Anand D
Author
In his DIY electronics project, maker Mirza Makes takes standard living room tech to a new level by transforming an ordinary TV remote into a fully functional, portable computer. Moving away from traditional form factors, he set out to build a handheld PC encased entirely within a custom TV remote chassis. The build centers around a high-performance Raspberry Pi 5 paired with a compact Elecrow 5-inch TFT touchscreen display to provide a functional visual interface directly on the handheld device.
To overcome the engineering challenges of cramming PC hardware into a tight remote control body, the maker combined custom electronics routing with specialized fabrication techniques. He repurposed a membrane keypad by wiring it up with an MCP23017 I/O expander chip to handle button matrix inputs over I2C, while integrating a TPS61088 boost converter module to ensure reliable power delivery. The outer shell was meticulously designed, 3D-printed using high-precision Prusa printers, and finished with airbrush painting for a clean, commercial look.
Despite encountering tight assembly constraints and typical hardware troubleshooting along the way, the finished build successfully functions as an all-in-one handheld computer with its own screen, power management, and tactile physical keyboard. The project stands as an impressive demonstration of hardware hacking, combining micro-controller design, custom 3D printing, and Linux-based single-board computing into a nostalgic, playful device.
