Stavros Korokithakis built a custom e-ink terminal using a Raspberry Pi Zero W, a Pimoroni Inky Impression 7.7" display, and a custom 3D-printed case. Motivated by a desire for a distraction-free writing environment and inspired by the now-defunct TRMNL project, he documented the entire process, from assembling the hardware and designing the case to setting up the software and optimizing power consumption. The result is a portable, low-power e-ink terminal ideal for focused writing and coding.
Stavros Korokithakis, driven by a desire for a minimalist, distraction-free writing device and inspired by the now-defunct TRMNL project, meticulously documented the process of building his own e-ink based terminal. He began by acquiring a 7.8-inch Waveshare e-paper display, chosen for its larger size compared to the original TRMNL's 4.2-inch screen. Recognizing the limitations of the display's SPI interface for text-heavy applications, he opted to utilize the faster HDMI interface via a Waveshare e-paper driver board. This board requires a dedicated HDMI input, necessitating a compact single-board computer to drive the display.
After researching various options, including the Raspberry Pi Zero and CHIP, he selected the Rock Pi S for its small form factor, low power consumption, and crucial HDMI output capability. He meticulously detailed the steps involved in assembling the hardware, emphasizing the challenges of working with the small components and the need for careful soldering. The case design was a significant undertaking, requiring precise measurements and multiple iterations using OpenSCAD, a 3D modeling software. He opted for a sleek, minimalist design reminiscent of the original TRMNL, fabricating it using a 3D printer.
Software setup involved flashing the appropriate operating system image onto the Rock Pi S and configuring it for use with the e-paper display. He explained the process of setting up a serial console for initial access and troubleshooting, and further refined the system to boot directly into a terminal environment optimized for the e-ink screen. This included utilizing a framebuffer driver specifically designed for the Waveshare display and configuring the system to refresh the screen only when necessary to minimize flickering and conserve power. The resulting device functions as a portable, self-contained terminal ideal for focused writing and coding tasks, fulfilling his initial vision of a modern, minimalist writing tool. He concludes by expressing satisfaction with the outcome and hinting at future improvements, such as integrating a keyboard and potentially exploring alternative display technologies.
Summary of Comments ( 5 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43781465
Commenters on Hacker News largely praised the project for its ambition, ingenuity, and clean design. Several expressed interest in purchasing a similar device, highlighting the desire for a distraction-free writing tool. Some offered constructive criticism, suggesting improvements like a larger screen, alternative keyboard layouts, and the ability to sync with cloud services. A few commenters delved into technical aspects, discussing the choice of e-ink display, the microcontroller used, and the potential for open-sourcing the project. The overall sentiment leaned towards admiration for the creator's dedication and the device's potential.
The Hacker News post "Show HN: I made my own TRMNL e-ink device" (linking to an article about creating a custom e-ink terminal) generated a moderate amount of discussion, with a mix of praise, curiosity, and constructive criticism.
Several commenters expressed admiration for the project, calling it "cool," "awesome," and "badass." They appreciated the creator's ingenuity and the novelty of a dedicated e-ink terminal device. Some specifically highlighted the appeal of a distraction-free writing environment offered by such a device.
A recurring theme in the comments was curiosity about the device's practicality and use cases. Commenters questioned whether the slow refresh rate of e-ink would be a hindrance for tasks beyond simple text editing and reading. They also wondered about the device's responsiveness and the overall user experience compared to traditional terminals or laptops.
Some commenters offered suggestions for improvement, such as exploring different e-ink displays with faster refresh rates or incorporating features like a backlight for use in low-light conditions. One commenter suggested using a larger display, while another proposed adding a physical keyboard for a more comfortable typing experience.
The discussion also touched upon the potential benefits of e-ink for focused work and the desire for minimalist computing devices. One commenter mentioned the similar philosophy behind the Freewrite Traveler, a dedicated writing device with an e-ink screen.
A few commenters inquired about the project's open-source status and the possibility of building their own TRMNL devices. The creator responded by confirming the project is open source and providing a link to the GitHub repository.
While there wasn't a single overwhelmingly compelling comment, the collective discussion provided valuable feedback and insights into the potential and limitations of the TRMNL device. The comments demonstrated a genuine interest in the project and a shared appreciation for innovative hardware solutions.