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

.gitignore

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+# 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

README.md

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+# 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)

docs/parts-list.md

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+# 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"

docs/salvage-analysis.md

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+# 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

docs/sbc-selection.md

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+# 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/)

docs/storage-architecture.md

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+# 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=<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      │
+└─────────────────────────────────────┘
+
+┌─────────────────────────────────────┐
+│  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** |

docs/usb-expansion.md

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+# 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