Open Source · Free
Turn your old tablet into a homelab monitor
RetroDash streams your Grafana dashboards, K9s, terminals and more to old Android & iOS devices — with authentic CRT aesthetics.
Your old tablets collect dust. Your homelab needs eyes.
Architecture
How it works
Two components, one ecosystem. The server renders, the app displays. Your old device does zero processing.
Your Homelab
Bridge Server
A lightweight Go server that runs on your homelab machine. It uses ChromeDP to render any web dashboard in a headless browser and streams it as MJPEG — the heavy lifting happens here, not on the tablet.
- Go binary, ~15MB, runs anywhere
- Headless Chrome via ChromeDP
- MJPEG streaming (low bandwidth)
- Multi-origin support (Grafana, K9s, web, terminal)
- Remote config via REST API
Your Old Tablet
RetroDash App
A featherweight viewer that receives the MJPEG stream and displays it with authentic CRT effects. No rendering, no WebView, no heavy processing — it just shows the picture.
- React Native, optimized for old hardware
- 512MB RAM is enough
- 3 CRT phosphor themes (amber, green, blue)
- Kiosk mode for wall-mounted displays
- Smart battery protection
Device Support
Compatibility
RetroDash runs on devices most apps have abandoned. If it turns on, it probably works.
| Platform | Min Version | Year | RAM | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Android | 4.4 KitKat | 2013 | 512MB | ✓ Full support |
| Android | 5.0 Lollipop | 2014 | 512MB | ✓ Full support |
| Android | 6.0 – 14 | 2015+ | 1GB+ | ✓ Full support |
| iOS | 9.0 | 2015 | 1GB | ⚠ Basic (no kiosk) |
| iOS | 12.0+ | 2018+ | 2GB+ | ✓ Full support |
Capabilities
Features
Everything you need to repurpose old devices as dedicated homelab displays.
Multi-Origin
Connect to Grafana, Prometheus, K9s, any web URL, or SSH terminals. Switch between them like TV channels.
CRT Themes
Three authentic phosphor themes — amber (P3), green (P1), and blue (P7) — with scanlines, vignette, and glow effects.
Server-Side Rendering
The bridge server does all the heavy lifting with ChromeDP. Your old tablet just displays the stream — zero processing required.
Smart Charging
Built-in battery protection keeps your always-on device between safe charge levels. Prevents swelling and extends battery life.
Kiosk Mode
Lock the device to RetroDash with auto-start on boot, immersive fullscreen, and back button override. Perfect for wall mounts.
Remote Config
Configure origins, quality, and switching via the bridge server's REST API. No need to touch the tablet after initial setup.
In Action
Gallery
Real homelab setups running RetroDash on repurposed tablets.
Plans
Simple Pricing
Free forever for basic use. Pro unlocks the full experience.
Free
$0
- 1 origin (dashboard source)
- All 3 CRT themes
- MJPEG streaming
- Basic quality settings
- No multi-origin switching
- No kiosk mode
- No smart charging
Pro
$7.99 one-time
- Unlimited origins
- All 3 CRT themes
- Auto channel switching
- Adaptive quality
- Kiosk mode + auto-boot
- Smart battery protection
- Remote configuration
Resources
Guides & Documentation
Everything you need to get RetroDash running in your homelab.
Quick Start Guide
Set up the bridge server and connect your first device in under 5 minutes.
Configure Origins
Add Grafana, K9s, web dashboards, and terminal sessions as streaming sources.
Kiosk Mode Setup
Lock your tablet to RetroDash with auto-start on boot and immersive fullscreen.
Smart Charging
Configure battery protection thresholds for always-on devices.
Server Setup
Install and configure the Go bridge server on your homelab machine.
FAQ & Troubleshooting
Common issues, connectivity problems, and performance optimization tips.
Give your old tablet a new life
Download RetroDash for free. Set up in minutes. Your homelab will thank you.