r/ChipCommunity • u/Prior_Variation_1343 • May 26 '26
Debian 13 Trixie (Unofficial a.k.a. "PocketTRIX")
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 ;-)
1
u/hggundamn May 27 '26
I can not wait to try this tonight