Project Update

Rejection Reason

My work was unfortunately rejected because the keyboard did not include a top cover.

Explanation

Unfortunately, I cannot add a top cover at this stage. In the next prototypes, I plan to add a touchpad in that space, which makes including the cover impossible for now.

Next Steps

• Proceed with the current prototype without the top cover.
• Integrate the touchpad in future versions.
• Ensure that design adjustments accommodate new features without compromising functionality.

What is this component, and why isn’t it in the CAD library?

This:
is a module that connects the display to my motherboard.

The original module on the motherboard burned out because of a short circuit, so I’m using this replacement.

I can’t add it to CAD because I don’t have a 3D model of the motherboard to reference.

I’m posting this because my previous submission wasn’t accepted because of this.

Remaking Case

They told me to add switches and keycaps to the keyboard, so I did. Just it. It was a very difficult thing because I had to fix everything again

(yes, that's where the screen goes inside)

Programming the Keyboard Firmware

Next, I worked on programming the firmware for my custom keyboard.

Since I love programming, this part went really quickly — it only took me about 30 minutes (speedrun haha)!

Finished Case first look

Final Touches and Next Steps

I’m really happy with how the case turned out — it looks great!

I’m adding this post to show how it all looks so far and to share a bit of progress. Everything is coming together nicely, and now I’m moving on to the keyboard programming stage.

Creating the Case

Creating the Case

At this stage, I focused on building the case for the project. It wasn’t a difficult task — everything went smoothly, and I managed to finish most of it in about two hours.

I’m really happy with how it’s turning out so far. The project is almost finished, and it feels great to see all the parts coming together step by step.

Creating the Keyboard

To make the project complete, it needed its own custom keyboard — one that could slide under the case when not in use and pull out when needed.

Designing it wasn’t too difficult, but there was one big problem: the workers kept cutting the power about five times! Each time, I had to start over because I hadn’t saved my progress (lesson learned).

I’m not counting those interruptions as work time, though. In total, the design itself took about two hours. It was actually a fun task — I really enjoy working with keyboards and customizing how they look and feel.

Installing Linux

Since Windows wasn’t working, I had to install Linux. The first challenge was that the HDMI port didn’t work, so I had to solder it using an old soldering iron because my new one hadn’t arrived yet (still waiting on it from the Blueprint program lol).

I decided to go with Linux Mint. There were a few minor issues with the disk as well, but in the end, everything worked out.

The whole process took about 2.5 hours, and now the system is up and running smoothly.

Connecting and Testing

Connecting and Testing

During this stage, I started connecting and testing the components. Luckily, the earlier short circuit didn’t cause any major problems. However, I discovered that the LVDS input was damaged, which caused the screen to flicker and display a white image.

I thought Windows would still work, but it immediately showed a blue screen.

I also started taking apart another laptop for reference. It turned out to be 20 years old, and its motherboard was four times thicker than the one in my laptop I’m converting 💀.

This stage took about 7 hours, but unfortunately, it didn’t bring any usable results. It was frustrating, but part of the learning process.

Getting Started: From Old Laptop to Cyberdeck

The Idea

Since I wanted to do something creative with my old laptop that was no longer working, I decided to turn it into a programming cyberdeck.

I’m thinking of using a sliding keyboard that will come out from under the screen, which originally belonged to my laptop. This way, the cyberdeck stays compact but still fully functional.

Early Assessment and Setbacks

At this stage, I carefully looked over my laptop to see what needed fixing. While testing, I accidentally connected the LVDS input to an Diode, which caused short circuit.

As a result, I’ll need to make a PCB to handle the HDMI to LVDS conversion. It’s a small setback, but it’s all part of the learning process, and now I know exactly what needs to be done next.

LOL: