ethernet | 1 | Gigabit (RTL8211F) | |
| HDMI | 1 | 2.0, 4K60 | |
| eDP | 1 | Native eDP | **Direct panel connection possible** |
| MIPI DSI | 1 | Display | |
| MIPI CSI | 1 | Camera | |
| GPIO | 26-pin | I2C, SPI, UART, PWM | |
| WiFi | Built-in | WiFi 5 (802.11ac) | **No USB dongle needed** |
| Bluetooth | Built-in | BT 5.0 with BLE | |
### Power
| Attribute | Value |
|-----------|-------|
| Input| USB-C PD or barrel jack |
| Voltage | 12V (barrel), 5V (USB-C) |
| Current | 2A recommended |
| Typical draw |5-8W under load |
| Input | 5V USB-C only |
| Current | 3A recommended |
| Typical draw | 3-5W under load |
Much more power-efficient than OPi5 (~8W) — battery lasts longer, less heat.
---
## Rationale
## Why This Board
### Why Orange Pi 5 (Base)
### What Changed From OPi5
1. **Cost:** $70-100 vs $130-150 for Plus
2. **RAM:** 16GB excellent for desktop Linux, dev work
3. **Performance:** RK3588S significantly faster than Pi 5
4. **Availability:** Widely available on eBay with bid flexibility
The original plan was an Orange Pi 5 16GB (~$104). This OPi 3B is a different class:
### Why Not Orange Pi 5 Plus
| Comparison | OPi 3B (purchased) | OPi 5 (planned) |
|------------|-------------------|-----------------|
| CPU | 4× A55 @ 1.8GHz | 4× A76 + 4× A55 |
| RAM | 8GB | 16GB |
| Storage | **256GB eMMC onboard** | MicroSD only |
| WiFi | **Built-in** | None (needed dongle) |
| USB 3.0 | **2 ports** | 1 port |
| eDP | **Native port** | None (HDMI only) |
| Power draw | ~3-5W | ~8W |
| Cost | $189 | $104 |
- NVMe speed improvement (2000 MB/s) not critical for cyberdeck use
- WiFi card slot (E-key) not needed - USB dongle acceptable
- Price difference ($30-50) better spent on storage and peripherals
**Tradeoffs:**
- Less CPU performance and half the RAM, but 256GB onboard eMMC and built-in WiFi eliminate two separate purchases
- Native eDP port may replace the external controller board (~$24 savings, pending cable compatibility)
- Lower power draw means simpler battery system
- Higher upfront cost ($189 vs $104) but includes eMMC and WiFi that the OPi5 would have required buying separately
### Speed Reality Check
### Why Still the Right Pick
| Use Case | Base (PCIe 2.0) | Plus (PCIe 3.0) |
|----------|-----------------|-----------------|
| Boot time | ~10s | ~8s |
| App load | Adequate | Faster |
| File transfer | ~300 MB/s | ~1500 MB/s |
| Development| Fine | Fine |
**For a cyberdeck used as portable workstation, PCIe 2.0 NVMe is adequate.**
1. **256GB eMMC is huge** — No SD card for boot needed. OS + apps + projects fit onboard.
2. **Built-in WiFi+BT** — No USB dongle, no antenna wiring, one less thing to buy.
3. **2× USB 3.0 native** — More bandwidth for peripherals without hub contention.
4. **Native eDP port** — If cable/adapter works with the N156HGE-EAB panel, the external controller board isn't needed.
5. **Lower power** — 3-5W means the IP5389 battery system can be smaller/lighter.
6. **M.2 M-key** — Can add an NVMe or SATA SSD for bulk storage if needed.
---
## eBay Bid Strategy
## Accessories Included With Purchase
| Auction | Bid Limit | Shipping | Total Max |
|---------|-----------|----------|-----------|
| Orange Pi 5 16GB | $99 | $5 | $104 |
The $189 purchase is the board with 256GB eMMC module pre-installed. Still needed:
