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E-Ink Displays

Prompt

Please suggest a low-cost e-ink display that has strong support for a microPython driver.

ChatGPT

Thought about e-ink display and MicroPython for 5 seconds

If you're looking for a budget-friendly e-ink module that's well-documented and easy to use in MicroPython projects, a great place to start is with the smaller Waveshare e-Paper displays. Specifically, the Waveshare 1.54-inch e-Paper module is often cited for its low cost and good MicroPython support. Here are some details:

ChatGPT Response

1) Waveshare 1.54-inch e-Paper Module

Why it's a good pick

  • Affordability: Often in the \(15--\)25 range, depending on where you purchase.
  • MicroPython libraries: Strong community support and official Waveshare repositories on GitHub. There are also third-party MicroPython drivers floating around that make it easier to integrate.
  • Multiple variants: You can find "red/black/white" or "black/white" only variants. The simpler (black/white) ones tend to be cheaper.
  • Low power consumption: Typical for e-ink, so it's great for battery-powered projects.

Where to find drivers

  • Waveshare's official GitHub has examples in C, Arduino, and sometimes MicroPython.
  • Look for community forks or repos titled similarly to micropython-waveshare-epaper (there are a few) for more up-to-date drivers.

Key specs

  • Resolution: ~200 × 200 pixels (for the 1.54" black/white version)
  • Interfaces: SPI, typically 3.3 V (works well with ESP8266, ESP32, etc.)
  • Refresh time: ~2 seconds for a full refresh; partial refresh also possible on some models.

2) Waveshare 2.13-inch e-Paper (Slightly Larger Option)

If you need a bit more display real estate, the 2.13-inch Waveshare e-Paper module is another solid choice. It's still relatively low cost (somewhere around \(25--\)30) but gives you higher resolution (around 250 × 122 or 212 × 104, depending on the version) for more text or small graphics.

  • Strong MicroPython support (similarly to the 1.54-inch).
  • Typically uses the same library approach from Waveshare, so upgrading the size is straightforward.

3) LilyGo T5 Series (All-in-One Board)

Another cost-effective route (if you don't mind an all-in-one solution rather than a separate module) is the LilyGo T5 board series. These boards come with an ESP32 already integrated and a small e-ink display (like 1.54", 2.13", 2.7", 4.7" versions).

  • Pros:
    • ESP32 + e-ink combined in one board
    • Some have built-in battery circuitry
    • Often includes MicroPython support or ready-to-flash firmware
  • Cons:
    • Slightly more expensive than just a raw display
    • Tied to LilyGo's board layout and pins

If you already have a microcontroller board and want to keep costs low, a stand-alone Waveshare display will likely be cheaper. However, if you're starting from scratch, the LilyGo T5 might save you some setup time (fewer wiring hassles, etc.).

Summary

  • Best Overall Low-Cost: Waveshare 1.54-inch e-Paper module. It's consistently among the cheapest e-ink modules, with decent resolution for text/graphics and ample MicroPython support from both the official Waveshare examples and the community.

  • Slightly Larger Screen: Waveshare 2.13-inch e-Paper offers more room but at a slightly higher price.

  • All-in-One Alternative: LilyGo T5 boards combine an ESP32 and e-ink, and often come with MicroPython pre-installed or easily flashed.

All of these displays have active communities, plenty of tutorials, and code examples you can adapt for MicroPython, making them a great fit if you're just getting started with e-ink in your microcontroller projects.

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