SomeArduino projects need a full-featured "keyboard" layout keypad instead of a membrane keypad, but a real keyboard such as the Adafruit Miniature Wireless USB Keyboard is probably still too big, too expensive, and maybe too feature-rich (Miniature Wireless USB Keyboard with Touchpad : ID 922 : $49.95 : Adafruit Industries, Unique & fun DIY electronics and kits). Repurposing membrane remote keypads, as has been suggested, is not the best idea (example: -6A-Mini-44Key-IR-Remote-Controller-for-5050-3528-SMD-RGB-LED-Strip-Light-/141487083512/). What would be ideal to use in some cases might be a Blackberry Q10 OEM keypad. They are small and wonderfully designed, and more importantly, available and remarkably cheap ( -Q10-OEM-Keyboard-With-Flex-Cable-/251643319465). In a way, these world class keypads are what made Blackberry famous in the first place. A couple of months ago I searched for Arduino projects that use this keypad and I found nothing other than a few people who had also had this idea but had not brought it to fruition. No one had even determined the keypad's pinout and there is no documentation on the Internet as far as I can determine. The keypad is a bitch to interface because it uses a 0.4mm pitch connector on flat flex, not really all that hobby friendly. And it worked pretty well as hobbyist repellent as near as I can tell, until now. I have been able to build an adapter board to convert the appropriate connector to DIP, interface it to an Arduino, determine the pinout, and create a short demonstrator sketch to prove the interface and allow the user to type text out to an OLED. Here is some information about the project if anyone is interested.
It's all in the source code, referenced to the pin numbers that I give on my PCB. Note, the numbers don't follow the conventional numbering scheme, but it works if you go by them. Check out the source code comments and constants.
I asked around on Dave Jones' board. Once I had the correct receptacle part, I made a board at OSHPark. Once I had a board, I buzzed it out on a solderless breadboard, assuming it was a key matrix, which is exactly what it is. Once I knew what the pinout for that keypad was exactly, I made a quick demo board for it. Easy enough work, in the end.
I myself am a fan of blackberry and like those tiny but fuctional things. So I built this tiny USB keyboard with the original bb9900 keyboard. This unique keyboard with trackpad is powered by the Raspberry Pi RP2040 MCU and operates under QMK Firmware, seamlessly transforming into a USB HID Keyboard and Mouse combo.
As this keyboard boasts a limited number of keys, we understand that personal preferences for keycodes and layout may vary. Thanks to the flexibility of QMK firmware, you can effortlessly customize and define your keycodes and layout using the VIA on web.
We look for the most active & best members of the Tindie community, and invite them to join. There isn't a selection process or form to fill out. The only way to become a Tindarian is by being a nice & active member of the Tindie community!
I once again had to remove the usb ports on the power bank board, and solder a chopped usbc cable on, but I like that the back can be removed, unplugged, and the pi can be powered externally (I already had to use this feature to hook up an external monitor to get Kali Linux working on the Pimaroni screen)
At the moment, the keyboard is plugged into a USB Port on the outside, but my plan is to directly solder the USB cable to the pins, and print a little "USB blank" to close up the port that will be used for the keyboard/mouse.
This has actually been a long time coming! I built a CinePi cinema camera last year, and although it's great - I dont actually need / enjoy working with cinema footage... so I decided to use the incredible Hyperpixel screen, and the best Pi in my collection (Pi 4, 8gb) to make a handheld Linux PC. Excellent for portable Pen Testing with Kali, or doing anything! Mainly though, I just think it's cool.
The keyboard has always been what's held me back though. I was going to design a PCB with a heap of tactile buttons, kinda like in the Armachat devices - but they dont look nice to type on, and it still leaves the question of a mouse open.
When I saw this Blackberry breakout keyboard with a mouse built in - I knew it was destiny! I ordered one, and grabbed the STL files from ZitaoTech's Github, reverse engineered them into a solid body (best Fusion 360 feature ever...) and then designed a case that holds the Pi and the Hyperpixel screen.
