Update on the IIAB RPi4 server and Odroid C2 SBC

I am done with the setup of the RPi 4, which will be running Internet-in-a-box (IIAB in short). The downloading of wiki's zim files, all the world maps, and other educational and emergency medical ebooks are completed. The IIAB will be running as a community server if needed during emergencies.
Everything is installed on a 1 Tb msata, I have about 400GB of space left for additional ebooks, videos, and photos, which I will add later.

RPi 4 is booting and running off the 1 TB msata. The UPS battery capacity is about 27,200 mAh

I am adding my old Odroid C2 into the built too. After some fiddling, I had managed to read the battery level and the RTC from 18650 UPS board for the Rpi 4. I am running Ubuntu 20.04 on the Odroid C2. Will do a write up on my installation later.

Here are the photos of the Odroid C2 with the UPS board. Battery capacity is 6,400 mah.

Some work in progress on the case

Had to cut some holes for the 3D printed parts, such as fan mount, power socket and antenna mounts.

For the power socket, I am using a 110VAC / 250 VAC 10A socket with EMI filter.

After installing the 3D printed parts, I applied silicone sealant to prevent water from getting in. The silicone sealant application was kind of shabby.

I am still waiting for the rubber O-rings which I am waiting to install on the cover for the fan and power socket.

I am now deciding on the internal layout of the various other components.

Here are some photos:

Run Raspberry Pi 4 without MicroSD card. New Beta EEPROM update.

Andreas Spiess posted a video on how to do it using the new Beta firmware from RaspberryPi.

Don't need microsd to be plug in to boot from USB. This is so much easier then the previous method.

More photos of the 10inch 2K IPS LCD including the internal.

I had set the resolution to 1920x1080 60hz, see the left edge, sync issue.

After I change the frequency to 59.94hz, the screen is nicely aligned. 

Here are some photos of the various settings via OSD. 

There is no difference if HDR is set to off or Auto. However, if it is set manually to 2048, you can see the difference in the color saturation. 

When playing a 4k YouTube video, there current draw about 1.605A. The current draw fluctuates between 1.4A to 1.62A.

The speakers ok, don't expect high fidelity sound though. They are clear and loud. 

Here is a 4K video with volume set to 50%.

Some of photos of the internal. 

The casing is in plastic, however the back is made of metal, and it is also acting as a heatsink for the video processing chip, you can see light blue thermal pad from the photos above. 

Will probably use the LCD with casing as is, with the exception of the control buttons which I will move it out from the case. The cable is long enough for me to position the buttons to the front panel of the cyberdeck. 

There are 2 mini-hdmi inputs, which can self detect and is user selectable, 1 headphone jack, 1 micro-USB power input and a DC power input. 

The user manual stated the power required is 5V 1.5A.  The LCD comes with mini-hdmi to hdmi cable, a USB charger 5V 2.5A, a micro-usb cable, an adjustable monitor stand. 

That's all for today. 

Received the 10inch 2K IPS LCD and Ethernet connectors today

The ethernet connectors quality is quite good, didn't expect the cover to be in metal.

They are Cat6 variety.

Here is the photo of the 10inch 2K IPS LCD. It has 2 mini-hdmi input, built-in speakers. Can be power by micro-USB, 5V-2.5A, but I managed to power it and measure the current draw to be around 1.25A. Here are some photos.

Did a quick test with my raspberry pi, run a 2k YouTube video it is ok. 2K is way too small to be usable on a 10inch LCD. Will use FHD instead, as it is good enough compromise. 

Will try take more photos and post my test here. If there is enough interest, I can do a YouTube review. 

Waiting for the case and other items to arrived, probably 23 May, I should receive 90 percent of everything to build the Cyberdeck. 

That's all folks. 

Cyberdeck Update 01 May 2020 - Front Layout

I have ordered most of the major components.

Have included the external antenna connectors, maybe add a HackRF in the future?

I am using a AC to DC power supply (12VDC, 20A). For AC, there is a selector switch for 110VAC and 230VAC, will need to mod it so that it can be selected without have to open the case. I will probably put it next to the Incoming AC Power Meter, with a cover to prevent accidental switch over.

Will probably switch the power buttons location with the external antenna connectors location, because of noise interference, as I may locate the power supply closer to the Incoming AC Power Meter.

I need to calculate the amount of airflow, and select the DC fan to use, plus need to size the vent inlet and outlet opening sizes. The last thing I want to hear is loud air noise.

The vent outlet and the AC power cord connector can be closed using screw cap with O-ring to prevent water from getting in when not in use.

The case itself will be IP67 (at 1 meter depth for 30min, it will hold). Will do an immersion test at my workshop before the vent openings are cut and after they are cut.

I am trying to limit the entire Cyberdeck to no more than 6kg.  The case itself is about 2.2kg.

Here is the work in progress for the front layout. 





That's all for now.