commit 8b41038be7cfba5f2cb4d2cf306ac03517d9f772 Author: BarnacleBoy Date: Fri May 8 22:48:30 2026 +0000 Initial commit: cyberdeck project planning docs - Salvage analysis of K501U components - Orange Pi 5 SBC selection rationale - Storage architecture (SD card + USB) - USB hub expansion plan - Parts list and cost estimates diff --git a/.gitignore b/.gitignore new file mode 100644 index 0000000..221acb4 --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitignore @@ -0,0 +1,43 @@ +# Byte-compiled / optimized / DLL files +__pycache__/ +*.py[cod] +*$py.class + +# Editor directories and files +.idea/ +.vscode/ +*.swp +*.swo +*~ + +# OS files +.DS_Store +Thumbs.db + +# Temporary files +*.tmp +*.temp +*.log + +# Backup files +*.bak +*.backup + +# Images (large files) +*.jpg +*.jpeg +*.png +*.gif +*.bmp +*.svg + +# Archives +*.zip +*.tar.gz +*.rar + +# Sensitive files +secrets/ +*.key +*.pem +.env \ No newline at end of file diff --git a/README.md b/README.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..8a80568 --- /dev/null +++ b/README.md @@ -0,0 +1,80 @@ +# K501U Cyberdeck + +A cyberdeck built from salvaged ASUS K501U laptop components and Orange Pi 5 SBC. + +## Project Status + +**Phase:** Component acquisition andplanning + +- [x] Salvage analysis (K501U components) +- [x] Display identification and controller board ordered +- [x] SBC selection (Orange Pi 5 16GB) +- [x] Storage architecture planned +- [x] USB expansion design +- [ ] Case design +- [ ] Power system (battery, charging) +- [ ] Fabrication +- [ ] Software configuration + +## Components + +### Salvaged from ASUS K501U + +| Component | Model | Status | +|-----------|-------|--------| +| Display | Innolux N156HGE-EAB (Rev. C2) | Controller board ordered | +| Hinge mechanism | Original K501U | Available | +| Webcam | K501U module | Available | +| WiFi antenna | K501U | Available | +| Cooling fan | K501U | Available | + +**Not reused:** +- RAM (DDR3L soldered, incompatible with modern SBCs) +- SSD (owner repurposed) +- WiFi card (Intel 7265NGW, no E-key slot on OPi5) + +### 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 | +| USB hub | Powered 7-port USB 3.0 | To purchase | +| Storage (data) | USB 3.0 SSD enclosure | To purchase | + +## Documentation + +- [Salvage Analysis](docs/salvage-analysis.md) - K501U component breakdown +- [SBC Selection](docs/sbc-selection.md) - Orange Pi 5 details and rationale +- [Storage Architecture](docs/storage-architecture.md) - SD card + USB storage plan +- [USB Expansion](docs/usb-expansion.md) - Hub selection and port allocation +- [Parts List](docs/parts-list.md) - Bill of materials with costs + +## Quick Reference + +### Display + +- **Panel:** Innolux N156HGE-EAB (Rev. C2) +- **Size:** 15.6" 1920×1080 +- **Interface:** 30-pin eDP +- **Controller:** Standard 30-pin eDP to HDMI (~$24) + +### 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:** 12V 2A barrel or USB-C PD + +### Cost Estimate + +| Category | Cost | +|----------|------| +| SBC | ~$104 | +| Display controller | ~$24 | +| Storage (SD + hub + enclosure) | ~$35-50 | +| Power supply | ~$10 | +| **Subtotal** | **$170-190** | + +(Excludes case materials, battery, misc hardware) \ No newline at end of file diff --git a/docs/parts-list.md b/docs/parts-list.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..bdd9792 --- /dev/null +++ b/docs/parts-list.md @@ -0,0 +1,111 @@ +# Parts List + +## Bill of Materials + +### Core Components + +| 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 | + +### Salvaged from K501U + +| Item | Status | Notes | +|------|--------|-------| +| Display (Innolux N156HGE-EAB) | Available | Controller board ordered | +| Hinge mechanism | Available | Intact | +| WiFi antenna | Available | In hinge | +| Webcam | Available | In bezel | +| Cooling fan | Available | 4-pin PWM | + +### USB Expansion + +| Item | Specification | Source | Est. Cost | Status | +|------|--------------|--------|-----------|--------| +| USB hub | Powered 7-port USB 3.0 | Amazon | $15-25 | To purchase | +| USB enclosure | SATA 2.5" USB 3.0 | Amazon | $10-15 | To purchase | +| (or) USB flash | 128GB USB 3.0 | Amazon | $15-25 | Alternative | + +### Power + +| Item | Specification | Source | Est. Cost | Status | +|------|--------------|--------|-----------|--------| +| Power supply | USB-C PD or 12V 2A | Amazon | $8-12 | To purchase | +| (Future) Battery | 10,000-20,000 mAh PD | TBD | $20-40 | Future | + +### Networking + +| Item | Specification | Source | Est. Cost | Status | +|------|--------------|--------|-----------|--------| +| WiFi dongle | USB, Linux-compatible | Amazon | $10-15 | To purchase | + +### Optional + +| Item | Purpose |Source | Est. Cost | +|------|---------|--------|-----------| +| Heatsink + fan | Cooling | AliExpress | $5-10 | +| Panel-mount cables | Case integration | Amazon | $10-20 | +| SD card reader | Backup/imaging | Amazon | $8-12 | + +--- + +## Cost Summary + +### Minimum Viable Build + +| Category | Cost | +|----------|------| +| SBC | $104 | +| Display controller | $24 | +| MicroSD | $12 | +| USB hub | $20 | +| USB enclosure | $12 | +| Power supply | $10 | +| WiFi dongle | $12 | +| **Subtotal** | **$194** | + +### With Optional Items + +| Category | Cost | +|----------|------| +| Base build | $194 | +| Heatsink/cooling | $10 | +| Panel-mount cables | $15 | +| **Total** | **$219** | + +### Future Additions + +| Category | Cost | +|----------|------| +| Battery pack (portable) | $20-40 | +| Case materials | TBD | +| Custom PCB | TBD | + +--- + +## Ordered Items + +| Item | Date Ordered | Est. Arrival | Source | Tracking | +|------|-------------|--------------|--------|----------| +| Display controller board | TBD | 2-4 weeks | Amazon/eBay | TBD | + +## Pending Purchases + +- MicroSD card +- Powered USB hub +- USB enclosure or flash drive +- Power supply +- WiFi dongle + +--- + +## Supplier Links (Research) + +*Add actual links when ordering:* + +- Orange Pi 5: eBay search for "Orange Pi 5 16GB" +- 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" \ No newline at end of file diff --git a/docs/salvage-analysis.md b/docs/salvage-analysis.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..acaeae8 --- /dev/null +++ b/docs/salvage-analysis.md @@ -0,0 +1,204 @@ +# Salvage Analysis: ASUS K501U + +**Source:** ASUS K501U laptop with failed motherboard +**Goal:** Extract usable components for cyberdeck build + +--- + +## Display Panel + +### Identification + +|Attribute | Value | +|----------|-------| +| Model | Innolux N156HGE-EAB (Rev. C2) | +| Size | 15.6" diagonal | +| Resolution | 1920×1080 (FHD) | +| Interface | 30-pin eDP | +| Backlight | LED | +| Panel type | IPS | + +### Verification Process + +1. Removed bezel clips (plastic tabs around screen edge) +2. Located panel sticker on back of LCD assembly +3. Confirmed model number: N156HGE-EAB +4. Verified 30-pin connector (not 40-pin, not LVDS) + +### Compatibility + +**Standard eDP controller boards work with this panel.** + +Search terms: +- "N156HGE-EAB controller board" +- "30-pin eDP to HDMI" +- "LCD controller board 15.6" + +**Cost:** ~$24 (Amazon/eBay/AliExpress) + +### Notes + +- Panel is in good condition, no scratches or dead pixels +- Keep original bezel and frame for mounting +- Hinge mechanism intact - useful for clamshell design + +--- + +## Storage + +### Original Configuration + +The K501U had an M.2 NVMe SSD installed. + +**Status:** Owner already removed and repurposed. Now in a USB enclosure serving as external drive. +**Not available for this build.