It will be a bit thick - but I love the idea of lots of battery life... I'm using the power bank's button to power it on an off, and I'll reroute the power bank battery % display somewhere to keep an eye on that. I could possibly integrate it with software, but that seems hard. And a physical battery display visible from the outside (similar to early MacBook Pro's that had that little button) will be cooooool!
Taylor Hay's article provides a very interesting and detailed project on building a custom handheld PC using a Raspberry Pi, inspired by the cyberpunk aesthetic and practicality of Linux. Taylor's passion for portable devices and open source platforms is evident as he embarks on a complicated project to create a functional and easy-to-use handheld PC. The project takes advantage of the BlackBerry Q10 keyboard and square HyperPixel 4.0 touchscreen, combining them with a Raspberry Pi 4 and a 10,000mAh battery to ensure long-lasting usability.
Taylor's idea is very attractive and useful for technology enthusiasts, detailing both the successes and challenges faced during the construction process. The troubleshooting aspect, such as dealing with faulty USB cables and the complexities of integrating the power bank with the Pi, adds a realistic and relatable dimension to the project. Additionally, Taylor provides us with practical tips and solutions, including specific commands for making the HyperPixel display work with Kali Linux, which is a valuable resource for others attempting similar projects.
The documentation Taylor presents is very comprehensive, with clear project records and a step-by-step breakdown of components and their assembly. This transparency not only shows Taylor's experience, but also encourages and helps other enthusiasts to replicate the project.
In conclusion I would say that Taylor Hay's article is an example of the creativity and technical skill that can be applied to different projects, offering a combination of inspiration and practical guidance for technology enthusiasts who want to carry out similar projects, without a doubt a sample of the quality applied in a very ingenious project.
As a special mention I can only add the Dromey quality model Guide Document that is presented through the following URL:
I agree with you; Taylor Hay's article is fascinating and showcases an ingenious project of building a custom handheld PC using a Raspberry Pi, inspired by the cyberpunk aesthetic and the practicality of Linux. The combination of the BlackBerry Q10 keyboard, the HyperPixel 4.0 screen, and a 10,000mAh battery is brilliant. Additionally, the practical tips and solutions Taylor offers are invaluable resources for other enthusiasts.
Taylor Hay's Project, which aims to build a handheld computer with a Raspberry Pi, is a clear example of effective functionality. With components such as the HyperPixel screen and the Blackberry Q10 keyboard, and a high-capacity battery, it focuses on maximizing the usability and autonomy of the device. Despite some minor issues, such as power interruption during charging, the project demonstrates high reliability and robustness thanks to the implemented solutions.
The device's design is user-friendly, with an integrated keyboard and mouse in a compact format, and the choice of Kali Linux suggests a focus on advanced users. The detailed documentation of the building process facilitates replication and modification by other users, showing a commitment to the community. The project successfully creates a portable and practical device capable of running a full desktop environment in a small size, which is a remarkable achievement.
Taylor Hay's project impressively combines engineering and design, following the Dromey methodology. Despite some minor challenges, the creation of a Raspberry Pi-based handheld computer that is functional, reliable, and easy to use demonstrates a high level of technical competence and creativity, offering a valuable resource for the tech community.
In the following link, you can find more documentation about the Dromey methodology. It is a document in Spanish that discusses more about the Dromey methodology: [Link]( =sharing)
Your analysis is very interesting. I agree that Taylor Hay's project is an excellent example of functionality and design in a portable device. The integration of the HyperPixel display and the Blackberry Q10 keyboard, along with a high-capacity battery, demonstrates a very practical approach. Although I think there are some minor issues, the sturdiness and ease of use of the device are notable. Additionally, detailed documentation makes it easy to replicate, which is a huge benefit for the tech community. Without a doubt a very accurate comment and a very innovative and ingenious project.
Is it possible at all to make the STL for the case available? This project looks PERFECT. I was very interested in the ClockworkPi handheld, but have the same concerns. This project is exactly the kind of device I've been trying to find/build.
Disclaimer: I am posting this way to early, because Blackberry recently announced that they will close their platform, which, to my understanding equates a remote brick for remaining devices. So, before the supply of cheap replacement keyboards from AliExpress dries up, I wanted to see if anyone else is interested in this.
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