This article highlights the evolution of E-Ink displays, noting their increased affordability and accessibility for makers compared to three years ago. The author describes acquiring 2.9-inch Waveshare modules capable of black/white/red or grayscale output. It explains the technology's mechanism involving voltage-driven particles in fluid and references a microscope view revealing these particles.
Parts used in the E-Paper Display Project:
- E-Ink display (128×296 pixels)
- Waveshare Electronics 2.9″ display module
- Breakout board
- DX.com source
I have used E-Ink displays in projects three years ago, but from that time the technology has greatly evolved. That time displays were hard to get, expensive and difficult to use. Now things seem to change with e-ink displays available to the maker market :-). I’m able to get a 128×296 pixel e-paper display for $10! And for little more money I can have displays with black/white/red colors!
When I have built the Squix WiFi weather station (see SQUIX ESP8266 based E-Paper WiFi Weather Station), I realized that this display is from Waveshare Electronics.
Waveshare is a kind of reseller, and they do not seem to manufacture these displays. I have ordered 2.9″ display modules and breakout boards from DX.com (but they are available from many other sellers too).
On the bottom two displays with black/white as used in the weather station. The top two ones are interesting as they can display black, white and red. As seen on the right display, even a ‘grayscale’ or ‘red-scale’ is possible!
How it works
Ben Krasnov featured a very good video how these display work: basically a voltage is applied to the pixel cells, driving the color particles in a fluid either to move towards the front or back of the display. The video of Ben Krasnov explains this concept very well.We have put the displays under a high-resolution microscope (thanks to Christian Di B. for introducing me to that equipment!), and it is possible to see the particles!
Read more: Fascinating Details of Waveshare E-Paper Displays
- How have E-Ink displays changed recently?
The technology has evolved significantly, becoming easier to get, less expensive, and more accessible to the maker market. - What is the current price of a 128×296 pixel e-paper display?
You can now get a 128×296 pixel e-paper display for $10. - Can I find displays with colors other than black and white?
Yes, for a little more money you can have displays that support black, white, and red colors. - Who manufactures the Waveshare displays mentioned?
Waveshare acts as a reseller and does not seem to manufacture these displays themselves. - Where did the author order the 2.9″ display modules?
The author ordered them from DX.com, though they are available from many other sellers too. - Does the display support grayscale or red-scale output?
Yes, even a grayscale or red-scale is possible with the black/white/red capable displays. - How do E-Ink displays work according to Ben Krasnov?
A voltage is applied to pixel cells, driving color particles in a fluid to move towards the front or back of the display. - Is it possible to see the internal particles of the display?
Yes, when viewed under a high-resolution microscope, it is possible to see the particles inside the display.
