OBSIDIAN Device

The OBSIDIAN is an ultra-compact security appliance designed for discrete deployment and space-constrained environments. It delivers professional-grade performance in a remarkably small form factor.

OBSIDIAN Device - Ultra-compact security appliance (concept render)

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OBSIDIAN Device - Ultra-compact security appliance (concept render)

🚧 Coming Soon The OBSIDIAN device is currently in development. Specifications shown below are preliminary and subject to change. Contact [email protected] for availability updates.

Overview

The OBSIDIAN is designed for scenarios where discretion and minimal footprint are critical. Despite its compact size, it provides:

• Full Security Toolkit - Complete Kali Linux environment
• Always-On Connectivity - VPN with cellular backup
• Discrete Deployment - Small enough to hide or VESA mount
• Silent Operation - Fanless passive cooling design
• Low Power - Can be powered via USB-C PD

Technical Specifications

Processing & Memory

Component	Specification
Processor	Intel N95 Quad-Core (3.4GHz Turbo)
RAM	8GB LPDDR5
Storage	256GB NVMe SSD (LUKS encrypted)
Graphics	Intel UHD Graphics
TDP	15W (fanless design)

Connectivity

Interface	Details
Ethernet	1x 2.5GbE Intel I226-V
USB	2x USB-C 3.2 Gen2 (one supports PD input)
Cellular	4G LTE Cat 6 modem (internal antenna)
Wi-Fi	Intel AX201 (Wi-Fi 6, 802.11ax)
Bluetooth	Bluetooth 5.2

Physical Specifications

Attribute	Value
Dimensions	4.0” × 4.0” × 1.2” (102 × 102 × 30 mm)
Weight	0.6 lbs (275g)
Enclosure	Brushed aluminum with obsidian accent
Cooling	Passive (fanless)
Operating Temp	32°F to 113°F (0°C to 45°C)
Power Input	USB-C PD (20V/2A) or 12V DC barrel

Software

Feature	Details
Operating System	Kali Linux (OBSIDIAN image)
VPN	NetBird client (always-on)
Management	ARROW Control agent
Encryption	LUKS2 full-disk encryption
Secure Boot	UEFI Secure Boot enabled

ARROW vs OBSIDIAN Comparison

Feature	ARROW	OBSIDIAN
Status	✅ Available	🚧 Coming Soon
Form Factor	Compact	Ultra-compact
Base Platform	LattePanda 3 Delta	TBD
Processor	Intel N5105 (2.9GHz)	Intel N95 (3.4GHz)
RAM	8GB LPDDR4	8GB LPDDR5
Storage	1TB NVMe + 64GB eMMC	256GB NVMe
Ethernet	1x Gigabit	1x 2.5GbE
USB Ports	3x Type-A, 1x Type-C	2x Type-C
Cellular	Sierra Wireless EM7455 (Cat 6)	LTE Cat 6 (TBD)
Cooling	Active (fan)	Passive (fanless)
Weight	~0.9 lbs	~0.6 lbs
Best For	Extended deployments	Discrete/portable

Choose ARROW when:

• You need maximum storage (1TB NVMe)
• Extended deployment duration
• Full GPIO/Arduino expansion needed
• External wireless adapter support critical

Choose OBSIDIAN when:

• Discretion and small footprint are priorities
• Silent operation required (fanless)
• Portable/travel use cases
• USB-C PD power flexibility needed

What’s in the Box

When you receive your OBSIDIAN device, the package includes:

• 1x OBSIDIAN device unit
• 1x 45W USB-C PD power adapter
• 1x USB-C to USB-C cable (1m)
• 1x Ethernet cable (1m Cat6)
• 1x Quick start guide
• 1x Microfiber pouch

Optional additions (if requested):

• VESA mounting bracket
• 12V DC power adapter
• External LTE antenna kit

Initial Setup

1. Physical Connections

Step 1: Connect the USB-C power adapter to the USB-C port marked with a power symbol.

Step 2: (Optional) Connect an Ethernet cable for wired internet during setup.

Step 3: Press the power button. The LED ring will pulse purple during boot.

