This page is an archive of the original crowdfunding campaign for this project. It may not be up-to-date with the latest updates and product availability. Return to the current project page.
"This maker came on our show and tell and is doing a lot of good work getting makers access to e-ink..."
"...an open-sourced e-paper shield starter kit based around the Teensy LC microcontroller board, to help makers and hobbyists integrate e-paper into any project needing a display."
"...a great starting point for makers trying out an inexpensive, low power e-paper display in their design."
Low cost, no power, and easy to use: E-paper is here!
The E-paper Shield Kit makes it easy for you to have fun playing with E-paper, no electronics experience required!
You can start writing text and drawing pictures to the screen in minutes!
Do you have a great idea that needs a screen which requires zero power to maintain an image? Are you looking to add an interesting display to your next project? Want to prototype a low-cost, persistent screen that can be read in direct sunlight? You may have seen E-paper in e-book readers and dynamic store displays for some time now. Because of its complex driving circuitry, it has remained out of reach for hobbyists until now. Recent advances in E-paper technology have made it easier for the beginner to take advantage of E-paper’s unique properties:
Now anyone can try out their next idea by using the E-paper Shield Kit: an easy to use starter pack that is familiar for hobbyists and welcoming to newcomers.
Working with an E-paper manufacturer’s engineering team, I have designed an E-paper adapter board that anyone can use to easily draw on E-paper. Now I’d like to share it with the world!
My adapter board was designed with the popular, easy-to-use Teensy microcontroller in mind, though it is also compatible with any other microcontroller that uses the common SPI protocol. Since e-paper displays work best when they know the ambient temperature, I’ve included a digital thermometer on the adapter board that communicates with the Teensy (or any other microcontroller) via an I2C interface.
With your pledge, you will receive a kit containing all the parts you need to get started using E-paper for your prototypes, designs, and installations. Wondering if E-paper is right for you? Send me a message here on Crowd Supply, or at jarek@soniktech.com, and I’ll do my best to answer any questions you have!
There are three pledge levels for this campaign:
While the boards are being fabricated, I will be sending out weekly updates of the manufacturing process, as well as demo code and examples of things you can do with your new screen when it arrives. I will also include valuable feedback and tips from beta unit testers.
This E-paper Adapter supports the E2215CS062 E-paper screen from Pervasive Displays:
The first batch of boards has been completed and validated, and some have been on tour with OSHPark to various Maker Faires and Conventions. I am working closely with Crowd Supply’s partner MacroFab to streamline the assembly and fulfillment process: the kits will roll right off the assembly line and into an envelope with your name on it, without ever leaving the building.
The biggest challenge for this campaign will be coordinating the supply chain to ensure all components arrive on time. Once the campaign is complete, we are on a strict schedule to make sure the first batch of boards leaves for your door promptly. To ensure the lowest possible chance of delays, I am consolidating all production and fulfillment to only US-based assembly houses. By controlling the entire design and manufacturing process, I am able to add suppliers quickly to meet unexpected demand.
The E-paper Adapter board is proudly open-source! Please visit https://hackaday.io to learn more technical details about the project.
Thank you for your interest! If you would like to ask me questions or show off what you have made with your kit, I would love to hear from you. You can reach out to me through Crowd Supply or at jarek@soniktech.com.
Have a question not answered in the description above or in the Updates?