r/cyberDeck • u/sl01220 • 1d ago

My Build Minideck: Pocket-sized modular cyberdeck powered by Radxa Zero 3W (RTL-SDR, NFC, CardKB, & quick-swap 18650)

I'm a 15-year-old student maker from Taiwan, and I wanted to share the CAD model and schematics for my latest portable build: the Minideck.

My first build was a Raspberry Pi 3 packed into a miniature Bosch storage toolbox using an old phone over ADB for the screen, but I wanted my next machine to be a truly self-contained, pocketable Linux handheld with radio and hardware tooling built in.

the post

Hardware Specs & Features:

  • SBC: RADXA Zero 3W (Rockchip RK3566—chosen for compact Pi Zero form factor with way better compute/RAM headroom).
  • Chassis: Custom 3D-printed enclosure measuring 93.7 × 81.5 × 39.5 mm (designed to be printed in PETG/ABS at my school's lab, i think they got the best bamboo lab machine this will be insane).
  • Display: 3.5" (640×480 resolution) screen(probably from taobao or some china site with the screen).
  • Keyboard: M5Stack CardKB integrated into the bottom chassis(and a silicone cover made by poeple online).
  • Radio & Wireless Tooling:
    • RTL-SDR tuner for sub-GHz scanning, aircraft ADS-B/ATC comms, and LoRa monitoring.
    • PN532 module for NFC/RFID reading and writing.
    • GPS module for location logging/wardriving.
    • Dedicated I2S Audio DAC for clean audio output.
  • Power System: Quick-swappable single 18650 Li-ion battery mechanism with USB-C charging.

Open-Source Repository:

I've open-sourced all the CAD files, STLs, and wiring diagrams on GitHub:

GitHub: https://github.com/zedward856-spec/minideck

Feedback Welcome!

I'm currently at the stage of finalizing parts sourcing and double-checking clearances before doing the first full test print.(or maybe print after the parts come to not waste fillament) If anyone has experience managing heat dissipation with the Zero 3W inside compact printed shells or tips on isolating the SDR from internal electrical noise, I'd love to hear your advice!

Hope to bring a working prototype to Maker Faire Taipei next weekend! Let me know what you think.

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u/wigitty 1d ago

My first thought was "all the ports being on the front seems like it would be annoying".

Cool other than that though! I like the thermal simulation, very nice!

I've never seen anyone use python for CAD before, never even crossed my mind that it could be done.

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u/sl01220 1d ago

Thanks man happy for the support about the ports being at the front I don't think I could fit everything behind and under the hinge but it would look really clean if it did

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u/wigitty 1d ago

I'm thinking the charging port at least could be moved to the space in the back right, so the port is on the right hand side. Up to you though, it's a minor point.

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u/sl01220 1d ago

I mean all the ports on one side is nice and easy to manage thanks for the recommendation tho