clockwork uConsole - Unboxing and build. Cyberdeck Retro Workstation!

I totally forgot that I ordered this. Its a really cool device and one of the few general computing devices that you can carry around. Plugged into a monitor , keyboard and mouse (Bluetooth) makes for a convincing linux rig.
Pretty good for retro gaming as well, comes with DOSBOX and other emulators pre installed.
I think small form factor PCS but with the addition of onboard power, screen, keyboard and pointing devices makes them all kinds of next level useful!
Installing a GPS module and USB Hub: • clockwork uConsole - I...
Installing a software defined radio (SDR): • Clockwork uConsole - m...
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Thanks you lovely people, and keep on tinkering!

[@Giitzerland]

They could have applied the "CLOCKWORK" name evenly, that would annoy me probably far more than other people, but I really can't stand seeing crooked labels, or lettering :\

[@backofficeshow]

@@Giitzerland I know what you mean, I spotted that right away as well!! Arghhh

[@iblackfeathers]

i would have personally preferred no logos at all. “tf” and “on/off” may be acceptable on the faceplate since they serve a function.

[@charlesdorval394]

@@iblackfeathers I would put them nearer the actual slot/button, if at all

[@ScottMartin-w5s]

Jackson Jeffrey Lee Eric Anderson Karen

[@PplsChampion]

would love to see something like this with an eink display

[@svovy5358]

that's nifty

[@faberfox]

This looks lovely and it was great seeing you build it. Regarding batteries, I might be a bit late but didn't see other comments, so imho your best bet would be to grab a pair from a serious vape shop, you'll find fakes most everywhere else. If you have a decent one close, you can't go wrong with LG HG2, Sony/Murata VTC6 or Samsung 30Q or 35E. Anything promising over 3500mAh is probably crap, the first 3 I suggested are 3000mAh, the 35E is 3500mAh. Of the vape branded ones, Vapecell and Golisi are the most consistent ones, Efest not so much.

[@backofficeshow]

Thanks, that's great advice. It's amazing how it's so difficult to buy a proper branded battery, you would think that the market is big enough for the big players to want to release them into the basket, for example, a Duracell or Energiser version. Still, I think I was lucky enough with the cells I got as they seem to run for several hours and that's good enough for me. But would be interesting to know genuinely what the best of the best would be like.

[@MrGarryGrey]

33:10 I'm assuming the issue is that resolution is 720x1280 (9:16), not 1280x720 (16:9). So you get a vertical picture, which makes sense.

[@backofficeshow]

I think you are correct! It feels like the sort of issue you used to get with Linux builds 20 years ago. I need to check if they have an updated repo for this gadget. Maybe in the driver that panel is actually is a vertical panel and they are using it horizontally 🤔

[@TerryLawrence001]

@@backofficeshow I think the OS has the screen settings for portrait and landscape.

[@lordofthe6string]

Genuinely looking for something like this, a 'real fantasy console', but their website is atrocious and doesn't really explain what any of their products are.

[@backofficeshow]

I can answer this, raspberry pis in mobile form factors, that's pretty much it

[@twinturboaddict]

I wish they would make this as a clam shell

[@gaspumprepairservice7009]

Something whispers “clam slam” when I see “clam shell”.🫡 You’re welcome.

[@JohnTomlinson-g4x]

I'm a bit out of the groove on this type of stuff so what is it for?

[@backofficeshow]

I'm not sure it's really got a specific purpose other than just to exist. But it's essentially a pocketish sized computer. It's interesting because netbooks almost eliminated totally the PDA style form factor for small computing devices

[@LeeNelson71]

There’s a 4G expansion module for this. The blank side plate with a hole in it is for the 4G antenna.

[@backofficeshow]

I feel this is less useful than a GPS and internal USB and SD card option would be. Still, it's great they are thinking about these things

[@iblackfeathers]

it’s unfortunate they do not sell the 4g module separately. that forced you to order another one and wait almost 1 to 2 years for it to be shipped to you. by then, cm5 would be out and no one knows for sure how compatible that would be with this… maybe by then there would be a newer version of uconsole, but then the story repeats itself again with having to wait 1 to 2 years for it to arrive again.

[@backofficeshow]

@iblackfeathers I think getting the usb expansion is a better purchase coupled with a 4g dongle

[@NitroVII]

Very excited to get mine soon! Should be shipping this month.

[@backofficeshow]

That's great, what do you intend to do with it?

[@plattcriceta1719]

i despise your charging cable. shame on you.

[@iblackfeathers]

“runs like clockwork” may not be the right phrase for the thumbnail. there are discussion on the forums about the wifi. some needed to activate the external antenna for the cm4 since it defaulted to the pcb one. some needed to replace the poor sticker wifi antenna with a different external antenna one. there may be other issues as well such as other linux distros needing to compile a specific kernel for them. battery life and charging rate adjustment through the config files. for me, i am refraining to drill any holes on the beautiful case just to attach an antenna. there are 3d parts you can print for a more benign way to attach antennas.

