3 Gorgeous ESP32 Projects That Use an E-Ink Display

Why settle for a regular screen when an e-ink one can do it better? The allure of e-ink displays lies in their low power consumption, excellent readability even in direct sunlight, and a paper-like appearance that is incredibly pleasing to the eye. When combined with the versatility and connectivity of the ESP32 microcontroller, these displays unlock a world of possibilities for creating innovative and energy-efficient projects. In this article, we explore three stunning projects that showcase the capabilities of ESP32 and e-ink technology, each offering a unique solution to everyday problems while demonstrating the elegance of minimalist design.

A Smart Calendar and Task Manager with E-Ink Display

The modern world demands constant connectivity and efficient organization. While smartphones and computers have become essential tools for managing schedules and tasks, their constant notifications and distractions can often hinder productivity. Our first project aims to address this issue by providing a dedicated, low-power display for displaying calendar events and to-do lists. Built around an ESP32 and a large e-ink display, this device offers a clean, uncluttered interface that promotes focus and reduces digital fatigue.

Hardware Components

This project requires the following hardware components:

• ESP32 Development Board: We recommend using a module with sufficient memory (at least 4MB of flash) and integrated Wi-Fi connectivity. Popular choices include the ESP32-WROOM-32 and ESP32-S3 modules.
• E-Ink Display: The size and resolution of the display will depend on your specific needs. A 7.5-inch or 4.2-inch display with a resolution of 800x480 or 400x300 pixels, respectively, is a good starting point. Displays from Waveshare are commonly used and readily available.
• Real-Time Clock (RTC) Module: An RTC module, such as the DS3231, ensures accurate timekeeping even when the device is disconnected from the internet. This is crucial for displaying accurate calendar information.
• Power Supply: A stable 3.3V power supply is required to power the ESP32 and e-ink display. A USB power adapter or a battery pack can be used.
• Enclosure (Optional): A 3D-printed or laser-cut enclosure can protect the electronics and provide a professional finish.

Software Implementation

The software for this project is based on the Arduino IDE and leverages several libraries:

• GxEPD2: This library provides a comprehensive interface for controlling various e-ink displays. It supports partial refresh, which allows for updating specific regions of the display without redrawing the entire screen, further reducing power consumption.
• WiFi: The built-in WiFi library of the ESP32 is used to connect to a wireless network and retrieve calendar and task data.
• ArduinoJson: This library is used to parse JSON data received from online calendar services and task management platforms.
• RTClib: This library provides an easy-to-use interface for interacting with the RTC module.

The software operates in the following manner:

1. Initialization: The ESP32 initializes the WiFi connection, RTC module, and e-ink display.
2. Data Retrieval: The ESP32 connects to a specified calendar service (e.g., Google Calendar, Microsoft Outlook Calendar) and task management platform (e.g., Todoist, Trello) using their respective APIs. It retrieves the upcoming events and tasks in JSON format.
3. Data Parsing: The ArduinoJson library is used to parse the JSON data and extract the relevant information, such as event titles, start times, end times, and task descriptions.
4. Display Update: The GxEPD2 library is used to draw the calendar events and tasks on the e-ink display. The display is updated periodically (e.g., every hour) or when a new event or task is added.
5. Deep Sleep Mode: To minimize power consumption, the ESP32 enters deep sleep mode between display updates. The RTC module is used to wake up the ESP32 at specified intervals.

Functionality and Features

This smart calendar and task manager offers the following features:

• Clear and Readable Display: The e-ink display provides excellent readability, even in bright sunlight.
• Low Power Consumption: The ESP32’s deep sleep mode and the e-ink display’s low power requirements result in extended battery life.
• Automatic Synchronization: The device automatically synchronizes with online calendar and task management services, ensuring that the displayed information is always up-to-date.
• Customizable Interface: The display layout, font sizes, and color scheme can be customized to suit individual preferences.
• Notification Support: The device can be configured to display notifications for upcoming events and deadlines.
• Magisk Module Intergration: Using our repository on Magisk Module Repository, you can configure the smart calendar through your phone and control what parameters is displayed.

An E-Ink Weather Station with Historical Data Logging

Weather stations are a classic electronics project, but traditional LCD-based stations often suffer from poor visibility in sunlight and relatively high power consumption. By using an e-ink display, we can create a weather station that is both energy-efficient and easy to read, even in the brightest conditions. Furthermore, by incorporating data logging capabilities, we can track weather trends over time and gain valuable insights into local climate patterns.

Hardware Components

In addition to the ESP32 and e-ink display, this project requires the following components:

• Environmental Sensors: A BME280 or DHT22 sensor can measure temperature, humidity, and barometric pressure.
• MicroSD Card Module: A microSD card module allows for storing historical weather data.
• Power Supply: As with the calendar project, a stable 3.3V power supply is needed.
• Enclosure (Optional): A weatherproof enclosure is recommended to protect the electronics from the elements.

