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sharkdeck/docs

Everything you need
to know.

A complete setup and user guide for SharkDeck™ Gen 1 — from first boot and Linux basics to SSH, coding tools, system monitoring, and GPIO prototyping.

Portable Linux TerminalGPIO ReadymicroSD RequiredSSH ReadyPythonNode.jsDocker SupportAI Coding Tools Supported

What is SharkDeck?

SharkDeck™ Gen 1 is a compact Linux cyberdeck built around the WalnutPi Zero 2W platform. It gives you a real terminal-first Linux environment in a handheld form factor, with a built-in display, compact keyboard, battery-powered UPS system, USB-C power, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and GPIO expansion.

Use it for:

  • Learning Linux commands
  • SSH server management
  • Writing and testing scripts
  • Running Python and Node.js tools
  • Checking system status
  • Prototyping simple GPIO projects
  • Using terminal-based AI coding tools
  • Working from a small portable Linux terminal

Before You Start

Before powering on SharkDeck, make sure you have the required accessories and understand how the system works.

Requirements:

  • microSD card is required
  • USB-C power source
  • Wi-Fi network or Ethernet connection
  • Basic Linux terminal knowledge recommended
  • Keyboard and screen are built into the device
  • External modules are optional and are not included unless clearly listed in your order

Important Callout

SharkDeck runs its Linux system from a microSD card. Without a properly prepared microSD card, the device will not boot.

First Boot

  1. Insert the prepared microSD card.
  2. Connect USB-C power.
  3. Power on the device.
  4. Wait for Linux to boot.
  5. Log in using the default credentials provided in your order guide.
  6. Connect to Wi-Fi or Ethernet.
  7. Update packages before installing extra tools.
sudo apt update\nsudo apt upgrade -y

Note: Boot time may vary depending on the microSD card speed and installed software.

Power & Charging

SharkDeck includes an integrated UPS power board with rechargeable lithium battery support. This allows the device to run as a portable Linux terminal and helps provide safer power delivery during use.

Power notes:

  • Use a stable USB-C power source.
  • Battery life depends on screen brightness, CPU usage, Wi-Fi, connected USB devices, and GPIO usage.
  • Do not disconnect power during system updates.
  • Shut down the Linux system properly before removing power.

Safe shutdown command:

sudo shutdown now

microSD Storage

SharkDeck uses a microSD card for the Linux operating system and storage. The microSD card is required for booting and saving files.

Recommended:

  • Use a reliable branded microSD card
  • Minimum 16GB recommended
  • 32GB or higher recommended for development tools
  • Faster cards improve boot and package installation speed
Important:Always shut down the system before removing the microSD card.

SSH Access

SharkDeck can be used as a portable SSH terminal for managing remote servers, checking logs, editing files, restarting services, and running terminal commands.

Example SSH command:

ssh user@server-ip

Example with SSH key:

ssh -i ~/.ssh/id_rsa user@server-ip

Use cases:

  • Server checks
  • Deployment fixes
  • Log monitoring
  • Remote file editing
  • Git pull / push workflows

Safety note: Only connect to servers and systems you own or have permission to access.

Software & Terminal Tools

SharkDeck supports common Linux terminal tools and development packages.

Supported tools may include:

  • Python
  • Node.js
  • npm
  • Git
  • SSH
  • Docker
  • Terminal editors
  • System monitoring tools
  • VS Code Server

Example install commands:

sudo apt update\nsudo apt install git python3 python3-pip nodejs npm openssh-client -y

Python check:

python3 --version

Git check:

git --version

Node.js check:

node -v\nnpm -v

Docker note: Docker support depends on the installed Linux image, available storage, and system configuration.

AI Coding Tools

SharkDeck does not include a built-in AI assistant by default. However, users can install and use terminal-based AI coding tools if supported by their Linux setup.

Supports terminal-based AI coding tools such as Claude Code when installed and configured by the user.

Example use cases:

  • Ask for code help in terminal
  • Generate scripts
  • Debug Linux commands
  • Write Python utilities
  • Create GPIO test scripts
  • Document projects

GPIO Expansion for Makers

SharkDeck includes GPIO expansion for simple hardware prototyping and Linux learning projects. Users can connect compatible sensors, LEDs, buttons, small modules, and UART devices depending on their setup.

