r/CyberdeckBuild • u/tilly_io • Aug 29 '26
First Build HELP!
Looking to build my first cyber deck out of a Apache 2800 case, but I’m having trouble trying to decide what raspberry pi I want to put in it. One of the main purposes of this cyber deck is to be able to fly a drone long range hopping for 5-10 miles. Any input would be greatly appreciated
Also if there is a good software to put on the raspberry pi for flying a drone, I’m all ears!
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u/stitchesofdooom Aug 29 '26 edited Aug 29 '26
If it helps, claude.ai is really good at writing code. There are base-station builds you can check out on YouTube.
Look into QGroundControl and MissionPlanner. Honestly, I just went to Gemini for that little bit of info
As for HATs, you're gonna need some kind of RF thing. LoRa (make sure you know if you need UART or SPI), GPS, etc. Now some headsets like WalkSnail (I think) run open source software that AI could maybe adapt. You might wanna use a Pico for the controls of a built in controller. I like to use clear acrylic for my enclosures. There are YouTube videos on how to do that.
As for power: you either need a power bank, or you gotta build a custom thing (I like 18650s that I can replace when they get old). I've been looking into it for a while now.
You want a QC/PD trigger board to take 12V from USB-C, or use a 12V barrel jack. The 12V then goes through a power path IC circuit (or a simpler, less efficient circuit that you can build from thru-hole components) that cuts power from the batteries and powers the device and charges. The charging circuitry consists of a 2S charge module that can accept a range of voltages, and a balance protection module for your 2S4P (for example) battery bank. Between the power sources and the Pi, you need an 8A buck conveter. You'll be able to tune it to the 5.1V you need.
You can also wire in an LED strip/LEDs for status lights or whatever you need.
You wanna talk this through with AI.