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RASPBERRY PI

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Jetdeck SCOUT

The Jetdeck SCOUT is a slim, hackable Linux handheld PC and cyberdeck designed for gaming, network diagnostics, IoT projects, and mesh networking.

Originally published on Hackaday.io

View original tutorial

Parts You'll Need

This project is sourced from another site, not written by us — this list is our best match of their components against what we stock, not a verified bill of materials. Always check the original blog (linked above) for the actual parts list before buying.

Raspberry Pi 3 - Model B+ 1.4Ghz 64-bit quad-core Processor with 1 GB Ram (Original) Rs. 5,400.00
ADIY FLY Pico RP2040 Basic Board (Type C) Out of stock
2-Slot 18650 Holder with Protective Cover and On/Off Switch – Case Rs. 109.00
Dual Axis XY Joystick Module Rs. 65.00
1200mAh 18650 Li-ion Bat – Reliable 3.7V Power Cell Rs. 129.00
400 Points Mini Solderless Prototype PCB Breadboard High Quality Rs. 89.00
MB102 Adjustable Breadboard Power Supply Module (3.3V & 5V) for Arduino & Raspberry Pi Rs. 139.00
Jumper Wire 10 Pin Male To Male 20cm Rs. 45.00
Jumper Wire 10 Pin Male To Female 20cm Rs. 45.00

Selected: Rs. 0.00

We don't carry yet: LCD (generic / unspecified)
Custom PCB / PCB Fab
LoRa Module
Enclosure / Box / Case
Custom Mainboard
NVMe M-key 2230 / 2242 PCI-e SSD

Browse all components

How It Works

The Jetdeck SCOUT operates as a fully integrated, portable Linux handheld PC centered around a Raspberry Pi CM5 compute module paired with a custom mainboard carrier PCB. At the heart of the system architecture, the Raspberry Pi runs a standard Linux OS, executing core applications, handling system tasks, and providing user interfaces via a vibrant 4.3-inch 800x480 IPS QLED display. Input controls are managed through a dual-input scheme: a backlit QWERTY keyboard featuring tactile domes for text entry and command-line interactions, alongside a Nintendo Switch-style joystick gamepad for navigational tasks and gaming. Under the hood, an auxiliary RP2040 microcontroller assists with specialized I/O processing and peripheral management, while a LoRa Radio RAX4630 module enables long-range, low-power wireless communication and mesh networking capabilities. High-speed, non-volatile data storage is provided by an NVMe M-key 2230 or 2242 PCI-e SSD connected directly to the high-bandwidth lanes of the compute platform. Powering the entire portable ecosystem is a robust 10,000mAh Li-ion battery arranged in a 2S configuration, managed safely with modern USB-C Power Delivery (PD) charging circuitry. Mechanically, these electronics are housed securely within a durable custom 3D-printed enclosure backed by an aluminum rear housing for enhanced structural rigidity and thermal dissipation.

Why Build This

Develop a portable field diagnostics platform for executing on-site network analysis, system troubleshooting, and remote IoT device deployments.

Experiment with decentralized radio protocols by integrating long-range LoRa mesh networking into a custom mobile Linux environment.

Combine embedded Linux computing, custom PCB carrier integration, and advanced peripheral interfacing into a cohesive handheld form factor suitable for mobile retro gaming and administrative tasks.

Real-World Application

Portable network diagnostics, field IT administration, IoT deployment, mesh networking, and mobile retro/indie gaming.

Skills You'll Learn

Embedded Linux system configuration

custom PCB carrier board integration

firmware flashing and compilation via QMK

high-speed NVMe storage implementation

LoRa radio communication protocols

dual-cell lithium-ion power management and USB-C PD charging

multi-input peripheral interfacing

Safety Precautions

Flagged during content review — not in the original source

This project utilizes a high-capacity 10,000mAh 2S Lithium-ion battery pack and USB-C PD charging circuitry; handle the battery with care to avoid punctures, short circuits, or thermal runaway, and ensure all power routing on the custom PCB is correctly insulated before initial testing.

Technology Tags

RASPBERRY PI CM5

QMK FIRMWARE

RP2040 MCU

LORA

LINUX

3D PRINTING

PCB DESIGN

CYBERDECK

HANDHELD PC

Frequently Asked Questions

What operating system does the Jetdeck SCOUT run?

The device runs a standard Linux OS tailored for the Raspberry Pi compute platform, allowing you to execute terminal commands, network tools, and desktop applications.

Can I use standard M.2 SSDs for storage?

The mainboard accommodates NVMe M-key SSDs specifically in the 2230 or 2242 form factors, which fit within the spatial constraints of the handheld enclosure.

What is the role of the RP2040 microcontroller if the Raspberry Pi runs Linux?

The RP2040 acts as a co-processor dedicated to managing hardware peripherals like the gamepad and keyboard inputs, offloading real-time tasks from the main compute module.

Gallery

This page is part of Kitkraft's Project Hub — a curated collection of electronics & robotics projects gathered from the maker community to help students and hobbyists discover and learn to build. Kitkraft does not claim authorship of the original project, and makes no representation as to the accuracy, completeness or safety of third-party source material. The summary and "How It Works" explanation above are AI-generated, rewritten with reference to the original tutorial — not a reproduction of it. Full credit and a direct link to the original source are provided above. If you're the original creator and have a concern about how your work is represented here, please contact us and we'll address it promptly.

Kitkraft Project Hub — curated from the maker community, credited at the source.

PRJ-01520