Introducing the Omega Chassis for the uConsole 🚀

After 8 months of relentless prototyping, production experiments, and cost optimizations, I am thrilled to finally share the Omega Chassis: a highly customizable, personalized backplate upgrade designed specifically for the uConsole.

Following six rigorous rounds of production validation, this design packs massive hardware upgrades into a remarkably compact, and importantly maintain the form factor, as well as compatible with all your existing investment into other popular kit.

Explore the full design rationale, features, and preview here!

And, the new Essential build variation has bring down the cost nearly to nothing if you have a 3D printer at home, still maintain all the functions that Ultimate build offers.

Features at a Glance

  • Power (10,500 mAh): Features triple 18650 battery support and is fully compatible with existing HackerGadgets NVMe battery boards & AIO V2.

  • Active Cooling: Outfitted with a custom fan curve to keep the Compute Module 5 (CM5) running at a stable 55–60°C under heavy load. Includes a customizable fan cover to match your personal cyber-aesthetic.

  • Insane Connectivity: Supports up to 10 antennas while maintaining a sleek profile (or up to 8 antennas when paired with the camera or SD card module).

  • Enhanced Audio: Engineered with custom matrix holes specifically designed for improved speaker clarity.

  • Modular Expansion: Includes an optional slot for a Raspberry Pi Camera V3 or extra Micro SD storage.

  • Most Important: Stays compact & compatible with your existing kits!

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That looks sick! You did a great job, I love the camera housing.

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When will the cnc’d parts be available?

You can order now, the package includes an order link

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What a cool part! But I only need one antenna for my wifi. Is there single antenna port version, too?

You have two options, I can give you a screw model to cover the holes in case you need it in the future. Or once you made the purchase, I can make a special version for you.

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Sweet! I’ll buy the chassis when I’m ready to upgrade!

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I think this project looks really cool but I do see two downsides:

  • The Omega Chassis uses three types of fasteners: M2, M2.5, and M4 screws. The original uConsole only used M4 fasteners, which is really convenient for disassembly and reassembly.
  • This is by far the most expensive chassis. Right now the design files alone are roughly $35 and your estimates put parts at another $120 before shipping. All in, this upgrade could be close to $200, which is close to the price of a new uConsole.

You make some great points! To give you a little more insight into how this is designed to work for you:

First this includes support, it means if you need to make adjustment as such, there’s a channel to get help and make on going improvements you needed. For personal use, no need a reseller and you can source replacement part - at least it’s long term supported, reproducible with no hard dependency on anyone.

The screws are intentionally small because they are meant strictly for internal assembly, some screws are also functional too (actual being a functional part..), keeping the exterior clean and sleek.

The main components are a one-time investment. Because the system is fully modular, any future customizations or part replacements will likely only cost around 10 or nearly free. If you have a 3D printer, it lists out which part can be printed or has to be ordered. In fact, I just ordered another set have to be made by ordering that only cost $15 including shipping…

It is also not just a back cover, it has also has 3 cell batteries that works with the existing NVMe kit you have; max 10 antenna mounting points; active cooling; slim profile and camera integrations on in one slim kit, same size as your current standard plate.

It does not mean you have to have all parts installed at start. There’s a steady upgrade path.

The guide has a special link to order CNC parts, they are way cheaper than other options, plus with a premium finish too.

I am also bundling a new upgrade option right into the package that cuts the cost in half. It is highly optimized for price, so while it steps back on a few premium features, it’s a fantastic cost-effective choice. (Working on it at the moment, all buyers will receive the update when new modules are added)

Most importantly, this features a low-profile design that integrates perfectly with your existing kits. It completely saves you the frustration, and the extra expense, of buying mismatched parts that don’t work together.

Or worse, you ended up in an experiment project paying v1, v2, v3 and they all ended up in a junk.

It’s not a half complete project, it is a complete and ready to use solution.

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Happy to share the new Omega-Chassis “Essential” model release

If you have made the purchase, you should notice a new receipt notification to download the latest update including the guide for the Essential build. As I mentioned, this is long term supported thus everyone receive the update when new features or modules are released.

I wanted to make this Omega-Chassis build accessible to as many makers as possible, so I’ve introduced a new Essential variation that brings the entry cost down significantly.

  • The Price Point: If you have a 3D printer at home to handle the plastic components, your maximum cost for the remaining CNC parts tops out at just ~$45 + ~$6 for the heatsink unit. (You can print ALL the part and it WILL work in the Essential model, but structurally is less recommended; However this could be a great pathway for upgrade when you are ready).

  • Zero Sacrifices on Function: This version retains all functional features and the exact same modular design as the Ultimate build. Because it shares that same modular DNA, the majority of the original assembly guide still applies perfectly.

I have many people asking about battery options. The Omega-Chassis is built to be incredibly flexible with your power setup, officially supporting three main configurations, and it works with both Essential build & Ultimate build:

  • HackerGadget NVMe Battery Board + 3x 18650s: Full compatibility for those looking to expand their battery capacity alongside their NVMe storage.

  • Stock Battery Board: Works seamlessly right out of the box with the stock uConsole battery board, requiring no major modifications.

  • LiPo Setups: If you are already running or prefer a custom LiPo power setup, the chassis accommodates that beautifully as well.

To find out more, take a look the comparison of Essential vs Ultimate build.

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Just purchased one, ÂŁ25.99 is a relatively good price. The supporting materials inside are very comprehensive and detailed, with a lot of time and thought invested. Those who are interested can support it.:+1:

Thank you for the kind word :grinning_face:, I am working on a few upgrade modules at the moment, general quality of life improvements & add-ons. They will be available after I’ve done the production cycles.

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i still asking if the files are close or can be editable, the i cant say the price its not fair but for the only stls files its not enought for me

I’m not restricting it at all! I’d be happy to share if you have any particular requirements. I’m not sure if this is exactly what you’re looking for, but there are some files that need to be step files for you to self-manufacture.

If you are a builder - that might be enough to be the base for you to build your own extensions.

I often work with people who have specific needs, so I help them brainstorm ideas. Since I’ve put a lot of thought into how it’s built, I want to make sure you don’t waste time on the wrong path.

Or perhaps you’d rather build something yourself instead of just getting a ready-made solution? :slight_smile:

i understand the work behind the making guides and modeling and edits 3d files for cnc, im not complaing these, but i like can make my own modifications and mods for prototiping , yes i’m a maker and work with cad programs like fusion 360 and have knowledge in electronics and pcb desings and i like the posiblity of changes these. again i am not complaing your work but i dont like the idea of buying a not editable file thanks.

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yup, totally understand. as I said, I’m not restricting it at all! I’d be happy to share if you have any particular requirements for person use. Just reach out once you have some ideas what you would like to do.