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Meeting Room 365 Open-source E-Ink Display for the InkPlate 6 Plus

Meeting Room 365 Inkplate Display


This repository lets you create a Meeting Room 365 display to run on the Inkplate 6 Plus E-Ink Display.


https://github.com/kidGodzilla/mr365-inkplate-display


Note: This is a DIY project guide! It will require some basic experience with Arduino IDE to complete.


All the Meeting Room 365 Functionality you'd expect


Packed into an open-source Inkplate display


From the manufacturer: A powerful, Wi-Fi enabled ESP32 microcontroller makes this six-inch e-paper display – recycled from a Kindle e-reader - incredibly easy to control. Just plug in a USB cable, open Arduino IDE, and change the contents of the screen with few lines of code – All provided.


Battery Life


Up to a month between charges (wake button is pressed before making a reservation), or a full week with touchscreen instantly active during business hours.


Alternatively, keep power connected to simplify operation and maintenance.


1200mAh battery provides 20 days of standby use (display updates every 10 minutes, physical button press is required before performing reservation / cancel / extend actions.


1200mAh battery provides 7-8 days of active use (display does not enter standby during business hours, refreshes more often).


Extended 2000mAh battery options are available which provide 30+ days of standby use and up to 2 weeks of active use.



Learn more about the Inkplate 6 Plus Hardware


See it in action:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=65&v=eP9cfHAM7F8


Demo of this app:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zYgFCkTBbhY


The Team behind the Hardware


https://soldered.com/about/


https://twitter.com/solderedcom


https://www.instagram.com/solderedelectronics/


https://github.com/solderedelectronics


Purchasing Hardware


Total cost is about $220 per display for the InkPlate 6 Plus, battery, and 3d-printed enclosure. All can be purchased from the manufacturer, or separately.


https://soldered.com/product/inkplate-6plus-with-enclosure-e-paper-display-with-touchscreen-copy/


https://soldered.com/product/soldered-inkplate-6plus-with-enclosure-e-paper-display-with-touchscreen-copy/



Getting Started with the InkPlate 6 Plus


https://www.crowdsupply.com/e-radionica/inkplate-6/updates/getting-started-with-inkplate-6-and-arduino-ide


https://github.com/SolderedElectronics/Inkplate-Arduino-library


Setting up Inkplate 6 Using the Arduino IDE

In order to get started with Inkplate 6, follow the steps below:


  1. Install the Inkplate 6 board definition to add Inkplate 6 Plus as a board in Arduino IDE
  2. Install the CH340 drivers (if you don't have them already)
  3. Install the Inkplate 6 Plus Arduino library from our GitHub repository (Guide)
  4. Your Inkplate 6 is now ready to go! Just select Tools -> Board -> Inkplate 6, choose the correct COM port, and upload your code, cloned from the linked repository


Building and Deploying the Meeting Room 365 app to the InkPlate 6 Plus


  1. Clone or Download the linked GitHub Repository, and open it in Arduino IDE
  2. Modify variables in the top portion of Inkplate_mr365.ino. You will need to add your SSID, Wifi Password, and Display Key, at minimum.
  3. Ensure the correct board is selected under the "Tools" tab.
  4. Click "Upload" under the "Sketch" tab.



Photos


Occupied State


The room is occupied, and the display is in standby. Using the analog clock option.



Available State


The room is available, and the display is in standby. This uses the digital clock option.



Active State


The room is occupied, and active. Three actions are available based on the room state: Grab Room, Extend, or End Meeting.


Updated on: 24/02/2023

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