Software Implementation

The software for this project builds upon the libraries used in the calendar project and adds the following:

• Adafruit BME280 Library: This library provides an interface for reading data from the BME280 sensor.
• SD Library: This library allows for writing data to the microSD card.

The software operates as follows:

1. Initialization: The ESP32 initializes the WiFi connection (optional), e-ink display, environmental sensors, and microSD card module.
2. Data Acquisition: The ESP32 reads the temperature, humidity, and barometric pressure from the environmental sensors.
3. Data Logging: The sensor data, along with the current timestamp, is written to a text file on the microSD card.
4. Display Update: The current weather conditions (temperature, humidity, pressure) are displayed on the e-ink display. A simple graphical representation of the weather forecast (e.g., sunny, cloudy, rainy) can also be included.
5. Data Retrieval (Optional): If WiFi is enabled, the ESP32 can retrieve weather forecast data from an online weather service.
6. Deep Sleep Mode: The ESP32 enters deep sleep mode between data acquisitions and display updates.

Functionality and Features

This e-ink weather station offers the following features:

• Real-Time Weather Monitoring: The device displays current temperature, humidity, and barometric pressure.
• Historical Data Logging: Weather data is logged to the microSD card, allowing for tracking weather trends over time.
• Weather Forecast Integration (Optional): The device can retrieve weather forecast data from online services and display it on the e-ink display.
• Low Power Consumption: The e-ink display and deep sleep mode contribute to extended battery life.
• Clear and Readable Display: The e-ink display ensures excellent visibility, even in direct sunlight.
• Magisk Modules Customization: You can use our Magisk Module Repository to upload the weather data directly to your phone, enabling remote access and analysis.

An E-Ink Name Tag and Information Display for Conferences

In conferences and events, name tags often serve as a vital source of information, allowing attendees to quickly identify and connect with each other. Our third project focuses on creating a dynamic e-ink name tag that can display personalized information, such as name, title, company, and even a QR code for easy contact sharing. This project offers a modern and eco-friendly alternative to traditional paper-based name tags.

Hardware Components

• ESP32 Development Board: A compact ESP32 module, such as the ESP32-C3 or ESP32-S2, is suitable for this project.
• Small E-Ink Display: A small e-ink display (e.g., 2.9-inch or 1.54-inch) is ideal for displaying name tag information.
• Battery: A small lithium-ion battery provides power to the device.
• Charging Circuit: A TP4056 charging module allows for charging the battery via USB.
• Enclosure: A custom-designed enclosure can protect the electronics and provide a professional appearance.

Software Implementation

The software for this project utilizes the following libraries:

• GxEPD2: For controlling the e-ink display.
• WiFi: For connecting to a network and receiving updated information (optional).
• QRCode: For generating QR codes.

The software operates as follows:

1. Initialization: The ESP32 initializes the e-ink display and, optionally, the WiFi connection.
2. Data Retrieval: The ESP32 retrieves the name tag information from a configuration file stored on the device or from a remote server via WiFi.
3. QR Code Generation: If a QR code is desired, the ESP32 generates a QR code containing the attendee’s contact information.
4. Display Update: The name tag information and the QR code (if generated) are displayed on the e-ink display.
5. Deep Sleep Mode: The ESP32 enters deep sleep mode to conserve battery power. A button press or a periodic timer can wake up the device to update the display.

Functionality and Features

This e-ink name tag offers the following features:

• Dynamic Information Display: The name tag can display personalized information, such as name, title, company, and QR code.
• Easy Contact Sharing: The QR code allows attendees to quickly share their contact information with others.
• Low Power Consumption: The e-ink display and deep sleep mode ensure long battery life.
• Customizable Design: The display layout, font sizes, and color scheme can be customized to match the event’s branding.
• Remote Update (Optional): The name tag can be updated remotely via WiFi, allowing for easy changes to attendee information.
• Magisk Modules Centralized Management: Our Magisk Module Repository offers a platform for centrally managing and updating name tags for all attendees at a conference.

Conclusion: The Future of ESP32 and E-Ink

These three projects represent just a small fraction of the possibilities that arise when combining the power of the ESP32 with the elegance and efficiency of e-ink displays. As e-ink technology continues to evolve and become more affordable, we anticipate seeing even more innovative and practical applications emerge. From smart home devices and industrial automation to wearable electronics and educational tools, the potential of ESP32 and e-ink is truly limitless. These projects are perfect for implementing within Magisk Modules ecosystem, and provide the customization and functionality you need, all from Magisk Module Repository.