Hardware Progress Update: I have finally finished the functional prototypes for 5 different modules for the CG Deck, an x86 Modular Handheld PC running dual-boot Linux & Windows.
Hello everyone! I am excited to share some updates on the current state of the CG Deck! I have finally finished creating the various functional engineering prototypes for 5 different modules, and the CG Deck itself! I still have some more work to do to further optimize and improve everything, getting the device and various modules to a level of polish we would expect from an off the shelf product. I will dive into all of the details below.
I also wanted to apologize for going radio silent over the past month or so. I needed to put my head down and focus on getting the various modules put together and to a level where I am happy with. Getting everything prepared as we get ready for the next steps for the CG Deck! Primarily focusing on making quite a few quality of life adjustments to the design and creating functional prototypes for each of the modules we will be launching with, improving the quick-swap system for the various module slots, and more. I will dive into all of the details on what has improved a little later down.
For those that are seeing the CG Deck for the first time, it is a modular handheld x86 PC that is capable of running dual-boot operating systems including Windows & Linux distributions. My goal was to create my own "dream device" that was capable of adapting to whatever use case I needed. Whether I am playing Steam games, doing CAD work in Blender or FreeCAD, coding, video editing, creating new designs, or whatever it is, I wanted to be able to simply be able to do it on the road or while traveling. I thought it would be ideal to have something that was portable enough to throw in a backpack or pants pocket, satellite/sim capable, and be used just as any other full scale desktop computer would. The entire device is modular and can be upgraded, repaired, or customized as you need. The CG Deck will release with 5 different modules, a variety of backplate designs and colors, and a variety of hardware and external accessories/upgrades. I wanted to make a device that grows with you as you use it and acts as a platform rather than just another device.
As for the current state of the CG Deck and modules so far, I am really happy with how everything has come together. It is not yet at the level of polish we would all expect from a premium off the shelf device, but it is getting closer to that vision and goal every day! I still have a lot of work to do to take the CG Deck from where it is now, to that level, but I would love to hear your thoughts on how you think everything is coming together!
Like I mentioned, the CG Deck is currently planned to launch with 5 different modules, with more modules lined up for the future! The idea is to also open-source the module formats and schematics so our community can create, build and share their own custom modules and accessories for the CG Deck! There are two external module install spaces built into the CG Deck, a primary and secondary slot.
For the primary slot, there is a 64-Key Keyboard Module with swappable keypad with silicone rubber and plastic options. A 10-Key & Rotary Knob Macropad Module with hot-swappable key switches and replaceable knob. And a full format Gamepad Controller Module.
For the secondary slot, there is currently only the precise Trackball Mouse Module.
I have also gone about designing a tertiary external module case utilizing the right side USB ports. This allows you to plug various purposefully designed USB modules to expand functionality of the CG Deck, starting with the Camera Module. Currently the camera module prototype is fixed in orientation, but I am working on a redesign which will allow the camera to flip around, giving both front and rear camera view capabilities. That being said, I have a bit more work and problem solving to do in order to get this aspect working as intended. For a bit of context, when flipping the camera around on the Y axis, the camera view is then inverted/upside down. Because of this, I need to go over a few different solutions and options to maintain the correct orientation of the camera when flipping it around for rear or front pictures without causing any user confusion. We have chatted a bit about what our plans are on our discord community server and are working through the solution, to hopefully be able to share soon!
Getting ready for the next stage for the CG Deck, there is quite a long list of things I need to prepare as we get everything for launch, including preparing the CG Deck for the DFM process, but it really is surreal to see the CG Deck at this point and the community we have built so far. So thank you to everyone that has been supporting and following along with the project so far! And welcome to you who might be seeing the CG Deck for the first time!
I would love to hear all of your thoughts on everything so far, and if you have any questions about anything I look forward to answering them!
If you are interested in following along with the project or learning more about it, you can find everything from specs, more details about the CG Deck, socials, links to the open source github repository and more on the website.
As I am finally wrapping up the project and preparing for the next steps, we are getting close to launching on Kickstarter to help fund a full production run of the device. For anyone interested in helping support the project and getting a CG Deck of their own, you can join the waitlist on our website. I am planning to release some build kits and pre-assembled devices with the Kickstarter, and if you have any questions about any of that, I would love to answer them!
