Boostbox

by veebch · Hard · manifest draft — being verified

A command-line Linux terminal built reversibly inside a Hanimex E300 Super 8 film viewer, using a 7-inch 4:3 display and a compact BM40 keyboard.

veebch turned an obsolete film viewer into a practical terminal while preserving the removed projector parts so the conversion can be reversed. The documented build combines a Raspberry Pi Compute Module 5, an unusual 4:3 panel and keyboard-driven mouse emulation for a deliberately minimal interface.

Original: github.com

Parts

QtyPartPriceBuy
1×Raspberry Pi Compute Module 5
Repository parts list; the creator says another Linux SBC with HDMI output can also work.
—Search PiShop.us Search Amazon
1×Hanimex E300 Super 8 film viewer
Repository parts list; this discontinued viewer is the enclosure.
—Search eBay
1×Chunghwa CLAA070MA0ACW 7-inch LCD with controller
Repository names the 7-inch CLAA070MA0ACW as the example panel used.
—AliExpress
1×Adjustable MT3608 DC-DC boost converter module
Repository says an adjustable MT3608 converts 5V to the display's required 9V.
—DigiKey Search Amazon
1×KPRepublic BM40 RGB 40% hot-swap keyboard PCB
Repository links the KPRepublic BM40 and uses QMK mouse-emulation keys.
—KPRepublic
1×Regulated AC-to-5V 3A power supply
Creator specifies an AC-to-5V supply attached to the original switch, or a 5V USB-C PD trigger, but does not name an exact unit.
—Adafruit
Parts cost estimate coming soon: prices are being checked at reputable sellers.

Notes

Official repository README and parts list rechecked against the verification rubric on 2026-10-26. Kept as draft because the exact 5V supply, CM5 carrier, panel controller and wiring components are not specified, and the repository explicitly allows substitutions.

The BuildDeck dispatch

A weekly email of new build manifests and parts deals is coming soon.