Project outlines & maps

The finished build

Finished-build photo coming soon

Build outline

1. Choose the job first. Decide whether the deck is mainly for coding, writing, or electronics work, then choose a screen size and operating system to suit.
2. Confirm the core parts fit together. Check the board’s video output, the screen’s video and touch inputs, storage support, and the power each device needs.
3. Build it on the desk. Prepare the operating system, connect the screen and keyboard, and confirm everything works before designing the enclosure.
4. Plan the case around the real parts. Measure mounting holes, connector clearance, cable bends, cooling space, and access to the ports you will use.
5. Mount and route. Secure the board and display, protect exposed electronics from metal, and arrange cables so opening the case does not strain connectors.
6. Test a normal workload. Check screen readability, input devices, cooling, and stable power. Add portable power only after verifying a suitable battery and charging design.

The finished build

Finished-build photo coming soon

Build outline

1. Choose the display content. Decide what information matters, where the mirror will hang, and how large the visible display should be.
2. Test the screen and computer together. Install a supported operating system and dashboard software, then check resolution, rotation, and network access.
3. Test the mirror effect before building the frame. Hold a sample of the chosen two-way mirror over the screen in the intended room and check both readability and reflection.
4. Measure the assembled layers. Allow room for the mirror, display, mounting supports, cables, and airflow; keep the electronics accessible for maintenance.
5. Assemble and configure. Secure the layers without stressing the screen, route the correct power supplies, and set the dashboard to start after rebooting.
6. Check the complete build. Test brightness, temperatures, and recovery after a restart before installing mounting hardware rated for the assembled weight.

The finished build

Finished-build photo coming soon

Build outline

1. Define the services. Choose file sharing, backups, or other home services, then estimate storage capacity and whether the computer will run continuously.
2. Check the hardware. Confirm the operating system supports the computer and network adapter, and that the intended drives fit and have suitable interfaces and power.
3. Install and update the system. Use wired Ethernet where practical, create a separate administrator account, and establish a reliable way to identify the server on your network.
4. Configure storage and users. Back up existing drive contents before formatting, create shared folders, and grant only the permissions each user needs.
5. Add services one at a time. Test each locally before adding another, and use authenticated remote access if needed rather than casually exposing services to the internet.
6. Test backups and recovery. Copy important data to separate storage, restore sample files, and confirm services return correctly after a restart.

The finished build

Finished-build photo coming soon

Build outline

1. Inspect the laptop. Confirm the screen, charger, keyboard, storage, and network work; stop using hardware with a damaged or swollen battery.
2. Preserve anything important. Back up files before resetting the machine or replacing storage, then install a supported operating system.
3. Choose the dashboard. Set up the calendar, weather, or household information you actually want and avoid displaying private information in a shared area.
4. Simplify daily use. Create a dedicated account, configure the dashboard to open at sign-in, and choose readable text sizes and sensible screen-sleep settings.
5. Position the laptop. Start with a stable tabletop stand, keep cooling vents open, and secure the charger cable without stressing its connector.
6. Test unattended use. Check Wi-Fi reconnection, restart behavior, update prompts, and screen settings before relying on the dashboard every day.