Equipment
Everything your home needs.
Private Chief runs on a small, private server installed in your home and a discreet touchscreen in each room you choose. You purchase the hardware directly — it ships to you, the manufacturer warranty is yours — and we handle everything else on installation day. Below is exactly what to buy and where. Prices shown are approximate; each link opens current listings so you always see live pricing and stock.
The Brain — one per home
A small, private server that runs your household intelligence. It lives out of sight and connects to your router.
NVIDIA Jetson Orin Nano Super Developer KitRequired
~$249
The compute that runs everything, locally and privately. Includes the heatsink, fan, and power supply in the box. Buy the “Orin Nano Super” kit specifically — older “Nano” boards are not powerful enough.
Protective case for the JetsonRequired
~$20
The developer kit ships as a bare board. This case protects it and keeps it tidy where it sits.
microSD card, 512GBRequired
~$35
The server's storage — operating system, AI models, and your household's private memory. We prepare and install it for you.
Ethernet cable (Cat6)Required
~$8–15
Connects the server to your router for a rock-solid, always-on connection. Pick a length that comfortably reaches your router. This is the recommended way to connect — wired is more reliable than Wi-Fi for an always-on device.
Wi-Fi / Bluetooth card (Intel AX210)Optional
~$22
Only needed if you are NOT connecting the server to your router with the Cat6 cable above. If you plug in via ethernet, you can skip this entirely.
Mini UPS (battery backup)Optional
~$30
Optional but wise: keeps the server running through brief power outages and protects the storage card from a sudden loss of power. Inexpensive insurance for an always-on device.
DisplayPort-to-HDMI cableOptional
~$10
Optional troubleshooting insurance. The server's video output is DisplayPort — not HDMI — so this specific cable is what lets any TV act as its screen. In the rare case we ever need to look at the server together on a support call, you'll be glad it's in the drawer. Most homes never use it.
The Wall Units — one per room
A discreet touchscreen mounted in each room where you want to see and speak with your Private Chief.
Samsung Galaxy Tab A11+ (11″, Wi-Fi, 6GB / 128GB)Required
~$180–220
The in-room screen and voice unit — the exact model we've tested and tuned. One per room you'd like covered. The Wi-Fi model is correct; no cellular plan needed. Watch for sales, which can bring it well below list.
Wall mountRequired
$19
Our own purpose-built, 3D-printed mount — designed to hold the Galaxy Tab cleanly on the wall at the right height, with tidy cable routing to power. Ordered directly from Private Chief.
Cable coversOptional
~$12
Optional finishing touch: conceals the power cable running from the wall mount to the outlet for a clean, built-in look.
USB-C charger + cableRequired
~$12–18
A wall unit stays powered at all times. Either of these keeps the tablet charged from the nearest outlet.
Home Automation
Bridges for your existing devices
Controlling your lights, climate, shades, and locks may require a small bridge or hub specific to the brands you already own (Lutron, Nest, and the like). Because every home is different, we identify exactly what you need during your pre-installation survey — no guesswork, and never more than necessary.