- Photonicat 2 offers up to 24-hour battery life inside a compact computing brick
- The device supports HDMI 4K -Output along with double gigabit ethernet -compounds
- Users can extend storage with an NVME slot that supports compact 2230 -drive
Photonicat 1 was built as a portable, battery-powered router that offers open source flexibility, broadband-like connection and support for Wireguard, Tailscale, Ethernet and Smart Routing through OpenWRT.
It contained Wi-Fi AC, PCIE expansion for 4G/5G or Wi-Fi 6, Double-Boot EMMC/SD, a high performance CPU for Gigabit Night and a durable magnesium aluminum body with rechargeable battery power.
Photonicat 2 is a follow -up of the first model that performs the same unusual concept with a compact, battery -powered and very flexible computer box.
Compact frame with a configurable screen
The unit measures 154 x 78 x 32 mm and weighs 260 grams without its batteries, but this climbs to 485 grams when included.
It includes an LCD screen that can display network status, data usage, storage capacity, IP information and system temperatures.
The display can be fully customized using JSON, giving the user the freedom to adapt it to individual needs.
This system runs on Rockchip RK3576, an eight-core processor described as offering three times the performance of the previous RK3568.
The paired with up to 16 GB LPDDR5 memory and 128 GB EMMC storage provides a foundation that must be sufficient for light computer tasks and network management.
Storage expansion is possible through an NVME castle that supports compact 2230 drives, and the unit includes PCIe connection to the addition of components such as a 5G modem.
Whether this results in a smooth experience for all use cases depends on how good hardware works with the open source software stack.
Photonicat 2 gives double gigabit ethernet ports, HDMI with 4K output at 60 frames per second, a USB-C port capable of 30-watt charging, and a USB-3 port for peripheral devices.
It also includes slots for MicroSD and NANO-SIM card plus external antenna techniques for improved reception.
These settings make it a versatile box, though the real world performance of 5G or Wi-Fi under heavy loads to be tested.
This device comes with a 7000 mAh battery that offers between 10 hours and 24 hours of usage time depending on the workload.
It also uses a passive cooling design supplemented by a fan for heavier tasks to balance silence with sustained performance.
On the software page, the Linux system runs with Kernel 6.12+, supports Debian and OpenWRT and delivers an Android Build script.
This open approach invites experimentation, but it also puts responsibility on the user to configure and maintain stability.
At the time of writing, Photonicat 2 has raised $ 13,732 from 40 backers on Kickstarter and surpassed his $ 6,566 financing target with 22 days back in the campaign.
Disclaimer: We do not recommend or support any crowdfunding project. All crowdfunding campaigns carry inherent risks, including the possibility of delays, changes or non-delivery of products. Potential bakers must carefully evaluate the details and continue in their sole discretion.
