Everything you needto 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.
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
- Insert the prepared microSD card.
- Connect USB-C power.
- Power on the device.
- Wait for Linux to boot.
- Log in using the default credentials provided in your order guide.
- Connect to Wi-Fi or Ethernet.
- Update packages before installing extra tools.
sudo apt update\nsudo apt upgrade -yNote: 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 nowmicroSD 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
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-ipExample with SSH key:
ssh -i ~/.ssh/id_rsa user@server-ipUse 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 -yPython check:
python3 --versionGit check:
git --versionNode.js check:
node -v\nnpm -vDocker 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:
Example terminal commands:
htop\nfree -h\ndf -h\nuptimeTemperature command example:
cat /sys/class/thermal/thermal_zone0/tempTechnical Specifications
- Wi-Fi
- Bluetooth
- Ethernet
- USB-C power
- USB ports depending on configuration
- Integrated UPS power board
- Rechargeable lithium battery support
- 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
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.