[@lonnymoore2622]

as for batteries i would likely remove the battery holder and use my spot welder to tack up a custom battery from my collection of cells i salvaged

[@tablatronix]

That little black clip is just for the top connector for pick and place vacuum to grab during assembly.

[@backofficeshow]

Thanks for clearing this up! So I can just fling it into the bin now!

[@reflexivemedia]

haha, i literally assembled mine 30 minutes ago and I was wondering what that thing was; I didn’t expect to find a video mentioning it and a complete answer to clear all doubt :) so, thanks!

[@backofficeshow]

Word to the wise, I spent a lot of time trying to get rustdesk installed into it only to just put team viewer instead. The former really won't work

[@Oliver-l1c]

Why didn't it just come assembled? Considering the elaborate packaging &c.

[@backofficeshow]

I think the assembly was considered part of the fun

[@Sniggitysnail]

Because you can customize the build if you want to.

[@aurthorthing7403]

It looks like the C.H.I.P. thing that came out before the Raspberry Pi had WiFi.

[@backofficeshow]

CHIP was a lot smaller and lighter. I always wanted one, they looked pretty cool. Always shown hand in hand rubbing pico-8

[@aurthorthing7403]

@@backofficeshow I still have 3 boards but I never got the keyboard part. By the time I saved up for one they had belly flopped and went out of business.

[@backofficeshow]

@@aurthorthing7403 eurgh

[@Xpurple]

I have one. Pretty nice little system for what it was.

[@TonyBussert]

I'm always surprised you and others don't use an electrostatic pad while doing these just for extra precautions.

[@backofficeshow]

I've been working with electronics for decades and have never used an electrostatic pad or device, I think the best advice is just not a nylon jumper that's arcing and sparking while you work 🤣

[@craggercragger8989]

Pretty sweet that m8

[@joelee24]

Yes the antenna is the biggest problem on the unit, it should not put near the chassis to ground the signal !

[@MakeKasprzak]

This kit is incredible

[@lukeskywalker6148]

When p5 comes out low profile board will it be simple plug in and play upgrade?

[@backofficeshow]

As long as it maintains the same edge connector functionality, it should work straight away. I'm guessing that is part of their ethos so hopefully it would be a simple exchange

[@justinthomas2458]

Is there enough room on the skinny top(behind the clockwork logo) to put the wifi antenna?

[@backofficeshow]

I've messed around with it but realistically where they place the antenna is relatively optimal, in my later video you'll see that I made a spacer and tried a different brand of antenna, But it was pretty much the same poor results. I will have to check out a driver level if the Wi-Fi chip is actually being driven correctly. It's a bit odd

[@Toneh]

Best battery seller is Torchy the Battery Boy :)

[@backofficeshow]

What about Larry the Lithium Guy? I hear good things

[@vladimirrblackrock]

Not sure if you have discovered it yet but the expansion board is open source like most of the hardware and some members of the community have made their own boards and made them available on tindie in limited runs. So possibilities are endless in the DIY space for that expansion connector. There is an official discord where most of those ideas are posted and discussed. Hope that helps!

[@backofficeshow]

@@vladimirrblackrock Thank you, I appreciate the comment. I recently modified the unit, very happy to find the schematic kzbin.info/www/bejne/goevl4l3l7x5l9U

[@vladimirrblackrock]

@@backofficeshow ooooo thanks! I’ll check it out!! :)

[@iamboody]

I ordered one of these about a year back, got it a few months back. Really nifty but I struggled to get youtube running at a reasonable speed, need to look into. I don't think it was a kickstarter, pre-order only. There are some 3rd party expansion cards that add more USB ports/etc.

[@backofficeshow]

@@iamboody check how the overclocking guides. I think you can give a healthy boost to it for not much cost in the way of heat

[@iamboody]

@@backofficeshow Ta, I had a brief look and didn't help much but I need to look again. One thing for anyone considering picking one of these up, check the website to see if they are shipping quicker now. My pre-order was seriously delayed and a few months back shipping wasn't by length in queue.

[@RolieKloeOlie]

I’m expecting my uconsole shipping notification (Alex said they’re working on my order now) any day now. Got my batteries in the mail and the left them in my hot mailbox! Should be ok but what idiots

[@charlesballard5251]

That's interesting.

[@styledliving]

the spec of dust behind the speaker is gonna be dancing there forever.

[@backofficeshow]

Thanks for pointing it out, I'll try to ignore it, NOOOOOOO I must remove it!!!

[@lonnymoore2622]

get me the measurements and i could give it a go at designing one for you

[@backofficeshow]

www.clockworkpi.com/product-page/uconsole-3d-models-in-obj-format-free

[@backofficeshow]

Looks like they released the designs!

[@backofficeshow]

Apparently you need to enter the coupon code UC to download them for free

[@lonnymoore2622]

@@backofficeshow ok good to know