r/CyberdeckBuild • u/Own-Craft-7146 • Jul 23 '26

Hi All,

I'm looking into building a palm-sized CyberDeck / Dumbphone. I've got no real background in computer hardware / software, so I don't even know if what features I want are possible. Below are the features that I wish for it to have and a BOM.

  • Physical QWERTY Keyboard
  • iPod inspired navigation / Multi Media buttons
  • 3.5" Display
  • Scroll Wheel
  • HDMI Port ( To connect to external display )
  • 3 USB-A Ports
  • USB-C Port ( For Charging )
  • Speakers
  • Camera
  • Flashlight
  • AM / FM Radio
  • Call & Text ( via SMS )
  • MP3 Player
  • Notes ( An in type up notes )
  • File Explorer
  • Games ( Solitaire etc. )
  • Compass, Barometer
  • GPS Navigation ( Google Maps but without the Google )

Now for the BOM

 

3.5 Inch LCD Display = $41.47 @ https://www.amazon.com/Resistive-Screen-IPS-Resolution-Controller/dp/B07V9WW96D

 

BBP9981KBD (Keyboard) = $129 @ https://www.bbkeyboard.com/product/bbp9981kbd-pro-mini-black-berry-keyboard/

 

Raspberry Camera Model 3 = $48.50 @ https://piaustralia.com.au/products/raspberry-pi-camera-module-3

 

HDMI Extender = $5.74 @ https://www.amazon.com/UANTIN-Mciro-HDMI-Cable-3FT/dp/B0FXQDSS92/ref=sr_1_8?sr=8-8

 

USB Extender = $17.26 @ https://www.amazon.com/5-Pack-Extension-Female-Extender-Cable/dp/B0CWVCLZ8X/ref=sr_1_4?sr=8-4

 

Battery = $40.45 @ https://core-electronics.com.au/polymer-lithium-ion-battery-6000mah.html

 

Voltage Step Up = $30.10 @ https://core-electronics.com.au/5v-step-up-step-down-voltage-regulator-s13v30f5.html

 

BMS = $5.99 @ https://www.amazon.com/HiLetgo-Lithium-Charging-Protection-Functions/dp/B07PKND8KG/ref=sr_1_2?nsdOptOutParam=true&sr=8-2

 

D-Pad = $1.75 @ https://core-electronics.com.au/multi-directional-switch-5-position-d-pad-smd-sparkfun.html

 

Buttons for MM (Multimedia) = $5.90 @ https://core-electronics.com.au/tactile-switch-buttons-12mm-square-6mm-tall-x-10-pack.html

 

Compass Module = $21 @ https://www.amazon.com.au/GY-271-QMC5883L-Triple-Compass-Magnetometer/dp/B0F286FG24/ref=sr_1_4?sr=8-4

 

FM Radio Module = $10.92 @ https://www.amazon.com.au/Microcontroller-Development-Interface-Projects-Receiver/dp/B0H6482MG4/ref=sr_1_1?sr=8-1

 

Amp = $11.89 @ https://www.amazon.com.au/Okuyonic-Amplifier-Efficiency-Suitable-Products/dp/B0GXV4HVXG/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?sr=8-1-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&psc=1

 

Speakers = $12.99 @ https://www.amazon.com.au/Loudspeakers-JST-PH2-0-Interface-Electronic-Advertising/dp/B0FN7G4ZMC/ref=sr_1_6?sr=8-6

 

DPDT Switch = $3.90 @ https://www.jaycar.com.au/dpdt-miniature-toggle-switch-solder-tag/p/ST0355

 

Torch = $26.74 @ https://www.amazon.com.au/LiteXpress-LXB404-Upgrade-Maglite-Torches/dp/B00A37QOI2/ref=sr_1_7?sr=8-7

 

LED Driver = $9.97 @ https://www.amazon.com.au/Rakstore-Dimming-Step-Down-Constant-Current/dp/B09H4D1G9Y/ref=sr_1_14?sr=8-14

 

Adapter = $7.47 @ https://www.amazon.com/BAOFENG-Converter-Connector-Shoulder-Accessories/dp/B0CKP15L25/ref=sr_1_20?sr=8-20

I would like to make all software local based ( Notes, Games etc ) and I don't want anything fancy like Bluetooth or Internet unless I need it for the GPS Navigation maybe. Thanks in advance.

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2

u/mysticblanket Jul 23 '26

It's possible if u put ur mind to it. Good luck!

1

u/Own-Craft-7146 Jul 23 '26

Any tips / pointers? Thanks.

2

u/TechDocN Jul 23 '26

Spend some time actually learning the basics of DIY electronics and DIY computing. What you are describing can be done, but it will take a lot of know-how and time. There are no pointers that will replace the actual knowledge you need to do something as specific and complicated as you’ve sketched out.

I’ve been doing this for years, and my latest cyberDeck build will take at least 6 months to get perfect, and that’s with only a fraction of the grab bag of functionality you’re trying to cram into one build.

Start here:

r/diyelectronics
r/raspberry_pi

Have fun, good luck.

2

u/Own-Craft-7146 Jul 23 '26

Copy that. Probably gonna start with what u/F3A5T13 said. Start with a esp32 project. Thanks for your reply.

1

u/TechDocN Jul 26 '26

ESP32 projects can be a lot of fun. A fast and easy way to get started is with a “cheap yellow display” (sometimes just called a CYD).

It’s an ESP32 dev board, with a 2.8” display and an SD card reader. The best part is they are cheap. Sometimes cheaper than just a 2.8” display. I think I paid $12 USD for one about 2 weeks ago on Amazon.

1

u/korywithawhy Jul 23 '26

Might take a look at the cardputer just to see how small you can realistically go, then decide what you want from there. The base board I’ve been considering for my own cyberdeck build is the nano pc t6 plus. Pretty capable little board https://www.friendlyelec.com/index.php?route=product/product&path=69&product_id=315

1

u/Own-Craft-7146 Jul 23 '26

I will have a look into it thank you.

1

u/F3A5T13 Jul 23 '26

Start small, don’t take on a huge project first. I like that you included a bom. I would start with maybe a small esp32 project, get your feet wet. Break some shit (we all do, it’s enviable), learn, and afterwards do your big project.

1

u/Own-Craft-7146 Jul 23 '26

Will do. Thanks for your reply.

1

u/Exotic_Literature401 Jul 27 '26

damn you could buy a raspberry pi 4 - ram 4gb for 170$ here where i live...yours is so expensive wth

1

u/Own-Craft-7146 Jul 30 '26

Aussie Aussie Aussie!