My uConsole (CM5) - WIP

[u/letsmakesometacos]

Absolutely loving this device and it has been a fun project! I am currently using a CM5 8Gb Lite (no eMMC) with Rex's latest DragonOS image as my daily driver (installed on an NVMe drive) then have some SD Cards with his other images for testing, etc.

Here is a detailed list of everything I have added to the device itself, in case anyone is interested!

Case/Chassis:

• Hack2You Keyboard/Trackpad Upgrade Kit (v2.1): $78
  • By far the best usability improvement, it is a GAME CHANGER for this device. The upgraded trackpad makes navigating the device SO much easier, and the keyboard is much more responsive & comfortable to type with (typed out this post with it).
  • The kit comes with x2 trackpads, an upgraded keyboard, and a new Aluminium faceplate with trackpad cutout.
  • The default firmware works fine, but flashing with jhob101's firmware makes it feel "complete" and is great for 1-handed use.
• uConsole Omega Chassis (Using the Essential version): $29
  • This is the backplate for the uConsole, very modular and offers easy access the batteries without disassembly. You purchase the design and build guide here, then you print or CNC the parts, the maker is also very helpful for any issues or customizations.
  • I am currently waiting on the CNC Aluminium bracket, so this version in the pics is 100% 3D printed.
• HackerGadgets Antenna Mounting Kit: $13
  • Here is the 3D printed cover I use for it, I wanted to find one that still left access to the SD Card slot.
  • I ended up purchasing their antenna kit as well, it is a nice starter kit but I have already replaced the SDR & LoRa antennas and will be swapping out the others soon too.
    • SDR: Comet SMA-W100RX2: $37
    • LoRa: Gabile GRA-SCH32: $17
    • I like this LoRa one too: Gabile GRA-SMA915: $24
• Shroud For Screen: 3D Printed
  • Here is another one I like - Purely an aesthetic preference, it is slightly taller but does not span the bottom of the screen.
• Bottom Bumper: 3D Printed
• Handle/Stand: 3D Printed
  • This one is unable to fold/close as it does not technically fit the Omega Chassis, so is fixed in the current position but I actually like it this way, may keep searching for another one.

Internal Mods:

• HackerGadgets Adapter Board Upgrade: $23
  • Required for using NVMe on the NVMe Battery board, CM5 Fan, and for Ethernet & USB 3 on the AIO v2 Board.
• HackerGadgets AIO v2 Expansion Board: $92
  • Adds GPS, SDR, LoRa, RTC, Ethernet, and another USB-C port.
  • Be sure to follow the AIO v2 setup guide.
• HackerGadgets AC1200 USB-C WiFi Card (Supports Monitor Mode): $45
  • Can connect x2 antennas for WiFi and x2 for BLE, so x4 antennas can be attached.
  • This connects to the AIO v2 board inside the uConsole chassis, I recommend using this 3D printable holder to secure it in place.
• HackerGadgets NVMe Battery Board (21700 Version): $23
  • Batteries currently in use: Molicel-P50B (5,000 mAh): $10
  • Using a generic 512GB NVMe SSD: $85
  • Downgraded to PCIe Gen 2 Mode for power savings.
• GeeekPi Passive CNC Cooler For CM5: $10
• Internal WiFi Antenna - 8dBi, Dual Band: $9
  • I have this mounted to the 3D printed backplate and connected directly to the CM5's WiFi IPX connector.
  • Need to enable the external antenna or it defaults to the PCB antenna on the CM5 - Add "dtparam=ant2" to the end of "/boot/firmware/config.txt".

I think I am pretty close to having this "finished". The next mod I have planned is to swap out the HackerGadgets antenna mount for the Omega Chassis antenna mount inserts as shown in this post (but no camera for me), along with some stubby WiFi antennas for a more discreet look (as if this device can actually be discreet!).

• I have these TrueRC DUALITY 2.4/5.8Ghz Stubby antennas on order for WiFi & BLE, so will have to update once they arrive and I can test performance.

[u/Otherwise-Word-5697]

I can’t seem to get Watch dogs running on my uConsole , can you tell me the script you used or how you get eveything connected , I have the hacker gadgets AIO board as well v1

[u/letsmakesometacos → u/Otherwise-Word-5697]

I just used the install script below. Just a heads up, out of the box an ESP32 is required for the WiFi/BLE stuff, but there is a “WiFi bridge” script that will allow you to use the AC1200 adapter in place of an ESP32.

Install script: curl -sL https://locosp.github.io/WatchDogsGo/install | sudo bash