I initially viewed Framework as capitalizing on the interests of DIY/Tech enthusiasts to sell a relatively run-of-the-mill laptop.
I had seen some of the cyberdeck projects featured in videos, but none of them were resonating with me.
The inspiration for this build didn’t hit me until I happened upon an open box deal for a portable monitor.
Design priorities for the build:
- A device that can utilize the Framework’s USB-C connectivity to its fullest
- A portable debug tool that could suit the engineers of a hardware validation lab (which has been my work setting for the last six years)
The monitor that caught my eye was a 14-inch display from Element.
A portable touchscreen able to connect power, touch & video through one USB-C struck me as novel.
This feature is especially handy in a lab environment because the test systems outnumber the monitors on hand.
Components:
Element EM2PTAD14BS
https://elementelectronics.com/monitors/portable-monitors/element-14-1080p-fhd-touchscreen-portable-monitor-blackBattery (55 Wh)
https://frame.work/products/battery?v=FRANBBAT01Mainboard (11th Gen Intel)
https://frame.work/products/mainboard-11th-gen-intel-coreMainboard Case
https://frame.work/products/cooler-master-mainboard-caseNVMe (1 TB)RAM (DDR4, 3200, 32 GB)Audio Board
https://frame.work/products/audio-board-kitWi-Fi Antenna
https://frame.work/products/antenna-module?v=FRANBA0001Wi-Fi Module (Intel, AX201/AX210)
Physical Alterations:
I started making changes to the gadgets by copying the 100 mm VESA square to a paper stencil.
Next, I centered the stencil over the back half of the touchscreen’s folding cover to plan bolt placement.
I drilled the four bolt holes, once I had an grasp of their positioning.
To finish the job, I threaded a nut onto each of the bolts.
Right Side Diagram:
The second alteration I made was to the mainboard case.
There’s not a convenient spot to fit the battery within the case, so running its wires through a hole seemed sensible.
I drilled the hole through the side that the battery port faces.
Case Hole:
The most recent alteration I made was to the battery’s wires.
The hole I drilled in the case couldn’t accommodate the battery’s plug.
My remedy for this was to piece together a wiring harness that did fit.
Most of the harness was made from a length of Cat 6 network cable.
I salvaged four narrower wires from some USB cable.
I soldered the respective plug leads for the board end of the harness.
The battery side of the harness was spliced using some Wago 221 connectors (plus a couple others).
FIXME List:
- A less convoluted and more robust battery harness would be indispensable.
- Some means of securing the battery when the Framework is attached to the touchscreen would be handy.