** + +### RAM + +| Attribute | Value | +|-----------|-------| +| Type | DDR3L (low voltage) | +| Speed | 1600 MHz | +| Location | Soldered onboard (no SODIMM slot populated) | +| Capacity | 8GB (varies by SKU) | + +**Not reusable:** +- DDR3L is incompatible with modern SBCs (DDR4/DDR5) +- Soldered to motherboard, not a removable DIMM +- K501U base model has empty SODIMM slot but uses soldered RAM + +--- + +## WiFi + +### Original Card + +| Attribute | Value | +|-----------|-------| +| Model | Intel 7265NGW | +| Form factor | M.2 2230 | +| Interface | M.2 E-key | +| Protocols | 802.11ac, Bluetooth 4.0 | + +### Reusability + +**Not directly usable with Orange Pi 5 (base model).** + +- 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 + +### 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 + +--- + +## Other Components + +### Webcam + +| Attribute | Value | +|-----------|-------| +| Location | Embedded in display bezel | +| Interface | USB (internal cable to motherboard) | +| Connector | Proprietary pinout | + +**Potential reuse:** +- Can be extracted with bezel +- Requires USB pinout identification +- Standard webcam protocol (UVC) likely supported +- May need adapter cable + +### Cooling Fan + +| Attribute | Value | +|-----------|-------| +| Type | Blower fan with heat pipes | +| Interface | 4-pin PWM | +| 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 + +### Keyboard/Trackpad + +| Attribute | Value | +|-----------|-------| +| Keyboard | Integrated PCB, proprietary connector | +| Trackpad | Precision trackpad, proprietary connector | + +**Not reusable:** +- Proprietary motherboard connectors +- No standard USB interface +- Requires significant reverse engineering + +### WiFi Antenna + +| Attribute | Value | +|-----------|-------| +| Location | Embedded indisplay hinge | +| Type | Dual-band antenna | +| Cable | U.FL connectors | + +**Reusable with USB WiFi dongle:** +- Antenna can be connected to compatible dongle +- U.FL to SMA adapter cable needed +- Good signal reception quality + +### Hinge Mechanism + +| Attribute | Value | +|-----------|-------| +| Type | Dual-hinge laptop hinge| +| Condition | Intact, smooth operation | +| Mount | Metal frame attached to display | + +**Useful for cyberdeck:** +- Natural open/close mechanism +- Can support display weight +- Mounting points for base + +--- + +## Summary + +### Direct Reuse + +| Component | Effort | Value | +|-----------|--------|-------| +| **Display** | Low (with controller) | High | +| **Hinge** | Low | Medium | +| **WiFi antenna** | Low (with adapter) | Low | + +### Not Reused + +| Component | Reason | +|-----------|--------| +| SSD | Already repurposed | +| RAM | Wrong generation | +| WiFi card | No E-key slot on OPi5 | +| Keyboard/trackpad | Proprietary connectors | +| Motherboard | Failed | + +### New Components Needed + +| Component | Estimated Cost | +|-----------|----------------| +| eDP controller board | $24 | +| USB WiFi dongle | $10-15 | +| SBC (Orange Pi 5) | $70-100 | + +--- + +## Reference + +- Panel datasheet: Innolux N156HGE-EAB product brief +- K501U teardown: Standard ASUS budget laptop construction +- Orange Pi 5 specs: orangepi.org \ No newline at end of file diff --git a/docs/sbc-selection.md b/docs/sbc-selection.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..737bf8f --- /dev/null +++ b/docs/sbc-selection.md @@ -0,0 +1,137 @@ +# SBC Selection: Orange Pi 5 + +**Decision:** Orange Pi 5 (base model, non-Plus) 16GB RAM + +--- + +## Options Considered + +| 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 + +| Attribute | Value | +|-----------|-------| +| CPU | 8-core (4× Cortex-A76 + 4× Cortex-A55) | +| GPU | Mali-G610 MC4 | +| NPU | 6 TOPS AI accelerator | +| Process |8nm | + +### Memory + +| Attribute | Value | +|-----------|-------| +| Configurations | 4/8/16/32GB | +| Type | LPDDR4/LPDDR4X | +| Selected | 16GB | + +### Storage Support + +| 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 | + +### Connectivity (Base Model) + +| 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 | + +### 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 | + +--- + +## Rationale + +### Why Orange Pi 5 (Base) + +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 + +### Why Not Orange Pi 5 Plus + +- 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 + +### Speed Reality Check + +| 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.