PaPiRus Zero – ePaper / eInk Screen pHAT for Pi Zero v1.2

PaPiRus Zero is an ePaper / eInk screen pHAT designed for the Raspberry Pi Zero. It’s one of the first true low power displays for the Pi Zero mini computer.

ePaper / eInk is a display technology that mimics the appearance of ink on normal paper. Unlike conventional displays, ePaper reflects light – just like ordinary paper – and is capable of holding text and images indefinitely, even without electricity. Because of this, ePaper displays and single board computers or microcontrollers are a match made in heaven as together they use a very small amount of power whilst still bringing a display to your project.

The ePaper display that comes with PaPiRus Zero is a 2″ diagonal and 128 x 96 resolution ePaper display. One fantastic aspect of the ePaper display is the fact they don’t need any power to keep the image on the screen. Just like a Kindle, you can read whatever is on your screen in daylight without any reflection. More information including wiring diagrams, datasheets & and links to example code are available at rePaper.

Potential Use Cases:

• An eInk / ePaper Nametag
• Display the latest weather forecast
• A Pi Zero ePaper watch
• Display your own Twitter Feed
• Small dynamic digital signage (such as displaying prices for products in a store)
• Outdoor displays where you don’t want the screen to be affected by sunlight reflection
• Any sort of data-logging applications

Codebase:

https://github.com/PiSupply/PaPiRus

PLEASE NOTE!! The PaPiRus Zero doesn’t come with a stacking header for use with the Pi Zero! If you still need one though, you can pick a  solderless one up here.

Be careful with the metal contacts on the edge of the PCB, as shorting these can damage your display. A good way to protect these can be a 3d printed case or some electrical insulation tape.