**Bid late, bid once.** Set max bid and let proxy handle it.
---
## Accessories Needed
### Required
| Item | Cost |
|------|------|
| Power supply (USB-C PD or 12V barrel) | $8-12 |
| MicroSD card (64GB Endurance) | $10-12 |
### Recommended
| Item | Cost |
|------|------|
| Heatsink + fan | $5-10 |
| Case (or custom build) | TBD |
| Item | Cost | Notes |
|------|------|-------|
| USB-C power supply (5V/3A) | ~$8-12 | For initial testing before battery integration |
| Heatsink | TBD | RK3566 at 1.8GHz needs passive or active cooling |
---
## Resources
- [Orange Pi 5 Wiki](http://www.orangepi.org/html/hardWare/computerAndMicrocontrollers/details/Orange-Pi-5.html)
- [RK3588 datasheet](https://www.rock-chips.com/)
- [Armbian for Orange Pi 5](https://www.armbian.com/orange-pi-5/)
- [Orange Pi 3B Official Page](http://www.orangepi.org/html/hardWare/computerAndMicrocontrollers/details/Orange-Pi-3B.html)
- [Orange Pi 3B Wiki](http://www.orangepi.org/orangepiwiki/index.php/Orange_Pi_3B)
- [CNX Software review](https://www.cnx-software.com/2023/08/05/orange-pi-3b-a-rockchip-rk3566-sbc-with-an-m-2-nvme-sata-ssd-socket-up-to-8gb-ram/)
- [Armbian for RK3566](https://www.armbian.com/)

206
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@ -1,128 +1,133 @@
# Storage Architecture
**Strategy:** SD card for boot/root, USB for data
**Strategy:** 256GB onboard eMMC for boot/root/data. SD card and M.2 for expansion.
---
## Design Principles
1. **Simplicity:** SD card boots out of the box, no U-Boot complexity
2. **Reliability:** Endurance-rated SD cards last longer
3. **Flexibility:** USB storage can be swapped/upgraded easily
4. **Cost:** Minimal investment, repurpose existing drives
1. **Simplicity:** eMMC boots out of the box, faster and more reliable than SD
2. **Speed:** eMMC ~300 MB/s read — comparable to a SATA SSD
3. **Capacity:** 256GB onboard is plenty for OS + apps + projects + media
4. **Flexibility:** MicroSD and M.2 slots available for expansion
5. **Cost:** Included with SBC — no separate purchase needed
---
## Layer 1: Boot/Root (MicroSD)
## Layer 1: Boot/Root (eMMC)
### Card Selection
The Orange Pi 3B boots from its onboard 256GB eMMC by default. This is the primary storage:
| Attribute | Recommendation |
|-----------|----------------|
| Capacity | 64GB minimum, 128 GB preferred |
| Type | Endurance-rated or Industrial |
| Brands | SanDisk Endurance, Samsung PRO Endurance |
### eMMC Performance
**Why endurance cards:**
| Attribute | Value |
|-----------|-------|
| Capacity | 256GB |
| Interface | eMMC 5.1 |
| Sequential read | ~300 MB/s |
| Sequential write | ~200 MB/s |
| Reliability | Significantly better than SD cards |
Consumer SD cards are rated for bursts of writes (camera use). OS usage is constant logging, updates, cache writes. Endurance cards are rated for:
### Partition Layout (Suggested)
- 5000+ hours of continuous recording
- 1000+ write cycles per sector
- 5-10× longer lifespan than consumer cards
```
/dev/mmcblk1 (eMMC, 256GB)
├── /dev/mmcblk1p1 → /boot (fat32, ~500MB)
├── /dev/mmcblk1p2 → / (ext4, ~80GB)
├── /dev/mmcblk1p3 → /home (ext4, ~170GB)
└── (remaining for swap or data)
```
**Cost:**$10-15 for 64GB
Or simpler:
```
/dev/mmcblk1p1 → /boot (fat32, ~500MB)
/dev/mmcblk1p2 → / (ext4, all remaining)
/home → subdirectory, not separate partition
```
256GB is large enough that separate partitions are optional. A single root partition with everything under it works fine.
### Boot Configuration
Default Orange Pi 5 boots from SD:
```
/dev/mmcblk0 (SD card)
├── /dev/mmcblk0p1 → /boot (fat32, ~200MB)
├── /dev/mmcblk0p2 → / (ext4, ~60GB)
└── /dev/mmcblk0p3 → /home (ext4, remaining)
```
Or single partition with separate mount points:
```
/dev/mmcblk0p2 → / (ext4, all space)
/home → bind mount or subdirectory
```
### Root-on-USB (Optional)
For faster I/O, copy root to USB SSD:
1. Boot from SD, insert USB SSD
2. `sudo rsync -ax / /mnt/usb/`
3. Edit `/boot/extlinux/extlinux.conf`:
```
append root=/dev/sda1
```
4. Boot from USB, SD only handles bootloader
**Tradeoff:** More complexity, faster app loading.
Default OPi3B boots from eMMC when populated. No configuration needed.
