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Mobile Homelab Backpack Kit Design

Created: 2026-01-20

Overview

A portable homelab setup that fits in a backpack, featuring:

  • GL.iNet Beryl AX (travel router)
  • Raspberry Pi 5 (compute)
  • Samsung A13 (USB tethering for mobile internet)
  • Anker Nano 3-in-1 Power Bank (power)

Power Topology

Anker Nano 3-in-1 (10,000mAh)
├── USB-A (5V/3A) → Beryl AX (15W needed ✓)
└── USB-C (30W PD) → RPi 5 (requires 27W PSU in transit)

Note: Powering both simultaneously from Anker may work but
      RPi 5 at full load needs stable 5A - use dedicated 27W PSU
      when available for reliable operation.

Power Requirements

Device Power Port

| Beryl AX | 5V/3A (15W) | USB-C | | RPi 5 | 5V/5A (27W) | USB-C | | Samsung A13 | Self-powered | - |

Anker Nano 3-in-1 Specs

  • Capacity: 10,000mAh
  • USB-A Output: 22.5W max (5V/3A capable)
  • USB-C Output: 30W PD
  • Combined Output: 24W max

USB Tethering Chain

Samsung A13 (USB-C) → USB-C to USB-A Dongle → Beryl AX (USB-A port)

USB-C to USB-A Adapter Options (~$8-12)

Option Notes

| Anker USB-C to USB-A Adapter | Compact, reliable | | Apple USB-C to USB-A Adapter | Small, premium | | UGREEN USB-C to USB-A Dongle | Budget option |

Micro Rack: JetDev22 Modular Mini Rack

Link: Printables>

Why JetDev22 over Microlab 2

  • Lighter (~73g vs ~150g per level)
  • Faster print time (2.5h vs 4h+ per module)
  • No glue/hardware needed (snap-fit)
  • More compact for backpack
Component Quantity Filament Time

| Base plate | 1 | ~40g | 1.5h | | Rack level (Beryl) | 1 | ~73g | 2.5h | | Rack level (RPi 5) | 1 | ~73g | 2.5h | | Cable clips | 4-6 | ~10g | 0.5h | | Total| |~196g|~7h |

RPi 5 Case Options

  • Compatible with official Active Cooler
  • NVMe support for future expansion
  • Fits JetDev22 rack dimensions
  • Link: Printables

Alternative: Stamos Case

  • Simpler print, passive cooling
  • Remixes available for HatDrive
  • Minimalist aesthetic
  • Link: Printables

Cable Management

3D Printed Options

  1. Velcro strap holders - Print slots to organize cables with velcro
  2. Cable clips - Snap onto rack edges
  3. USB cable organizer - Honeycomb or spiral design

Search Terms (Printables)

  • "USB cable organizer travel"
  • "cable management clip"
  • "cable wrap holder"

Backpack Layout

┌─────────────────────────────┐
│  Laptop compartment         │
├─────────────────────────────┤
│  ┌─────────────────────┐    │
│  │ JetDev22 Micro Rack │    │
│  │ ┌─────────────────┐ │    │
│  │ │   Beryl AX      │ │    │
│  │ ├─────────────────┤ │    │
│  │ │   RPi 5 + Case  │ │    │
│  │ └─────────────────┘ │    │
│  └─────────────────────┘    │
│                             │
│  Anker Nano    Samsung A13  │
│  (side pocket) (phone slot) │
└─────────────────────────────┘

Bill of Materials

To Purchase

Item Source Est. Cost

| USB-C to USB-A adapter | Amazon | $8-12 | | Short USB-C cable (6") | Amazon | $6-8 | | M3 screws (if needed) | Hardware store | $3-5 | | Total| |$17-25 |

Already Owned

  • Anker Nano 3-in-1 Power Bank
  • RPi 5 Active Cooler
  • RPi 5 27W PSU (in transit)
  • Samsung A13
  • GL.iNet Beryl AX
  • PETG Filament

3D Printing Cost

  • ~200g PETG @ ~$25/kg = ~$5-6

Total Estimated Cost: $22-31