Jing Dong's Omega-Chassis Aims to Be the "Endgame" Upgrade for Clockwork Pi's uConsole

Self-described "engineering geek" Jing Dong has created an upgrade kit for Clockwork Pi's classic uConsole handheld PC, designed to add "maximum utility" to the gadget: the Omega-Chassis.

"The uConsole has inspired a wonderful culture of maximalism. It’s a testament to the device's potential that so many of us want to see exactly how far its capabilities can be pushed, often resulting in impressive 'laboratory-style' builds featuring striking antenna arrays," Dong explains. "These setups are a great way to showcase the raw power of the platform. The design challenge then becomes a fun one: finding a way to integrate that same spirit of high-performance expansion while maintaining the sleek, grab-and-go portability that makes the original form factor so iconic. I've spent the last eight months trying to solve a different problem: How do you add maximum utility without destroying the original intent of the design?"

The uConsole was unveiled four years ago as a follow-up to Clockwork Pi's TRS-80 Model 100-inspired DevTerm. While designed primarily with "fantasy console" developers in mind, the physical keyboard and rugged metal chassis appealed to many looking for a Linux box they can easily take on the road — while its modular internals delivered the ability to customize the device for a range of use-cases, including mesh radio network projects.

Dong's Omega-Chassis builds on these projects, with a view to adding as much functionality as possible without bulking out the uConsole's footprint too badly. Inside the custom rear chassis is an expanded battery system that can take three 18650 lithium cells over the original two, an active cooling system, and support for up to ten independent antennas if you're looking to cram as much radio connectivity as possible into your uConsole — dropping to eight if you make use of a slot designed to accept a Raspberry Pi Camera Module V3.

"I am often asked if I will organize a group buy for these kits. The answer is no, and the reason is efficiency," Dong says of the way the project is being released to the public. "Shipping and logistics for creativity are a distraction. Instead, I’m releasing the Omega-Chassis as a 'distributed manufacturing' project. When you purchase the Omega-Chassis package, you get the design files and a complete guide on how to order your own parts directly from fabricators like JLC (economically shipping parts directly to your home). This way, you can get your parts faster, and you can also choose to customize certain aspects of the design if you want to."

More information is available on Dong's website, along with a link to purchase the design files and a build guide for £25.99 (around $35); Dong estimates that upgrading your uConsole will cost around $85 in CNC-milled parts and $32 in additional nylon parts, plus miscellaneous fasteners, connectors, and an optional HackerGadget Adapter Board for active cooling.