---
## Layer 2: Data Storage (USB)
## Layer 2: Expansion (MicroSD + M.2)
### MicroSD
| Attribute | Value |
|-----------|-------|
| Slot | Standard push-push |
| Max capacity | Up to 512GB |
| Use | Backup, media library, test OS images |
No need for endurance-rated card — the SD slot is now secondary storage, not primary boot.
### M.2 M-key
| Interface | Speed | Notes |
|-----------|-------|-------|
| PCIe 2.0 x1 | ~300 MB/s | Slightly slower than eMMC |
| SATA III | ~550 MB/s | Faster than eMMC (if SATA SSD) |
Can add NVMe or SATA SSD for bulk storage if 256GB eMMC fills up. M.2 slot shares bandwidth with USB 3.0 — both use the same PCIe controller.
---
## Layer 3: Data Storage (USB)
Optional external storage for:
- Large media libraries
- Project archives
- System backups
### Options
| Option | Speed | Cost | Notes |
|--------|-------|------|-------|
| USB flash drive | 100-150 MB/s | $12-20 | Cheap, limited endurance |
| USB 3.0 SATA enclosure | ~400 MB/s | $10-15 + drive | Reuse 2.5" drives |
| USB 3.0 NVMe enclosure | ~400 MB/s | $8-15 + drive | Compact, fast |
| USD 3.0 flash drive (fast) | 200-400 MB/s | $20-40 | Kingston DataTraveler, Samsung BAR |
### Recommendation
**USB 3.0 SATA enclosure with salvaged 2.5" SSD.**
If you have a spare 2.5" SATA SSD from another build/upgrade:
- Enclosure cost: $10-15
- Speed: ~400 MB/s (SATAIII limit over USB 3.0)
- Capacity: whatever the drive is
If no spare drive:
- USB 3.0 flash drive (128GB): $15-25
- Or NVMe enclosure ($10) + budget NVMe drive ($20-30)
| USB 3.0 SATA enclosure | ~400 MB/s | $10-15 | Reuse 2.5" drives |
| USB 3.0 NVMe enclosure | ~400 MB/s | $8-15 | Compact |
| USB flash drive (fast) | 200-400 MB/s | $15-25 | Kingston, Samsung BAR |
### Mount Strategy
```bash
# /etc/fstab
UUID=<ssd-uuid>/mnt/data ext4 defaults,noatime 0 2
# /etc/fstab (optional USB storage)
UUID=<ssd-uuid> /mnt/data ext4 defaults,noatime 0 2
/mnt/data/projects /home/jez/projects none bind 0 0
/mnt/data/media /home/jez/media none bind 0 0
```
Mount on-demand or at boot, depending on use case.
---
## Storage Layout
```
┌─────────────────────────────────────┐
│ MicroSD Card (/dev/mmcblk0) │
│ SanDisk Endurance 64GB │
│ ├── /boot (fat32, 200MB) │
│ ├── / (ext4, 25GB) │
│ └── /home (ext4, 38GB) │
│ Basic config, small files │
│ eMMC (/dev/mmcblk1) │
│ 256GB onboard │
│ ├── /boot (fat32, 500MB) │
│ ├── / (ext4, ~80GB) │
│ └── /home (ext4, ~175GB) │
│ OS + apps + projects + media │
└─────────────────────────────────────┘
┌─────────────────────────────────────┐
│ USB SSD (/dev/sda) │
│ SATA or NVMe in USB 3.0 enclosure │
│ MicroSD (/dev/mmcblk0) │
│ Optional expansion │
│ ├── OS images / boot tests │
│ └── Media library / backups │
└─────────────────────────────────────┘
┌─────────────────────────────────────┐
│ USB SSD (/dev/sda) │
│ Optional — only if eMMC fills up │
│ ├── /mnt/data/projects │
│ ├── /mnt/data/media │
│ └── /mnt/data/backup │
│ Mounted on-demand │
└─────────────────────────────────────┘
```
@ -130,18 +135,16 @@ Mount on-demand or at boot, depending on use case.
