Folk Computer

Folk is open-source software, available to the public under the Apache 2.0 license.

See the README on GitHub for software instructions.

From scratch, we would estimate somewhere between $50-200 per square foot that you want to cover, depending on decisions like what resolution and framerate you want. You may already have a projector and/or webcam and/or computer – note that you will almost certainly need a dedicated computer running Linux to run Folk, not your laptop.

• We recommend the Beelink SER5 ($300) mini PC or the Beelink Mini S12 ($160) mini PC. An Intel NUC can also work (folk0 at Hex House is a Hades Canyon NUC).

• For portable installations, a Raspberry Pi 4 (may be difficult to get) or an Orange Pi 5 ($50-100)
  • Note: for these options, you'll also need a microSD card for the OS, microSD card reader, & 5V4A USB-C power supply (often sold separately).
  • The Orange Pi 5 will also require a Wi-Fi/Bluetooth USB dongle (example).
  • The Raspberry Pi 4 will require a micro-HDMI to HDMI dongle or cable. It can be set up headlessly and automatically.

• A high-end Raspberry Pi (Orange Pi 5 or Pi 5) can work in a pinch, but computer power matters a lot for latency and user experience, so we recommend investing in a solid computer.

• (You will probably need a USB keyboard and USB flash drive to get your computer initially set up.)

• Expect 5-15fps on a Pi-4-class machine and ~60fps on a NUC/Beelink-class machine right now.

• We recommend the AAXA 4K1 (~$800, available refurbished only) or (untested) maybe the LG CineBeam Q HU710PB for the brightest, clearest text rendering and largest area.

• If you’re on a budget or want a more portable option, the AAXA P400 ($269) is a good option for a portable 1080p projector.

• Any projector will do, but any projector with a native resolution of less than 1080p will only be good for projecting shapes & very large text.

• Ultra-short-throw projectors like the Samsung The Premiere are expensive but can be really bright and may allow you to avoid overhead mounting.

• Any 720p, 1080p, or 4K webcam will do, but you'll have a better experience if it can at least do 60fps at 720p.

• We use a Logitech BRIO 4K. A Logitech C920 series 1080p webcam is often used & is easy to find & affordable, but the Logitech C922 is probably a better option, because it can do 720p60; the C920 can only do 720p30.
  • (We used to use a Microsoft Azure Kinect, but it can only do 30Hz.)
  • We want to try the NexiGo N660P (1080p60): look for a webcam like the N660P or BRIO 4K that can do 60Hz if possible.

• Any printer will do. If you’re looking for a small printer for your setup, we use the Epson EC-C110 ($339).

• We're experimenting with receipt printers. We're working on supporting the "cat printer" (~$25, available cheaper on AliExpress).
  • You will probably want thermal label rolls and/or tape and index cards, because receipts curl up on their own, which breaks tag recognition.

• Projector Sewing has useful tips and ideas for mounting.

• This quick support tension task rod thing ($50) can extend from floor (or at least tabletop) to ceiling in many rooms (160 inches) and can bear 70 pounds of weight.

• It's probably the most straightforward, general way to mount a projector overhead – extend the rod and clip/clamp projector and camera to the rod at whatever height you want.

• 1/4" to 5/8" screw adapter.

• For a portable installation, either a microphone boom arm or a selfie stick tripod (”selfie stick” rather than traditional extending tripod because it takes up less room on the desk) for the projector. Also, use a flexible mini tripod or a clip with a 1/4” attachment to mount the camera on the boom arm/tripod.

Note: it's very not-turnkey right now; you'll definitely run into bugs and issues. We plan to do a more comprehensive release and announcement in 2024, including more examples and explanations, but there's a lot of work to do before then.

We're happy to talk about consulting work if you want dedicated support or system development. Reach out at omar@folk.computer and cwervo@folk.computer.