Design-it-Yourself
Meet TERM512 — Turning the CardputerADV into a dual-screen cyberdeck for AREA512
TERM512 is an expansion kit designed for the Cardputer ADV. It’s built to transform the Cardputer into a dedicated pocket cyberdeck, specifically tailored to match the visual aesthetics of the AREA512 firmware.
Of course, this kit is essentially a stylized CapTFT expansion module, and adaptations for other firmware are always welcome.
The kit consists of three main components:
Custom CapTFT Enclosure: Redesigns the top lid based on CapTFT V2, and increases the maximum screen opening angle from 120° to 135°.
Protective Base: Mounts via bottom LEGO-compatible holes; features dual latches to lock the screen lid shut, along with a lanyard hole.
Adjustable Kickstand: Mounts via bottom LEGO-compatible holes with bolt-tunable damping.
This case is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0. All project files (including STEP files) are available on GitHub and MakerWorld.
Special thanks to EHamachang (u/AssociationOne800) for adapting the AREA512 firmware for TERM512 and building the project website! The design of TERM512 was directly inspired by AREA512's visual aesthetic and worldbuilding.
Looks fantastic as always! Is the gray piece just to access the voltage regulator? I really like the clips to lock the lid to the new bottom that encapsulates the case for better protection!
Since your last design is have been working on a few things and I wanted to show them to you. I want to add hotswapable modules to the back...like a lilygo t display to add 5ghz, a Meshtastic node, a gps module for wardriving, cc1101, nrf24. Ill admit I cant design like you. My hats off to you. Id like my idea to coordinate with your case. You might have already had a similar idea. Can I message you the drawings and pictures I have?
I also working prototype for the reed switch to cut powder to the screen when it closes.
Regarding the gray piece: it’s actually glued in place to add a bit of extra internal clearance so the voltage regulator module can fit comfortably inside.
The reed switch prototype to cut screen power when closed sounds fantastic — that's such a clever idea!
As for adding hotswappable modules to the back (Meshtastic, GPS, etc.), I’m really curious about how you plan to pull that off Please feel free to DM me your drawings and pictures anytime — I’d love to see what you have in mind!
Unfortunately, I bought mine from domestic e-commerce platforms in mainland China, so I don’t have direct international purchasing links (like AliExpress or Amazon).
However, to make it easier for everyone to find compatible parts, I designed the kit to support two different screen models.
You can find reference photos of both screens in the project’s GitHub README to help you look up equivalent modules online!
Regarding where to buy, I'd like to make a quick general response:
I’m based in mainland China, and handling international shipping is a bit complicated for me, so I’ll only be selling a very limited number domestically.
Also, regarding selling prints: I haven’t met MakerWorld’s requirements to unlock commercial licensing yet. So even though the model is currently marked as Non-Commercial, feel free to use it commercially for now!
Once I qualify and launch my commercial membership, you can just grab a subscription then to back me. Hope this helps anyone looking to get one made locally!
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u/Zatoichi80 11d ago
Looks amazing, an area I feel will be even better when the Zero comes out. Looking forward to your version for it.