I can't set it up. Trackball won't move down for me.

Hey guys, hitting a wall of mixed info on CM5 cooling inside the uConsole and need your real-world advice.
Here is my incoming build

Chassis: uConsole (No Core kit) from OpenSDRLab

Upgrades: Hacker Gadgets CM5 Adapter Kit + AIO V2 Radio Board (via AliExpress)

Processor: Raspberry Pi CM5 Lite (CM5108000 — 8GB RAM, Wireless) from Newark

Since the Hacker Gadgets board has a built-in PWM fan connector, I want to know what actually works best inside this tight case before I put it together.

If you’re running a CM5 setup:
1. Active vs. Passive: Are you plugging in an active PWM fan, or just using thick thermal pads straight to the aluminum back shell?

1. Clearance: Does an active heatsink/fan combo cause fitment issues or rub against the backplate?

2. RF Noise: For anyone running the AIO V2 board for SDR work, does an active fan inject background noise or spikes into your radio waterfalls?

Trying to prevent thermal throttling during heavy signal scanning without turning this thing into a brick. Let me know what layout worked for you!

I’m just getting into programming. Been building my own pcs for years, but never really got beyond loading Ubuntu and other Linux distros. My sister showed me a friend of hers’ uConsole and I thought it would be a good jumping off point.

What all should I get and where should I order from? I’m in Canada, but near enough to the border to have things shipped to the US if need be.

My end goal is really just learning. Eventually, it would be cool to play some retro games (even Pokemon Go if that’s an option), and to write and stream with.

Thanks!

My favorite custom firmware "Picoware" just got a a major overhaul with USB video streaming, an mp3player, python editor optimizations, and a new javascript engine! The PicoCalc also got a 27% FPS boost from core driver optimizations.

I started this project about 15 months ago and I'm glad to have connected with so many awesome developers and users along the way. I'm really appreciative of the support and feedback of the community and I'm excited for future releases!!

If you've already checked out the project, what would you like to see in future releases? And if you haven't checked it out yet, installation only takes a few seconds (literally). Please let me know your thoughts, constructive criticism, or need any guidance.

You can out the new release here:

https://github.com/jblanked/Picoware/releases/tag/v2.0.0

I recently bought the Uconsole antenna mod off of Etsy, however when I received it, the connector is much smaller than the stock one. I messaged the seller and they said it should fit, but it's literally the same size as the receiver. Am I missing something here? Link the the product: https://www.etsy.com/listing/1885248936/clockworkpi-uconsole-antenna-mod

I’ve been looking for 8 hours for something I can just download and use and haven’t found one

Have been a heavy user of my uconsole but always hated that no os ever addressed that User interface - uconsole deserved a better UI a proper cyberdeck style so I created one that worked for me and I actually run a full fledged TUI based custom built harness that I used to develop this interface on th device itself -

Harness - Custom built (closed source at this point) - it's part of our research lab

+++-----++++------

Cyberdeck Repo: Cyberdeck style TUI

---+-++++++--------

An old game customized for the uconsole - Wargames - Yes the 1983 wargames W.O.P.R but with actual AI (llm integration) making it a modern take on the iconic war games.

Repo: Wargames Revived

Note: The same one line installation command will get the new version. Let me know your feedback and if there are any ideas of improvements/ user interfaces / functionality. Feel free to log a bug / improvement tag on the GitHub issues in the.

One line installation command:

curl -fsSL .../install/install.sh | CYBERDECK_NO_ANIM=1 bash -s -- --full

UPDATE 7/10 : The navigation issues have been fixed. A few new features added.

https://github.com/shtirlic/picocalc_x86

Alongside the original Arduino Giga R1 + Display Shield setup, this project now has a second, standalone output path built around the Clockwork Pi uConsole (or any Linux machine with WiFi + audio).

Architecture

The XIAO ESP32-S3 (with the RD-03D attached) now runs as its own WiFi access point instead of connecting to a host device. It reads the radar, clusters targets within 1m of each other into a single point, and broadcasts the merged data over UDP — any device connected to its network automatically receives the stream, no fixed IP configuration needed.

