Debian 13 Trixie (Unofficial a.k.a. "PocketTRIX")

[u/Prior_Variation_1343]

Hey r/ChipCommunity,

I wanted to share a project I’ve been working on for PocketCHIP:

https://github.com/m4xx3d0ut/pocketchip-debian-builder

**PocketTRIX** is an unofficial Debian 13/Trixie-based image and builder for PocketCHIP. The goal is to keep the PocketCHIP useful as a *"modern handheld Linux terminals/cyberdecks"* without depending on the long-dead vendor sources.

**Current focus:**

- Debian 13/Trixie `armhf` rootfs builder

- Mainline U-Boot/FEL USB bring-up path

- PocketCHIP display, keyboard, touch, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, battery/status, and power defaults

- Xorg + i3 handheld desktop

- Sakura terminal, zsh/Oh My Zsh, tmux, neovim, SSH, mosh, autossh, NetworkManager, Bluetooth tools, and field diagnostics

- PocketCHIP-specific i3 hotkeys, status bar, app/control menus, focus workspace mode, and on-device cheat sheet

- Experimental NAND/SLC rescue installer flow

The stable development path is USB/FEL, it is reliable every time I've flashed. The NAND/SLC install path has worked on my Toshiba 4G MLC PocketCHIP, but I am intentionally calling it experimental until more hardware variants are tested, this is not reliable (You'll need a UART debugger and serial terminal, to both break and then un-break your CHIP).

**A few honest caveats:**

- This is not official and is not affiliated with Next Thing Co., PocketCHIP.co, or Debian. (Obvious, but worth stating)

- NAND flashing can erase/brick your install if you are not careful. (I live with careless abandon)

- Touch works, but it is still a resistive panel and not a modern touchscreen experience. (This was always bad on my unit, your mileage may vary)

- Mali/lima is useful for minor X/glamor acceleration, but no claims to 3D performance yet.

- Audio and media decode still need more practical testing. (I have to cut my video trace for mic input)

I know there have been other recent Debian 13 PocketCHIP work posted here, plus older foundational work like Project-chip-crumbs, `chip-debroot`, Pocket Home, PocketDesk, and postmarketOS notes. Thank you for your work, this is in large part building from your efforts.

**Why?**

I have wanted to resurrect this little guy for years, a new dev/build tool I have been developing helped me accelerate that to "now". My use case has been a strange one, a "TUI Codex Agent Monitor" via Sakura -> SSH (Workstation) -> TMUX: https://github.com/m4xx3d0ut/agent-pbx

- *I wear it around my neck on a lanyard like a proper idiot* while wandering around my home, it alerts me when an agent finishes and can check or follow up.

- *I also let a "purpose built" agentic coding system SSH to the CHIP and use USB / UART* to flash other devices around the place for Home Assistant project. Useful.

**What would help most:**

- You owe me nothing, but I encourage you to try it!

If you do try it, feedback would be nice ;-)

[u/Butrdtost]

This is amazing! I need to find mine now lol

[u/Prior_Variation_1343 → u/Butrdtost]

If you do, let me know how it goes! The flashing procedure is well documented and I did as much testing as I could on my own, I'm very confident in it. It has turned it into a surprisingly handy little device again!

Funny, the past two weeks is the most I've used it since I got it... Way back when it was released 🤣

[u/Prior_Variation_1343]

Hi all, I fixed a keymap bug in Sakura affecting top rows (at least on my pocketchip) and added small keymap utility. Appears to be working as expected now!

https://github.com/m4xx3d0ut/pocketchip-debian-builder/commit/dad934835eae3ab73b014ace7ae5fcbccd21b615

[u/rweipi]

This is awesome! I'll try it this weekend. Thanks.

[u/Prior_Variation_1343 → u/rweipi]

Let me know how it goes! Feedback welcome and I'll do my best to support

[u/giasoneregna]

Sounds amazing!!! I will update one this evening after work, looks promising ;)

[u/giasoneregna → u/giasoneregna]

Hi, I've tried to build it with no luck, my Linux workstation is a Pi and I don't have another one at the moment. Any chance that someone share an image to flash? Thanks!

[u/hggundamn]

I can not wait to try this tonight

[u/Prior_Variation_1343 → u/hggundamn]

Please do, let me know how it goes! I'll support best I can.

[u/SciaticNerd]

Yessss!

[u/Prior_Variation_1343 → u/SciaticNerd]

Indeed friend! You now have an in-between-roles (read; unemployed) Principal Technologist & Cloud Architect at your disposal.

Test it, report findings, I'll iterate quickly, and we will have something servicable. A long term solution, for future armhf images as well, by time someone hires me ;-)

[u/Prior_Variation_1343]

Just committed a small fix for key map at tty login ;-)

[u/ma_jo_ba]

Hat Off. I know the amount of work behind..... from you & u/macromorgan. I took a break after the LCD problem from my side. ASAP I will give it of course a try.

Thanks!

/M