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K501U cyberdeck build documentation
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BarnacleBoy e53c928e44 document display architecture research and settled design decisions 
- eDP direct connection ruled out: undocumented pinouts, voltage mismatch risk,
  community consensus favors controller boards
- MIPI DSI ruled out: 2-lane 15-pin, can't dual-display with HDMI on Linux,
  and the salvaged panel is eDP
- Chosen path: HDMI -> eDP-to-HDMI controller board -> salvaged panel
- Mechanical HDMI A/B switch retained as fallback for external display
2026-05-27 01:12:00 +00:00
assets add Orange Pi 3B bottom view photo 2026-05-27 00:47:28 +00:00
docs document display architecture research and settled design decisions 2026-05-27 01:12:00 +00:00
.gitignore Initial commit: cyberdeck project planning docs 2026-05-08 22:48:30 +00:00
README.md update all docs: Orange Pi 3B 8GB purchased (89) 2026-05-24 06:51:26 +00:00

README.md

K501U Cyberdeck

A cyberdeck built from salvaged ASUS K501U laptop components and Orange Pi 3B SBC.

Project Status

Phase: Component acquisition and planning

  • Salvage analysis (K501U components)
  • Display identification and controller board ordered
  • SBC selection (Orange Pi 3B 8GB with 256GB eMMC)
  • SBC purchased and delivered ($189)
  • Storage architecture planned
  • USB expansion design
  • Case nomenclature and orientation defined
  • Build approach: wooden case + salvaged lid canopy
  • Input device: ThinkPad TrackPoint keyboard
  • Power system: IP5389 board + 18650 cells (preliminary)
  • Video output: mechanical HDMI A/B switch
  • Port layout defined (10 ports + SD reader + Kensington)
  • Case design (dimensions, internal layout)
  • Power system board selection and testing
  • Bow wall design (power input, fan exhaust)
  • 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 (OPi3B has built-in WiFi+BT — no external card needed)

New Components

Component Selection Status
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

Documentation

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 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 (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 ~$320

(Excludes case materials and misc hardware. $189 SBC cost is actual after tax/shipping.)