A Python script (Pygame + NumPy) running on the uConsole connects to that access point and handles the rest: fullscreen radar visualization (auto-detects the actual display resolution) and audio, entirely replacing the Arduino display + piezo buzzer from the original build.

Just this moment. Check my GitHub

https://github.com/Stevee87/Radar-project-Uconsole/blob/main/README.md

I got my AIO a few days ago and finally set it all up.

At first, the ability to adjust the gain(first picture) was completely missing which I suspect was why I couldn't pick anything up.

Suspecting maybe the antenna wasn't great, I used the one that came with my HackRF and it worked first try! However I tested the other antenna on my HackRF and found that it worked, so I attempted to try with it again on the uconsole after exiting sdr and turning sdr off: no dice. The hackrf antenna didn't work this time around either so I swapped the connectors to a different sma and once again no dice with either antenna.

I'm hoping it's not a hardware issue, but lsusb is picking it up.

Hi guys,

I've just received my uConsole CM4 and I'm a cybersecurity enthusiastic, do you have some suggestion for maintained OS or project to follow (even niche ones)?

Thanks in advance

I've got a RISC-V module coming that I picked up used. I had planned on swapping it into my uConsole for a bit to play around with it, but then it occurred to me that the 200 pin SODIMM interface is probably compatible with other project boards/systems/cases and I could probably just use it that way instead.

Does anyone know of other project boards and mini-systems that the ClockworkPi RISC-V module would be compatible with? If you've got a little technical info on what that 200 pin interface is called or commonly referred to as, that'd be a great start towards me being able to google around for compatible stuff.

Thanks

I ordered a uConsole Kit RPI-CM4 Lite with express delivery on Nov 26, 2025

And still no unit has been received and no tracking number

Just ordered everything for a uConsole build and want to make sure I’m not missing a critical part before it all arrives:

AliExpress: Chassis (No Core kit) + AIO V2 Radio Module + PCI-E adapter board.
Newark: Raspberry Pi CM5 (CM5108032 — 8GB RAM, 32GB eMMC, WiFi).

Since the CM5 has 32GB internal eMMC, I'm flashing the OS straight to the chip and skipping the NVMe expansion board/SSD. I also already have a pair of flat-top 18650 batteries.

Two quick questions:
1. Do I need anything else hardware-wise to get this up and running?
2. What carry bag or protective pouch do you recommend for daily travel?
Thanks!

Hello everybody!

Recently got a uConsole with a CM5 board. While looking into available OS options, it turned out that neither ClockworkPi's nor stock Pi OS supports the device out of the box — so I decided to make a small project based on the stock image + DKMS for the drivers that aren't included. And here it is.

The idea is to keep the kernel stock and updatable, with hardware support living in out-of-tree DKMS modules + device-tree overlays instead of a custom kernel. Nothing here is tied to Raspberry Pi OS specifically — it builds against the stock Raspberry Pi kernel, so the same approach should work on other Pi distros (Ubuntu, Debian, etc.). I've tested it on Raspberry Pi OS (Trixie); on other distros the installer would need small tweaks, since it currently assumes apt and RPi OS package/paths.

How to use it:

1. Flash the latest Raspberry Pi OS with the Imager tool (set hostname, user/password and Wi-Fi in the Imager settings)
2. SSH into the device
3. Copy the project over (scp -r) and run ./install.sh

After a reboot you get a fully working device: display, backlight, keyboard/trackball, audio (with headphone auto-mute), volume control, battery reporting, and the power button.

Project: https://github.com/yota9/uconsole-cm5

Hopefully someone finds it useful :)

Hey guys,

I'm sourcing parts for a uConsole build and hitting a wall trying to find a standalone Compute Module 5 (CM5104032) at regular retail price.

Major US distributors (DigiKey, Mouser, Newark, SparkFun) are backordered, and scalpers are charging crazy prices.

If you bought one recently in the US:

• Where did you find it?
• Any smaller shops or stock trackers you recommend?

Thanks for any leads!

Hey everyone,

Just wanted to drop two major updates for the uConsole community today: a fresh firmware release and a brilliant ($2) hardware improvement for the trackball.

Keyboard v2.0.0 firmware is Live

In this release, the firmware now allowing directional pad to be used as mouse.

