add port layout and video output decisions

- Mechanical HDMI A/B switch for internal/external display toggle
- DisplayLink rejected: no ARM drivers exist
- 10-port layout split across 4 surfaces
- Port side: 4x USB-A, 1x USB-C data, 1x USB-C PD out
- Starboard: Ethernet, HDMI out, 3.5mm audio
- Bow: USB-C power input + fan exhaust
- Stern: handle, SD reader, Kensington lock
- Updated BOM with HDMI switch, panel-mount cables, SD reader
- Cost estimate now ~58
This commit is contained in:
BarnacleBoy 2026-05-12 07:18:54 +00:00
parent abfedbb7f2
commit ef9a7f40a8
4 changed files with 93 additions and 11 deletions

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@ -40,10 +40,18 @@ User sits at the **stern**, facing the **bow**. Hinge axis runs port-to-starboar
- Exhaust fans blowing away from user
- Heat management surface
## Carry Handle
Stern edge (lip). Screen is lightweight, hinge is rigid, and a lid latch is planned — so the canopy-open-under-gravity concern is handled. Keeps the bow wall dedicated to power input and exhaust.
## Power System
IP5389 power bank board (preliminary). All-in-one: charging, BMS, USB-C PD output. See [power-system.md](power-system.md) for details.
## 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.
## Input Device
ThinkPad TrackPoint keyboard (specific model TBD based on availability). Chosen for built-in TrackPoint pointer and 15.6" deck space compatibility.

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@ -24,7 +24,7 @@
| Item | Specification | Source | Est. Cost | Status |
|------|--------------|--------|-----------|--------|
| USB hub | Powered 7-port USB 3.0 | Amazon | $15-25 | To purchase |
| USB hub | Powered 10-port USB 3.0 | Amazon | $20-25 | 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 |
@ -43,7 +43,13 @@
|------|--------------|--------|-----------|--------|
| WiFi dongle | USB, Linux-compatible | Amazon | $10-15 | To purchase |
### Optional
### Video & Case Integration
| Item | Specification | Source | Est. Cost | Status |
|------|--------------|--------|-----------|--------|
| HDMI A/B switch | Mechanical, passive, bi-directional | Amazon | $8-12 | To purchase |
| 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 |
|------|---------|--------|-----------|
@ -62,20 +68,21 @@
| SBC | $104 |
| Display controller | $24 |
| MicroSD | $12 |
| USB hub | $20 |
| USB hub | $22 |
| USB enclosure | $12 |
| Power system (board+cells+fuse+charger) | $32-56 |
| Power system (board+cells+fuse+charger) | $44 |
| WiFi dongle | $12 |
| **Subtotal** | **$206-230** |
| HDMI switch | $10 |
| Panel-mount cables + SD reader | $23 |
| **Subtotal** | **$258** |
### With Optional Items
| Category | Cost |
|----------|------|
| Base build | $206-230 |
| Base build | $258 |
| Heatsink/cooling | $10 |
| Panel-mount cables | $15 |
| **Total** | **$231-255** |
| **Total** | **$268** |
### Future Additions
@ -101,6 +108,10 @@
- IP5389 power board + 18650 cells
- 5A fuse + holder
- USB-C PD wall charger (45W+)
- Powered 10-port USB 3.0 hub
- Mechanical HDMI A/B switch
- Panel-mount cables (USB-A, USB-C, HDMI, Ethernet, audio)
- Panel-mount SD card reader
- WiFi dongle
---

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docs/port-layout.md Normal file
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@ -0,0 +1,59 @@
# Port Layout
## Overview
10 accessible ports + SD reader + Kensington lock, split across four case surfaces.
## Port Side (Left, Facing Bow)
Data connections. "Plug and unplug frequently" zone.
| Port | Count | Source | Notes |
|------|-------|--------|-------|
| USB-A 3.0 | 4 | Powered hub | Flash drives, peripherals, keyboard, hardware |
| USB-C (data) | 1 | Powered hub | Modern peripherals, data transfer |
| USB-C PD out | 1 | IP5389 board | Phone charging, 5V/??W |
## Starboard Side (Right, Facing Bow)
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 |
## Bow Wall (Back Edge, Spine Side)
Power and cooling. No data ports.
| Feature | Notes |
|---------|-------|
| USB-C power input | For IP5389 board charging |
| Fan exhaust grilles | Blowing away from user |
## Stern Edge (Front Edge, Lip)
User-facing. Clean for typing.
| Feature | Notes |
|---------|-------|
| Carry handle | Stern-mounted per design decision |
| SD card reader | Panel-mount, for camera cards / quick imaging |
| Kensington lock slot | Physical security |
## Internal Components
| 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. |
## Constraints
- OPi5 has **one HDMI output**. The A/B switch selects internal or external — not both simultaneously.
- 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.