Use cases:

  • LED control
  • Button input
  • Sensor testing
  • UART serial communication
  • Small maker projects
  • Linux GPIO learning

Example safe Python GPIO concept:

import time

print("GPIO test script placeholder")
print("Connect supported hardware only and check pinout before use")

Important GPIO warnings:

  • Always check the correct pinout before connecting hardware.
  • Do not connect unknown voltage sources.
  • Do not short pins.
  • Use compatible 3.3V logic where required.
  • External modules are not included unless listed in your order.

System Status Display

SharkDeck can display useful system information for monitoring the device.

Possible status info:

CPU usageRAM usageTemperatureUptimeBattery / power stateNetwork statusStorage usage

Example terminal commands:

htop\nfree -h\ndf -h\nuptime

Temperature command example:

cat /sys/class/thermal/thermal_zone0/temp

Technical Specifications

Processor
WalnutPi Zero 2W / Allwinner H618
Quad-Core Cortex-A53 up to 1.5GHz
Memory
Default 1GB DDR3 RAM
Default RAM is 1GB. Users who want more memory may be able to replace the WalnutPi Zero 2W board with a compatible board option supporting 2GB / 3GB / 4GB RAM, depending on availability and compatibility.
Display
3.5-inch color display
480 × 320 resolution
Storage
microSD card required
Linux OS and storage run from microSD
Connectivity
  • Wi-Fi
  • Bluetooth
  • Ethernet
  • USB-C power
  • USB ports depending on configuration
Power
  • Integrated UPS power board
  • Rechargeable lithium battery support
Keyboard
Compact keyboard input for terminal navigation and coding
Software
  • Linux environment
  • Terminal-first workflow
  • Python
  • Node.js
  • Git
  • SSH
  • Docker support depending on setup
  • VS Code Server support
  • Terminal-based AI coding tools supported when installed by the user

What SharkDeck Is Not

SharkDeck is not a Flipper Zero replacement and does not include built-in RF, NFC, infrared, CC1101, or NRF24, or radio testing modules. It is a portable Linux computer and GPIO prototyping terminal.

SharkDeck is designed for legal development, Linux learning, system administration, coding, and maker projects only. Users are responsible for following local laws and only working on systems and hardware they own or have permission to use.

What's Included

1. SharkDeck™ Gen 1 Device

Compact Linux cyberdeck with display, keyboard, and internal hardware assembly.

2. Integrated UPS Power System

Built-in UPS board with rechargeable lithium battery support.

3. Linux Setup Guide

Basic documentation for booting, connecting, updating, and using the device.

4. GPIO / Maker Reference

Starter reference for GPIO learning and external module experimentation.

5. Support Access

Basic support for setup questions, boot issues, and order-related help.

Frequently Asked Questions

SharkDeck is a portable Linux cyberdeck and handheld terminal for coding, SSH, Linux learning, system monitoring, and GPIO prototyping.
No. SharkDeck is not a Flipper Zero replacement. It is a Linux handheld computer and does not include built-in RF, NFC, infrared, CC1101, or NRF24 modules.
Yes. SharkDeck requires a microSD card because the Linux system and storage run from microSD.
Yes. SharkDeck is designed for terminal workflows and can be used to connect to remote servers over SSH.
Yes. SharkDeck supports common Linux development tools such as Python, Node.js, Git, SSH, and terminal packages depending on the installed Linux image.
No. SharkDeck does not include a built-in AI assistant. However, terminal-based AI coding tools such as Claude Code can be installed and used by the user when supported.
Yes. SharkDeck includes GPIO expansion for compatible external modules and maker projects. External modules are not built in and are not included unless stated in the product listing.
Yes, but basic Linux knowledge is recommended. It is a great device for learning Linux, terminal commands, scripting, and GPIO basics.

Important Notes

SharkDeck is a beta / early hardware build. Small differences may exist between batches. Software, preinstalled tools, and documentation may be updated over time.

  • Shipping timeline may vary by batch.
  • Some features depend on the installed Linux image.
  • microSD speed affects performance.
  • External modules require user setup.
  • Use only legal and authorized workflows.
  • Documentation will be improved with future updates.

Need help? Contact support with your order number, device batch, issue description, photos if needed, and any terminal error messages.