## Backup Strategy
### SD Card Imaging
### eMMC Imaging
```bash
# Backup
sudo dd if=/dev/mmcblk0 of=cyberdeck-sd-backup.img bs=4M status=progress
# Backup entire eMMC to USB drive
sudo dd if=/dev/mmcblk1 of=/mnt/data/cyberdeck-emmc-backup.img bs=4M status=progress
# Restore
sudo dd if=cyberdeck-sd-backup.img of=/dev/mmcblk0 bs=4M status=progress
sudo dd if=/mnt/data/cyberdeck-emmc-backup.img of=/dev/mmcblk1 bs=4M status=progress
```
Or use **Pi Imager** / **BalenaEtcher** for GUI imaging.
### Data Backup
- Timeshift for system snapshots
@ -152,31 +155,22 @@ Or use **Pi Imager** / **BalenaEtcher** for GUI imaging.
## Performance Expectations
| Operation | SD Card | USB SSD |
|-----------|---------|---------|
| Boot time | 8-12s | 5-8s (root-on-USB) |
| App launch | 1-3s | 0.5-1s |
| File read (1GB) | 40-90s | 3-5s |
| File write (1GB) | 60-120s | 3-5s |
| Random I/O | Slow | Fast |
| Operation | eMMC | MicroSD | USB SSD |
|-----------|------|---------|---------|
| Boot time | ~5-8s | ~10-15s | ~5-8s |
| App launch | 0.5-1s | 1-3s | 0.5-1s |
| File read (1GB) | ~3-4s | ~40-90s | ~3-5s |
| Reliability | Excellent | Poor (wear) | Good |
**SD card is fine forOS and light use. USB SSD for anything I/O intensive.**
eMMC is the clear winner for boot and everyday use. SD card and USB storage are optional extras.
---
## Cost Summary
| Item | Low | High |
|------|-----|------|
| MicroSD 64GB Endurance | $10 | $15 |
| USB 3.0 SATA enclosure | $10 | $15 |
| (Assume spare SSD) | $0 | $0 |
| **Total** | **$20** | **$30** |
If no spare SSD:
| Item | Low | High |
|------|-----|------|
| MicroSD 64GB Endurance | $10 | $15 |
| USB 3.0 flash drive 128GB | $15 | $25 |
| **Total** | **$25** | **$40** |
| Item | Low | High | Status |
|------|-----|------|--------|
| 256GB eMMC | $0 | $0 | **Included with SBC** |
| MicroSD (optional) | $0 | $15 | Only if needed |
| USB enclosure (optional) | $0 | $15 | Only if eMMC fills up |
| **Total** | **$0** | **$30** | |

112
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@ -4,17 +4,17 @@
---
## Native Ports (Orange Pi 5)
## Native Ports (Orange Pi 3B)
| Port | Type | Speed | Location |
|------|------|-------|----------|
| USB 3.0 | Type-A | 5 Gbps | Board edge |
| USB 2.0× Type-A | 480 Mbps | Board edge |
| USB-C | Power + DisplayPort | 5 Gbps | Power input |
| USB 3.0 ×2 | Type-A | 5 Gbps | Board edge |
| USB 2.0 ×2 | Type-A | 480 Mbps | Board edge |
| USB-C | Power only (5V input) | — | Power input |
**Total native USB:** 3 ports (1× USB 3.0, 2× USB 2.0)
**Total native USB:** 4 ports (2× USB 3.0, 2× USB 2.0)
This is insufficient for a cyberdeck with multiple peripherals.
Still may benefit from a hub depending on peripheral count, but the OPi3B's 2× USB 3.0 natively doubles the bandwidth available vs the OPi5.
---
@ -75,44 +75,44 @@ This is insufficient for a cyberdeck with multiple peripherals.
