Project Hub /Basic Analog & Power Electronics/Modernizing a T3100/20

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RASPBERRY PI

> ₹15,000

3 – 6 Hours

Partial Kit

Modernizing a T3100/20

A vintage Toshiba T3100/20 laptop chassis is retrofitted into a modern Raspberry Pi-powered cyberdeck featuring a custom hand-wired mechanical keyboard, 10.4-inch LCD, and a modular E-ink secondary display.

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. 9,810.00
2-Slot 18650 Holder with Protective Cover and On/Off Switch – Case Rs. 109.00
110 RPM Single Shaft BO Motor – Straight Rs. 99.00
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)
Teensy
3D Printed Parts / Filament / Printer
caps

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How It Works

This project integrates modern single-board computing within a vintage Toshiba T3100/20 laptop chassis, combining a main display, a secondary status panel, and a custom input device. At the heart of the system is a Raspberry Pi 4 acting as the primary computing unit, running Raspberry Pi OS to manage software tasks and drive a 10.4-inch LCD display for the main visual output. A secondary 2.9-inch tricolor e-ink display is integrated to show low-power status information or graphics. For user input, 77 key switches and caps are hand-wired into a custom matrix that is read by a Teensy 2.0 microcontroller. The Teensy runs QMK firmware to scan the key matrix, debounce inputs, and translate keystrokes into standard USB HID keyboard signals. A USB hub ties the internal peripherals and input hardware together, allowing them to interface cleanly with the Raspberry Pi 4. Structural modifications and custom mounts are fabricated using PETG 3D printing filament to secure the modern displays and boards safely inside the original retro chassis.

Why Build This

Repurpose obsolete vintage hardware housings into highly capable, modern portable computing and cyberdeck platforms.

Gain practical engineering experience in integrating disparate display technologies, microcontrollers, and single-board computers.

Design and assemble a custom, hand-wired mechanical keyboard matrix interfaced through programmable firmware.

Real-World Application

Retrofitting obsolete electronics housings with modern single-board computers for portable computing, field work, or hobbyist cyberdeck applications.

Skills You'll Learn

Custom mechanical keyboard matrix wiring

QMK firmware configuration

single-board computer integration

USB hub architecture

e-ink and LCD display interfacing

CAD modeling and PETG 3D printing for rapid prototyping

Safety Precautions

Exercise caution when dealing with old electronics, water-damaged metal, and handling electrical components or soldering irons.

Technology Tags

RASPBERRY PI 4

E-INK DISPLAY

LCD

CUSTOM KEYBOARD

HAND-WIRED KEYBOARD

QMK

FUSION 360

3D PRINTING

PETG

CYBERDECK

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different single-board computer instead of the Raspberry Pi 4?

The project is designed around the form factor and interface requirements of the Raspberry Pi 4 and Raspberry Pi OS, so substituting a different board would require modifying the internal 3D-printed mounts and software configurations.

How does the custom keyboard connect to the Raspberry Pi?

The 77 key switches are wired to a Teensy 2.0 running QMK firmware, which processes the key presses and communicates with the Raspberry Pi via standard USB connection through the internal USB hub.

What is the purpose of the e-ink display if there is already a 10.4-inch LCD?

The 2.9-inch tricolor e-ink display serves as a secondary, low-power visual output ideal for static status information, system metrics, or decorative elements without draining excessive power.

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-00406