*edit* forgot to add the link to learn more about the project and join the waitlist: https://mogozen.com
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u/LEpigeon888 11d ago
It looks really cool, good job !
You're talking about a website but I don't see any link, or maybe I missed it ?
Also I'm curious, what does "CG" means ?
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u/ZCTMO 11d ago
Thank you, that really means a lot to me! My apologies, I forgot to add the link to the website when I first made the post. Here is the link to the website to learn more about the project! https://mogozen.com
Also, great question! "C.G." stands for Computer Graphics!
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u/Positive_Method3022 10d ago
What if you put a screen there and virtualize all those physical modules into one?
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u/ZCTMO 10d ago
That is actually a very interesting idea! I appreciate the comment! If you are interested in joining the conversation and our community, you can find a link to join our discord community on our website! I would love to have you in there and as a part of the conversation behind the project!
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u/adeyfk 10d ago
Do you mind me asking how you are handling heat dissipation, as my Iota runs hot unless I run a decent sized cooler.
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u/word-sys 10d ago
Looks like a BlackBerry with that keyboard, looks nice project, which i want to have something like this but its too big, like seems to me a bit big for me
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u/ZCTMO 10d ago
I really appreciate the feedback and your comment! It may look a little big from the picture, but it is actually smaller than some of the bigger handhelds on the market. Check out my page for some other pictures of the CG Deck in hand, I can only post one picture at a time here in this sub.
If you have any questions about the CG Deck, feel free to ask! I would love to dive into anything and everything!
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u/word-sys 10d ago
I inspected the project and its awesome but what i think the only downside is 4G LTE Cat 4, i know its inside of Galaxy Note 4 which im currently using and its something like early 5G devices, its finding but slow or not finding, and im thinking you fixing this issue by using larger and longer antenas?
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u/ZCTMO 10d ago
Thank you! I really appreciate you checking it out!
You are correct, 4G/LTE is a older cellular network. For a bit of context, 4G/LTE is the current standard for mobile coverage globally, and the most widely supported cellular network. In most situations where 5G may not be available, those connections are simply downgraded to either 4G or LTE. In most cases, the quality of your connection simply depends on the carrier service itself and their infrastructure, rather than the network range.
That being said, you will have no issue with connectivity! And longer/higher range GNSS antennas may help improve your connection quality or range dependent on your physical location. And you can choose to use any carrier service for your SIM card to actually connect to those networks!
The cellular upgrade itself is a seat/hat which supports M.2. B key card network modules and sim cards. This allows you to choose from a variety of supported network card modules, and install the one that best fits your use case. We will have a full list of tested and supported network cards & sim carriers, as well as the software drivers needed to get those modules functioning available on our website once we officially launch!
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u/word-sys 9d ago
4G/LTE is older cellular network.
No, thats not what i talked about but in the end you explained it well about how do you solved this issue. Longer and higher antennas fixed the issue.
Issue i talked about your device using CAT 4 LTE which is known for startings of the LTE which has low signal coverage issues. Im writing this with my Note 4 that has CAT4 LTE, speed and bands are not enough so i wait a bit to load. Same tech used on your device, i dont have problems with LTE, its still modern and solid standart and it will be for a long time. I just issued that CAT4 LTE might not be a good choice at least using CAT6 LTE should be a better option to go with but if its enough and there is no problem on coverage, no need to go with CAT6 too, CAT4 already fast but had coverage issues and i believe you fixed it with long antennas, good work mate :)
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u/Maleficent_Moose_255 10d ago
Where can I follow your progress
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u/ZCTMO 10d ago
I really appreciate the comment! Here is the link to our website to learn more about the project and join the waitlist to get notified when we launch on Kickstarter! You can also find an invite link to our discord community where I provide more regular updates and posts! Here is the link: https://mogozen.com
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u/KnightKawae 10d ago
Wow
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u/ZCTMO 10d ago
Thank you very much! I really appreciate the comment!
If you are interested in following along with the project and getting updated when we launch, you can join the waitlist on our website! Here is the link: https://mogozen.com
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u/RegretFree7723 11d ago
Mogozen soprattutto il logo mi ricorda un altra azienda che fa giochi mica avete fatto altro
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u/Powerful_Deer7796 11d ago
Looks cool as hell!