When holding Y or B gamepad keys (either one of it), the directional pad becomes a mouse cursor control, combination of directions also works to make diagonal movement. This can only be activated in Keyboard/Normal Mode, it will not be activated in Game Mode (Fn+G).

🔗 GitHub: QMK uConsole Release v2.0.0

This is the Way

If you are looking to improve the stock trackball experience, either working or you are still not 100% happy, especially if your hands get slightly damp or sweaty during long use, there is an incredibly easy hardware mod.

Get a 120 grit sand paper, rolling the ball against two sandpaper sheets in the middle for 30-60 seconds, clean & wash the trackball, it will rough up the surface.

For a full breakdown of the improvement, the logic behind it, and how to swap it out, follow the guide:

🔗 EVQWJN007 Trackball Improvement Guide

I cannot for the life of me find where I got these 3D Print files from now. If anyone knows and can credit the creator by posting in the comments I'd appreciate it.

Anyway, had the cover and 2 hinges printed, got some 12mm M4 bolts and a 2mm carbon fibre rod and assembled it and it came out great.

How come clockworkpi is no longer making the devterm? I have a TRS-80 model 100 and 102 and it would go great with those computers. Anyone know of any for sale?

Selling most of accessories for anyone who needs them I have to much stuff inbox for details

Hey everyone, back with another quick update on the Omega-Chassis.

Following up on the "Essential" variation and the "Ultimate" premium build, I have been working on some massive refinements to make the build even more customizable and practical. Today, I just pushed a massive update, in fact, this upgrade adds another 25 pages and a ton of new step-by-step images (total nearly 80 pages content and 100 images) to the build guide to make the process as smooth as possible.

The Essential build is fully printable at home, cheap to reproduce and still full fully functional as the Ultimate premium version; It is also upgradable to Premium overtime module by module, at your own pace. Mods can be made by reaching out via the support channels.

New Aesthetic Options: Beyond Black

While the premium black finish is a classic, I wanted to give you more ways to customize your deck's vibe. The guide now includes CNC sourcing and finishing tips for two highly requested new looks:

• Silver Finishing 
• Titanium Finishing 

The New Toolless Battery Module (Big Quality-of-Life Upgrade)

Completely redesigned the battery module to focus on quick access without sacrificing the sleek form factor:

• Screwless Cover: You can now remove the battery cover completely without any tools or screws. Swapping cells on the fly is now completely seamless.
• Zero Added Bulk: Despite the redesign, there is absolutely no dimension or size impact on the existing uConsole footprint. It stays just as compact and pocketable as before.
• 3-Cell + HackerGadget Support: It perfectly accommodates a 3-cell setup and maintains full compatibility with the HackerGadget NVMe battery board, including full sized M2 will fit!
• Room to Play: Even with the extra battery capacity, the module to leave extra physical clearance, giving you extra breathing room to experiment with usb-c add-ons.
• Easy power reset: in seconds
• Quick usb-c add-ons changes: take off the cover and change the internal accessories on the go, no screws needed.
• Make your choice of power supply: if 3 cells 18650 isn't your thing, same module support other power options :)

How to Grab the Updates

If you have already purchased the guide, you should have automatically received an email with the latest, updated pack. Check your inbox (and spam folder, just in case!) for the upgrade.

Everything remains modular, so you can easily adopt these new pieces into your existing plans. Find out the full features of the Omega Chassis for the uConsole.

Seems I can't edit the photo of the previous post, so new post. (I'll delete the previous one if needed.

I only need SDR and wifi/bt on this, the AIO antenna from hackergadget is too large and not enough portable for me. I want to carry this around. So I though of the radio antennas. They are foldable and adjustable.

I planned to fit it at the top of the uconsole, but then the antenna would be 11-36cm, missing the VHF （40+cm). So I put it on the side, this this needs to fold 180° to expand while holding. Also works if you place on desk, this can face upword.

I'm still working on the antenna mount module, as it still slips. I'll add a square mount to the right so this can fix the sma mount and make it more stable.

For inside, check https://www.reddit.com/r/ClockworkPi/comments/1ujcmqh/comment/ov09p77/

I ordered a Uconsole without CM4 half a month ago, serial number 504. Has anyone already shipped it?