2. First Boot

On first boot, the OBSIDIAN will:

1. Initialize LUKS encryption - Set your disk encryption passphrase
2. Connect to VPN - NetBird automatically connects
3. Register with ARROW Manager - Device appears in your portal

Important The LED ring indicates device status:

• Pulsing purple - Booting
• Solid purple - Ready, no network
• Solid blue - Online, VPN connected
• Pulsing red - Error or needs attention

3. Verifying Connectivity

After boot is complete (solid blue LED):

From ARROW Portal:

1. Navigate to Devices
2. Find your OBSIDIAN in the device list
3. Status should show “Online”

From the Device (via ARROW Control):

1. Open ARROW Control from the portal
2. Launch Terminal
3. Run netbird status to confirm VPN
4. Run curl ifconfig.me to verify internet

Connecting to Your OBSIDIAN Device

Via ARROW Control (Recommended)

The primary way to manage your OBSIDIAN:

1. Log in to the ARROW Portal
2. Navigate to Devices and select your OBSIDIAN
3. Click Open Control
4. Access terminal, files, and system monitoring

Via SSH over VPN

For command-line access:

# Using VPN IP address
ssh arrowuser@<device-vpn-ip>

# Using NetBird hostname
ssh arrowuser@obsidian-<device-id>.netbird.cloud

Via USB-C Console

For emergency access without network:

1. Connect USB-C cable to the non-power USB-C port
2. Connect other end to your computer
3. Open serial terminal at 115200 baud
4. Log in with your credentials

Power Options

The OBSIDIAN supports flexible power configurations:

USB-C Power Delivery

• Recommended: 45W+ USB-C PD charger
• Minimum: 20V @ 2A (40W)
• Supports power negotiation with compatible chargers

12V DC Barrel

• Standard 5.5mm × 2.1mm barrel connector
• 12V @ 3A required
• Useful for vehicle or fixed installations

Power Bank Operation

The OBSIDIAN can run from USB-C power banks:

Power Bank Capacity	Approximate Runtime
10,000 mAh	~2 hours
20,000 mAh	~4 hours
30,000 mAh	~6 hours

Note Power bank must support USB-C PD output at 20V. Standard 5V power banks will not work.

Deployment Scenarios

VESA Mount Installation

The OBSIDIAN includes mounting points for VESA 75mm brackets:

1. Attach the VESA adapter plate (sold separately)
2. Mount behind a monitor or under a desk
3. Connect power and Ethernet
4. Device operates silently and out of sight

Travel Deployment

For field operations:

1. Pack OBSIDIAN in the included pouch
2. Bring USB-C PD power adapter
3. Use built-in cellular for connectivity
4. Connect to hotel/client Ethernet when available

Long-Term Remote Installation

For persistent access:

1. Configure static IP and DNS
2. Enable cellular failover
3. Set up scheduled health checks
4. Configure remote wake-on-LAN (via port forwarding)

Network Configuration

Cellular Connectivity

The OBSIDIAN uses an internal LTE antenna. For improved signal:

1. Position device near a window
2. Avoid metal enclosures
3. Optional: Connect external antenna kit

Failover Behavior

Network priority order:

1. Ethernet (highest priority)
2. Wi-Fi (if configured)
3. Cellular (automatic failover)

Failover is automatic and typically completes within 15 seconds.

Troubleshooting

LED Status Indicators

LED Pattern	Meaning	Action
Off	No power	Check power connection
Pulsing purple	Booting	Wait for completion
Solid purple	No network	Check connectivity
Solid blue	Online	Normal operation
Pulsing red	Error	Check ARROW Control for details
Alternating red/blue	Firmware update	Do not power off

Device Not Connecting

1. Verify power indicator is solid blue
2. Check cellular signal (internal antenna)
3. Try connecting via Ethernet temporarily
4. Check VPN status in ARROW Control

Thermal Throttling

In high ambient temperatures:

1. Ensure adequate ventilation around device
2. Avoid direct sunlight exposure
3. Consider active cooling for sustained workloads
4. Monitor temps via ARROW Control → System

USB-C Power Issues

If device won’t power on:

• Verify charger supports USB-C PD at 20V
• Try a different USB-C cable (not all support PD)
• Use the included cable for troubleshooting
• Check for cable/port damage

Maintenance

Software Updates

Managed identically to ARROW devices:

1. Navigate to Devices → select OBSIDIAN
2. Click Software Updates
3. Review and install available updates

Factory Reset

Via ARROW Control:

1. Go to System → Factory Reset
2. Confirm the action
3. Device reboots and requires re-provisioning

Warning Factory reset erases all data. Back up important files first.

Related Documentation

• ARROW Device - Full-size ARROW hardware
• Device Requests - How to request an OBSIDIAN
• Device Management - Portal device management
• VPN Management - VPN configuration
• ARROW Control Overview - Web-based management