** + +--- + +## eBay Bid Strategy + +| Auction | Bid Limit | Shipping | Total Max | +|---------|-----------|----------|-----------| +| Orange Pi 5 16GB | $99 | $5 | $104 | + +**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 | + +--- + +## 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/) \ No newline at end of file diff --git a/docs/storage-architecture.md b/docs/storage-architecture.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..d2cefd5 --- /dev/null +++ b/docs/storage-architecture.md @@ -0,0 +1,182 @@ +# Storage Architecture + +**Strategy:** SD card for boot/root, USB for data + +--- + +## 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 + +--- + +## Layer 1: Boot/Root (MicroSD) + +### Card Selection + +| Attribute | Recommendation | +|-----------|----------------| +| Capacity | 64GB minimum, 128 GB preferred | +| Type | Endurance-rated or Industrial | +| Brands | SanDisk Endurance, Samsung PRO Endurance | + +**Why endurance 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: + +- 5000+ hours of continuous recording +- 1000+ write cycles per sector +- 5-10× longer lifespan than consumer cards + +**Cost:**$10-15 for 64GB + +### 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. + +--- + +## Layer 2: Data Storage (USB) + +### 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) + +### Mount Strategy + +```bash +# /etc/fstab +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 │ +└─────────────────────────────────────┘ + +┌─────────────────────────────────────┐ +│ USB SSD (/dev/sda) │ +│ SATA or NVMe in USB 3.0 enclosure │ +│ ├── /mnt/data/projects │ +│ ├── /mnt/data/media │ +│ └── /mnt/data/backup │ +│ Mounted on-demand │ +└─────────────────────────────────────┘ +``` + +--- + +## Backup Strategy + +### SD Card Imaging + +```bash +# Backup +sudo dd if=/dev/mmcblk0 of=cyberdeck-sd-backup.img bs=4M status=progress + +# Restore +sudo dd if=cyberdeck-sd-backup.img of=/dev/mmcblk0 bs=4M status=progress +``` + +Or use **Pi Imager** / **BalenaEtcher** for GUI imaging. + +### Data Backup + +- Timeshift for system snapshots +- rsync to external drive +- Cloud sync for critical files + +--- + +## 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 | + +**SD card is fine forOS and light use. USB SSD for anything I/O intensive.** + +--- + +## 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** | \ No newline at end of file diff --git a/docs/usb-expansion.md b/docs/usb-expansion.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..b1cd40e --- /dev/null +++ b/docs/usb-expansion.md @@ -0,0 +1,252 @@ +# USB Port Expansion + +**Goal:** Multiple USB ports for cyberdeck peripherals + +--- + +## Native Ports (Orange Pi 5) + +| 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 | + +**Total native USB:** 3 ports (1× USB 3.0, 2× USB 2.0) + +This is insufficient for a cyberdeck with multiple peripherals. + +--- + +## USB Hub Solution + +### Why Powered Hub + +| Hub Type | Power Source | Issues | +|----------|--------------|--------| +| Bus-powered | Draws from OPi5 | Voltage drops, instability | +| **Self-powered** | External 5V supply | **Stable, reliable** | + +**Orange Pi 5 USB power budget:** ~900mA total across all ports. + +**Device power draw:** + +| Device | Draw | +|--------|------| +| USB SSD | 500-1000mA | +| WiFi dongle | 200-500mA | +| Keyboard | 50-100mA | +| Mouse | 50-100mA | +| Webcam | 250-500mA | + +**Conclusion:** Bus-powered hub will cause brownouts. Use powered hub. + +--- + +## Hub Options + +### Consumer-Grade + +| Model | Ports | Power | Cost | +|-------|-------|-------|------| +| Sabrent 7-Port USB 3.0 | 4× 3.0 + 3× 2.0 | Barrel jack | $20-25 | +| Anker 7-Port USB 3.0 | 7× 3.0 | Barrel jack | $25-30 | +| Anker 4-Port USB 3.0 | 4× 3.0 | Barrel jack | $15-20 | + +### Industrial + +| Model | Ports | Power | Cost | +|-------|-------|-------|------| +| USB Hub PCB (GL850G) | 4× 2.0 | External 5V | $8-12 | +| Industrial USB 3.0 Hub | 4-7× 3.0 | External 5V | $15-30 | + +### Recommendation + +**Sabrent 7-Port USB 3.0 Powered Hub** + +- 4× USB 3.0 + 3× USB 2.0 +- External 5V barrel jack +- Vertical orientation (compact) +- ~$20-25 + +--- + +## Connection Diagram + +``` + ┌─────────────────┐ + │ Orange Pi 5 │ + │ │ + │ 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) ◄──┘ +``` + +--- + +## Port Allocation + +### After Hub + +| Port |Location | Purpose | Speed | +|------|----------|---------|-------| +| Hub Port 1 | Hub | USB SSD | 5 Gbps | +| 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 7 | Hub | Misc peripheral | 480 Mbps | +| Native USB 2.0 | OPi5 | Keyboard | 480 Mbps | +| Native USB 2.0 | OPi5 | Mouse | 480 Mbps | + +**Total available:** 9 ports (7 from hub + 2 native USB 2.0) + +### Estimated Usage for Cyberdeck + +- 1× USB SSD (data storage) +- 1× WiFi dongle +- 1× Keyboard +- 1× Mouse +- 1× Webcam (optional) +- 4× Expansion ports + +--- + +## Panel-Mount Options + +For a permanent cyberdeck build, mount USB ports on the case face. + +### Method 1: Panel-Mount Cables + +Pre-made cables with panel-mount USB-A connectors: + +- [Panel mount USB-A extension](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=panel+mount+usb+extension) (~$10-15 for 4-pack) +- [Panel mount USB-C](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=panel+mount+usb+c) (~$10-15 for 2-pack) + +**Setup:** +1. Mount connectors in case face +2. Run cables inside to hub +3. Secure hub internally + +### Method 2: Industrial Hub PCB + +Bare hub PCB designed for integration: + +- Mount PCB inside case +- Wire panel connectors directly to PCB +- Cleaner internal layout + +**Parts:** +- USB hub PCB (GL850G or similar): $8-15 +- Panel-mount USB connectors: $10-15 +- Meanwell 5V 3A PSU: $8 + +**Total:** ~$25-35 + +--- + +## Power Considerations + +### Hub Power Requirements + +| Specification | Value | +|---------------|-------| +| Input voltage | 5V DC | +| Current | 2-4A (depending on devices) | +| Connector | Barrel jack (usually) | + +### Powering the Hub + +| Method | Notes | +|--------|-------| +| Wall adapter (included) | Simple, separate power brick | +| 5V from cyberdeck PSU | Integrated, requires 5V rail | +| USB-C PD | Requires USB-C hub with PD pass-through | + +### Power Budget + +| Component | Draw | +|-----------|------| +| Orange Pi 5 (16GB) | 5-8W | +| USB hub (self-powered) | 1-2W | +| USB SSD | 2-4W | +| Peripherals | 1-2W | +| **Total** | **9-16W** | + +For portable build: 10,000-20,000 mAh battery pack with PD output. + +--- + +## GPIO Alternative + +**USB hubs do not require GPIO.** + +GPIO (26-pin header) is for: +- Serial console (TX/RX) +- I2C devices (sensors, displays) +- SPI devices (LCD, flash) +- PWM (fan speed, servos) +- Digital I/O (buttons, LEDs) + +If you want internal hub without USB cable: +- Use GPIO for power only (5V/GND) +- Still need USB data connection + +--- + +## Cost Summary + +| Item | Cost | +|------|------| +| Powered USB 3.0 hub (7-port) | $15-25 | +| Panel-mount cables (optional) | $10-20 | +| **Total** | **$15-45** | + +--- + +## Recommended First Iteration + +1. Buy Sabrent 7-port powered hub ($20) +2. Plug into Orange Pi 5 USB 3.0 port +3. Use external power adapter +4. Done — no custom wiring needed + +**When you're ready for permanent build:** +- Removehub from plastic case +- Mount PCB inside cyberdeck +- Wire panel-mount connectors +- Power from internal 5V rail \ No newline at end of file