Hi there and welcome to the second production update! In this update, we’ll discuss the state of the EMC certification, how manufacturing is going, and what the next steps are. In addition, we have something cool to show you that we’re very excited about!

EMC Certification

In the previous update, we discussed that the current design was failing the ESD immunity testing, and that a new PCB iteration was being produced to resolve this issue. We are happy to say that the implemented fixes were sufficient to pass the ESD test, and the other EMC tests have also been passed successfully! This means the PCBs can now go into production, which was the last remaining critical component.

Manufacturing

In addition to the certification progress, most of the other components have been delivered, including the batteries, custom wires, screws, buzzer motors, and SD cards. The screens have also been ordered, but are currently delayed due to chip shortages. They are expected to arrive in late June, which should not delay the current first batch delivery goal of August.

A small showcase of all the materials and components that have been delivered so far

Diptyx Case Creator

During the the campaign, I received many questions about the possibility of having personalized outer covers on the ereaders. These cover images are printed directly on the PCBs, which makes them hard to customize as they are ordered in bulk.

However, it is possible to make a cover that sits over the original cover image. The delays caused by the EMC certification gave me some time to work on this idea, and I can now proudly present the Diptyx Case Creator.

In this web-app, available at www.diptyx.dev, you can upload a bitmap image which is then imprinted onto the 3D model of a protective case and shown in a preview. You can then proceed to export it as an STL file and print it on a standard 3d printer. It can be printed on most printers by switching the filament manually or by using an AMS system.

In the web-app, a 3D preview of the generated case is given

A preview of the Diptyx E-reader itself is also shown

When slicing, the image is now embedded in the first layer of the case

With these cases you can truly personalize your Diptyx E-reader: Imprint it with classical artwork, make it look like your favorite book, or print a plain case and cover it in stickers, be creative and go wild!

These printed cases give a truely unique look and feel to your device. These were printed on an Elegoo Neptune 4 plus by manually swapping the filament

Next Steps

As mentioned, the PCBs and the e-paper displays are still in production, which will take several more weeks. In the meantime, the 3D print farm is working hard to print all the plastic components of the device, so they can be quickly assembled once all components have arrived.

Next up is finishing the instruction manual and packaging, which will be manufactured locally in the Netherlands, as well as finalizing the built-in manual and first-boot procedure. Stay tuned!