```
┌─────────────────┐
│ Orange Pi 5 │
│ Orange Pi 3B │
│ │
│ USB 3.0 ───────┼─────┐
│ USB 2.0 ───────┼──┐ │
│ USB 2.0 ───────┼──┼─┐│
│ │ │ ││
└─────────────────┘ │ ││
│ ││
┌────────────────────┘ ││
│ ││
▼ ││
┌─────────────────────┐ ││
│ Powered USB Hub │ ││
│ (7-port) │ ││
│ │ ││
│ [Uplink] ◀─────────┘ ││
│ │ ││
│ [1] [2] [3] [4] │ ││
│ [5] [6] [7] │ ││
│ │ ││
│ ┌─────────┐ │ ││
│ │ 5V DC │◄───────┼──────────┼┼── external power
│ └─────────┘ │ ││
└─────────────────────┘ ││
│ ││
▼ ││
┌─────────────────────┐ ││
│ Peripherals │ ││
│ • SSD enclosure │ ││
│ • WiFi dongle │ ││
│ • Keyboard/mouse │ ││
│ • Webcam │ ││
│ • Misc USB │ ││
└─────────────────────┘ ││
││
Native ports still available: ││
• 2× USB 2.0 (keyboard, mouse) ◄─┘│
• 1× USB-C (power input) ◄──┘
│ USB 3.0 ───────┼──┐ │
│ USB 2.0 ───────┼──┼──┤
│ USB 2.0 ───────┼──┼──┤
│ │ │ │
└─────────────────┘ │ │
│ │
┌────────────────────┘ │
│ │
▼ │
┌─────────────────────┐ │
│ Powered USB Hub │ │
│ (7-port) │ │
│ │ │
│ [Uplink] ◀────────┘ │
│ │ │
│ [1] [2] [3] [4] │ │
│ [5] [6] [7] │ │
│ │ │
│ ┌─────────┐ │ │
│ │ 5V DC │◄───────┼───────────┼── external power
│ └─────────┘ │ │
└─────────────────────┘ │
│ │
▼ │
┌─────────────────────┐ │
│ Peripherals │ │
│ • SSD enclosure │ │
│ • Keyboard │ │
│ • Mouse │ │
│ • Misc USB │ │
└─────────────────────┘ │
│
Native ports still available: │
• 2× USB 3.0 (if not used for uplink) ◄┘
• 2× USB 2.0 (keyboard, mouse) ◄─┘
```
---
@ -127,22 +127,22 @@ This is insufficient for a cyberdeck with multiple peripherals.
| Hub Port 2 | Hub | Data transfer | 5 Gbps |
| Hub Port 3 | Hub | Data transfer | 5 Gbps |
| Hub Port 4 | Hub | Data transfer | 5 Gbps |
| Hub Port 5 | Hub | WiFi dongle | 480 Mbps |
| Hub Port 6 | Hub | Bluetooth dongle | 480 Mbps |
| Hub Port 5 | Hub | Misc peripheral | 480 Mbps |
| Hub Port 6 | Hub | Misc peripheral | 480 Mbps |
| Hub Port 7 | Hub | Misc peripheral | 480 Mbps |
| Native USB 2.0 | OPi5 | Keyboard | 480 Mbps |
| Native USB 2.0 | OPi5 | Mouse | 480 Mbps |
| Native USB 3.0 | OPi3B | Keyboard | 5 Gbps |
| Native USB 3.0 | OPi3B | Mouse | 5 Gbps |
| Native USB 2.0 | OPi3B | BT dongle or spare | 480 Mbps |
| Native USB 2.0 | OPi3B | Spare | 480 Mbps |
**Total available:** 9 ports (7 from hub + 2 native USB 2.0)
**Total available:** 11 ports (7 from hub + 4 native)
### Estimated Usage for Cyberdeck
- 1× USB SSD (data storage)
- 1× WiFi dongle
- 1× Keyboard
- 1× Mouse
- 1× Webcam (optional)
- 4× Expansion ports
- 1× Keyboard (native USB 3.0 or 2.0)
- 1× Mouse (native USB 3.0 or 2.0)
- 4× Expansion ports (hub)
---
@ -201,11 +201,11 @@ Bare hub PCB designed for integration:
| Component | Draw |
|-----------|------|
| Orange Pi 5 (16GB) | 5-8W |
| Orange Pi 3B (8GB) | 3-5W |
| USB hub (self-powered) | 1-2W |
| USB SSD | 2-4W |
| Peripherals | 1-2W |
| **Total** | **9-16W** |
| **Total** | **7-13W** |
For portable build: 10,000-20,000 mAh battery pack with PD output.
@ -241,9 +241,9 @@ If you want internal hub without USB cable:
## Recommended First Iteration
1. Buy Sabrent 7-port powered hub ($20)
2. Plug into Orange Pi 5 USB 3.0 port
2. Plug into Orange Pi 3B USB 3.0 port
3. Use external power adapter
4. Done — no custom wiring needed
4. Done — no custom wiring needed, and with 2x native USB 3.0, you have options for direct connections
**When you're ready for permanent build:**
- Removehub from plastic case