Soldered Electronics
E-Paper
ESP32
Funding ended on Jul 13, 2023 at 04:59 PM PDT.
Introducing the Inkplate 5, a versatile Arduino & Micropython compatible board that features a recycled 5.2" E-Ink (e-paper) display with rapid refresh times of only 0.19 seconds. This fully open-source, plug-and-play device, powered by an ESP32 microcontroller, is designed to connect effortlessly to the internet via WiFi or to other devices through Bluetooth.
Its energy-efficient design allows for ultra-low power consumption, making it capable of running for months on a single Li-ion battery charge. The Inkplate 5 is not just about power and connectivity; it’s also about convenience. The onboard microSD slot and a Real-Time Clock ensure unlimited data capabilities and precise timekeeping. The device even boasts numerous GPIO pins, allowing for easy expansion of your projects with virtually any peripheral.
There’s an option to include the enclosure and/or 1200 mAh battery. It’s super easy for beginners to use, but it’s also got loads of features and a user-friendly platform that advanced users will love too!
Our device is a fantastic entry point for those wanting to experiment with E-Ink technology, all neatly packed into a compact board.
Two things: E-Ink screen and simplicity.
Inkplate 5’s e-paper panel display is a visual delight. It provides beautiful, crisp image under all conditions, including direct sunlight, that’s always-on. Its screen resolution is 960 x 540 pixels, in monochrome, with black, white and 6 shades of grey support. The most interesting bit? The E-Ink screen does not require any power in between screen updates.
Inkplate 5 does a full refresh as quick as 1.02s for full refresh and 0.19s for partial refresh. That’s 5fps, if you wish.
The Inkplate 5 is designed to be user-friendly. Usually, the E-Ink screens can be pretty challenging to use, but Inkplate solves that. Its hardware is plug-and-play. Connect it to your computer using the supplied USB cable and it just works. No complex setup or tedious configuration required.
On the software side, programming Inkplate 5 is as straightforward as the hardware. Inkplate 5 supports Arduino and Micropython out of the box. Thanks to our comprehensive Inkplate library, you can change the screen’s contents with just a few lines of code.
There is also the Peripheral mode, in which you can send commands to change the screen contents via UART. We’ll make sure every Inkplate is flashed with the Peripheral mode firmware before we ship it to you.
To answer your questions and provide all necessary information at hand, full Inkplate documentation is available online.
Inkplate 5 is available in three variations: without enclosure, with enclosure, and with enclosure and battery.
Display:
Connectivity:
Main electronics:
Power:
Physical:
With Inkplate 5, your imagination is the only limit. You can use it as a calendar, track your crypto/stocks, create a digital picture frame, report the weather, use it as a sensor dashboard, and much more. Given its programming flexibility, the possibilities are endless.
Here are some examples what others have done with their Inkplate boards so far:
And more: Smart home status display, EPub reader, Typewriter, Home Assistant dashboard, Guitar tabplate, Emails stream, and so much more what our customers had done with the Inkplates. We are excited to see what you will create with your Inkplate 5. Whether you’re a seasoned developer or a hobbyist just starting out, there’s room for you in our community.
The Inkplate family has been successful in the past, thanks to our incredible community of backers. The Inkplate 5 is the newest addition to this family, following several successful crowdfunding campaigns and deliveries of various Inkplate models.: Inkplate 6, Inkplate 10, Inkplate 6PLUS, Inkplate 6COLOR, and Inkplate 2.
| Inkplate 5 | Inkplate 6 | Inkplate 10 | Waveshare EPD | Adafruit EPD | Pimoroni Inky wHAT | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Screen Size | 5.2" | 6" | 9.7" | 9.7" | 2.13" | 4.2" |
| Resolution | 960 x 540 | 800 x 600 | 1200 x 825 | 1200 x 825 | 250 x 122 | 400 x 300 |
| Total number of pixel | 518.400 | 480.000 | 990.000 | 990.000 | 30.500 | 120.000 |
| All-in-one Board | Yes | Yes | Yes | Requires controller & 2 add-ons | Requires controller | Requires controller |
| Low-Power Mode | 18 μA | 25 μA | 22 μA | No | No | No |
| Wi-Fi | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No | No |
| Battery Charger | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No | No |
| MicroSD slot | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | No |
| Greyscale | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Partial Update | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No | No |
| Refresh Time | 1.02 s | 1.26 s | 1.61 s | ~6 s | ~2 s | ~10 s |
| Refresh Time per Pixel | 1.97 μs | 2.63 μs | 1.62 μs | ~24 μs | ~66 μs | ~83 μs |
| Partial refresh Time | 0.19 s | 0.25 s | 0.33 s | Not supported | Not supported | Not supported |
| Price | $79 | $109 | $169 | $175 | $22.50 | $65 |
Every aspect of the Inkplate 5 is fully open-source, including:
If not currently available, all open-source files will be made publicly available before we start shipping to our backers.
We’re Soldered Electronics, a team dedicated to designing and manufacturing top-notch electronic products for hobbyists, educators, and professionals. Our commitment to quality, customer satisfaction, and open-source principles is reflected in every product we make, which reflects in our customers ratings. We’ve successfully delivered multiple crowdfunded products, and we’re excited to bring Inkplate 5 to you.
All aspects of Inkplate 5’s development, from design to manufacturing, are handled in-house in our Croatian factory. We oversee every stage of production to ensure the highest quality of our products. Our team, equipped with years of experience and a robust manufacturing line, is prepared to handle large production runs.
As with any hardware product, there are inherent risks and challenges associated with production and supply chain management. We’ve learned from our past experiences and have established strong relationships with our suppliers and manufacturers to mitigate these risks.
While we have a strong record of delivering quality products on time, we understand that unforeseen circumstances can occur. Inkplate 5 has undergone rigorous testing, and we have identified primary and backup suppliers for all components. However, we are aware of the current global silicon shortage and its potential impact on supply chains. Should any issues arise, we will leverage our experience and resources to mitigate delays and keep our backers informed at every step.
"Reasonably priced e-ink displays that have ESP32 development kits built into them."
Produced by Soldered Electronics in Osijek, Croatia.
Sold and shipped by Crowd Supply.
Inkplate 5 ESP32 based microcontroller board without battery or EPD (electronic paper display)
Want to buy this item? Check the current project page for the latest information.
ESP32 based microcontroller board with 5.2" e-paper display and 3D printed enclosure (no battery included)
Want to buy this item? Check the current project page for the latest information.
ESP32 based microcontroller board with 5.2" e-paper display, 1200 mAh battery, and 3D printed enclosure
Want to buy this item? Check the current project page for the latest information.
ESP32 based microcontroller board with 5.2" e-paper display (no enclosure or battery included)
Want to buy this item? Check the current project page for the latest information.
From the Crowd Supply Basics project.
A 200 cm cable with a USB Type-C and a USB Type-A connector.
Want to buy this item? Check the current project page for the latest information.
From the Crowd Supply Basics project.
16 GB UHS Class 4 MicroSD Card
Want to buy this item? Check the current project page for the latest information.
Osijek, Croatia · solderedcom · solderedelectronics · soldered.com
At Soldered Electronics, we craft custom electronic products for everyone from hobbyists to industry pros. Dive into our selection of electronic boards, sensors, and actuators—essential tools in realms like microelectronics, mechatronics, robotics, programming, and IoT. Every piece we sell is a product of our own design, grounded in open-source hardware and software.
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