Guide
Wacom, Huion and XP-Pen: which pen tablet did best? Plus a chance to win a test model
by Michelle Brändle
Inklay: a low-power DIY display perfect for any cyclist
5.11.2020
Translation: Patrik Stainbrook
I regularly commute to Zurich by bike. Checking on the weather first thing determines whether I'll be cycling or not. After all, I don't want to be rained on. Still, I'm not a fan of most dedicated apps and I need additional motivation. Which is exactly why I built my own display.
During the warmer months, I regularly ride my bike to work in Zurich. I usually decide whether this'll happen early in the morning right after getting up. After checking the weather app, I spontaneously decide depending on the weather, wind and temperature. But I'm not very inspired by most weather apps. They're also usually rather slow at delivering the data I really need.
Then an idea arises: I need the weather information that's relevant and there for me each morning. In addition, the weekly and annual kilometres I power through should motivate me to ride my bike as often as possible.
Fine, I'll do it myself
Okay, let's think about this. I bought a tablet and put together a small website as a dashboard. But I quickly realised that might not be the best idea. I don't need any more cables and power plugs in my bedroom. Just something simple. Something that's there, runs passively and that I don't have to worry about.
At some point in my research, I came across E-Ink displays. E-Ink is extremely energy-efficient and it dawns on me that I could realise my idea without cables or power plugs.
Over the course of several months, I looked for all the necessary components, ordered them and designed a product that was acceptable and that I could assemble myself.
The finished display shows the weather at my location as well as the kilometres I’ve covered per week and per year – thank God for Strava. It's connected to the Internet via Wi-Fi and retrieves new data once an hour to conserve battery power. The display is embedded into a wooden frame and a specially designed 3D print case.
From concept to finished product
After some initial research, I discovered some exciting E-Ink projects on the Internet. I found projects for displaying weather data, personal calendars and to-do lists. It was initially difficult to get an overview of the hardware and technologies used. But I gradually understood all the possibilities and their limits.
Components
Code
Yay, I finally received the components! I can now programme the ESP8266 controller directly from the Arduino IDE. But honestly, I'm not a big fan of doing it this way. Luckily, I found an extension for VS Code. After that, making «Hello World» pop up on the display was a piece of cake.
To save power, the controller can be put into a deep sleep. During this rest phase, the controller reduces all activity and only maintains the absolutely necessary processes to wake itself up after a defined time. I decide to update the display only once per hour.
Last but not least, the display needs a facelift – time to beautify E-Ink. I accessed the GxEPD2 library for fonts and images. And hey, it's curated by a Swiss programmer! Since I bought a newer Waveshare display, he kindly extended his library for me.
Frame and housing
In addition, I installed two switches. The first to turn the display on and off. And the second one to interrupt deep sleep mode. I don't want the controller to go into a deep sleep after a few seconds during development or debugging.
For assembly, I placed the display into the case and glued it to the wooden frame. I also glued the controller to the base. The USB charger and switches were also firmly soldered to the controller. Assembling a single display takes about one hour.
Some statistics about my project
- A laser cut including engravings takes about 30 seconds – yes, it's incredibly fast.
- Compiling the code takes about 2 minutes.
- A 3D model of the case takes about 4 hours.
- Delivery of an Adafruit battery from the USA takes 2 days.
- Delivery of a Waveshare display from China takes 2 to 3 weeks.
What have I learned?
In any case, I'm excited to push the project further. I already have some exciting ideas on the back burner. Like a companion app, more integrations, more sports, data from friends, exciting and entertaining statistics and much more.
The product is also suitable for other applications. A family calendar in the living room, for example, or a rain radar image on the coat rack. Do you have any brilliant ideas? Let me know in the comments!
I'm an independent designer, developer and founder of Vision 11 – a small design studio for digital experiences in Zurich. Vision 11 creates outstanding interactive and immersive experiences for national and international clients. www.vision11.ch
Computing
Follow topics and stay updated on your areas of interest
Arts and crafts
Follow topics and stay updated on your areas of interest
Guide
Practical solutions for everyday problems with technology, household hacks and much more.
Show all
