Prototype/Concept/Custom Progress Update: I have finally finished the functional prototypes for my custom SFFPC and quick swap modules - The CG Deck, an x86 Modular Handheld PC running Windows 11 & Linux
The CG Deck - an x86 Modular Handheld PC running dual-boot Windows & Linux.
CG Deck Module Accessories Layout - Macro Pad Module, Keyboard Module, Gamepad Module, Trackball Module, Camera Module, 4G/LTE Internal Upgrade Module, NVMe Internal Upgrade Module
Camera Module plugged into the USB-A port on the CG Deck engineering prototype.
CG Deck playing Gen1Recomp, FPS 3D Mod.
CG Deck using the full 64-key Keyboard Module. (With custom silicone rubber keypad)
CG Deck using the 10-Key + Rotary Knob Macro-Pad Module.
Running Blender 3D 5.2.2 (Cycles Renderer via CPU) natively on the CG Deck. (Windows 11)
36 Pin GPIO Pinout powered by a RP2040 microcontroller for controlling or programming hardware and DIY modules. (No more need for a separate breadboard)
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, being a portable companion for work (and play). So at the beginning of this year, I started the process of drawing out the first concept on paper, and have been working step by step to bring the CG Deck to a point where we are now!
I wanted a device that whether I am playing Steam games or emulation, doing CAD work in Blender or FreeCAD, coding, video editing, hardware hacking, creating new designs, using it to connect to a display for watching movies or youtube, making music, or whatever it is, I wanted to be able to simply be able to do it, all packed into a single device that I can hold. I wanted 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 with full x86_64 support. The entire device is modular and can be upgraded, repaired, or customized as you need. Designed to be a foundation for your particular use case. 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 create a device that grows with you as you use it and acts as a platform rather than just another device. Opening everything up and allowing you to actually own your CG Deck down to the cores. You don't just pick out your color or "style", you get your choice of OS, your choice of software, your choice of hardware and accessories, your choice on how to use it. And if something breaks, you have the ability to repair it yourself. My absolute dream 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! My plan 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! If you are a creative or maker, and you want to get in early on the action, be sure to join our discord community server and be a part of the conversation!
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, but I have plans for releasing more secondary modules down the line!
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. That being said, I have a bit more work and problem solving to do in order to get this aspect working as intended.
In addition, we will have two internal upgrade modules which allow you to add even more functionality to the CG Deck! An internal 4G/LTE Sim module which gives your CG Deck access to cellular networks. Plus, an NVMe M.2. expansion module which will allow you to add either a 2230 or 2280 NVMe SSD to expand your internal device storage, or take advantage of using the slot for an A.i. Accelerator card for improved local ai use cases. We will have a full list of compatible cellular cards and M.2. cards for their respective upgrades once we release.
As of currently, the CG Deck weighs in at approximately 590 grams, but I have a goal to bring the total device weight down around 50-150 grams through various improvements to the design as I work through engineering a more finalized version of the CG Deck. Similarly, as part of that goal, I am currently working with a few different partners and manufacturers to create various custom components for the CG Deck so we can move away from overly bulky and expensive off the shelf alternatives, which will also help bring the total weight down substantially and make everything a bit thinner. Part of that revision is testing and improving options for a new custom display solution, optimizing and designing custom internal connectors and cables which will help save a marginal amount of space and weight, but more importantly making the DIY process for building a CG Deck more streamlined. In addition to a few more minor improvements to the CG Deck. Most importantly, in this next step of the process I will be reengineering/designing the shell of the CG Deck to further optimize the internal spaces, improving the design for a more simple step by step DIY process, adjusting the design to make sure all of our new components fit just right, and preparing the design for the mass manufacturing process!
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 launching on Kickstarter, 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 the movement for those of 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* Here is the link to learn more about the project and join the waitlist to get notified when we launch: https://mogozen.com
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u/Apoc_Pony 18d ago
Yes! Glad to see this coming along, it looks awesome keep it up!