My solar-powered, ePaper digital photo frame
Hardware
solar-powered ePaper photo frame
SHOW HN2023
How HN took it
11 positive, 12 neutral or asking, 1 mixed, 2 critical, out of 26 comments about the project. Thread score +0.35.
Idea: 6 for, 0 againstDesign: 2 for, 0 againstExecution: 0 for, 1 againstPricing: 1 for, 0 againstPerformance: 0 for, 1 against
The thread, comment by comment
Each row is a top-level comment and its replies, in HN's order. Select a cell to open that comment on HN.
positive neutral or mixed critical about another commenter or something else the maker
What HN said
What people liked
Charming, inspiring concept with solar-powered ePaper design
From 4 comments
That's lovely! I've been experimenting using old eReaders for such a purpose - and you're 100% right about batteries being a pain to deal with. Perhaps, instead of a polished…
edent on HNI really love this, awesome.
louwrentius on HNVery nice work!
Crontab on HNI love this! I totally get it. If it was commercially available it's something I would definitely be interested in. I also know some pretty serious photographers working with…
Lio on HN
Nice colour image results on red ePaper
From 1 comment
That white, black, and red image is amazing! I remember a post here about optimizing 1 bit black and white images some time ago, which also was amazing, but it's crazy the colors…
akamoonknight on HN
Objections
Heirloom and forever claims don't match electronics lifespans
From 2 comments
I think this is super cool. That said, calling it a "forever" or "heirloom" doesn't match the reality of the lifespans of electronics. Hopefully it will last longer if there are…
falcolas on HNUnless you are currently 75 years old, there isn't much chance of that. The solar cells and the ESP module probably have a lifespan measured in years, not decades. Not even…
t_curmudgeon on HN
ePaper is damaged by UV light, so placement matters
From 1 comment
Love the concept of a solar engine and your implementation but be aware the ePaper doesn't like UV so be careful where you put it.
tony-allan on HN
Requests
Sell as a kit or commercial version
From 3 comments
That's lovely! I've been experimenting using old eReaders for such a purpose - and you're 100% right about batteries being a pain to deal with. Perhaps, instead of a polished…
edent on HNI love this! I totally get it. If it was commercially available it's something I would definitely be interested in. I also know some pretty serious photographers working with…
Lio on HNHi! I can't help with commercializing, but I love your work and I'd very much like to buy one from you. I don't mind to pay for a good craftsman's time. I'll try to contact you…
ifdefdebug on HN
Build instructions for the frame
From 1 comment
@jamez This is amazing! Though when i looked at the repo, there wasn't any instructions on building one...Because I would love to try my hand at it! :-) In any case, kudos for…
mxuribe on HN
Questions
Where to get cheap old e-readers
From 1 comment
Love it, is there a secret to getting cheap useable old e-readers?
hattmall on HN
Can solar panels be integrated into the frame design
From 2 comments
This is fantastic. I wonder... could you have a carpenter create a custom frame? The solar panels could slot into channel around the perimeter of the frame and look like part of…
illwrks on HNWhy not have the solar panels on the back facing the window with the frame facing the interior? Or angling the panels like a chevron in the back?
lancesells on HN
Alternatives named
Old e-readers such as Kobo or Nook repurposed as displays
From 2 comments
Some e-readers can run mainline Linux, making this super easy to build. Specifically I'm working on a UI for the Kobo Clara HD: https://github.com/bjesus/air
yoavm on HNEbay. You can buy an old Nook for about £25. It runs an ancient version of Android, but you can push images to it pretty easily.
edent on HN
Exeger Powerfoyle solar material
From 1 comment
Just a few days ago I stumbled upon Exeger and its promising Powerfoyle material. Looks like Big E Ink is already on it:…
jamez on HN