Inkplate 2 stuck on ladybug screen and won't update

TECHNICAL SUPPORT Inkplate
1

Customer:

My unit does not appear to work. Only 1 example will compile and the one that does appears to upload but does nothing on the device. It’s stuck on the ladybug screen. The reset button does nothing. Hard reset after upload does nothing. This unit does absolutely nothing.

Originally submitted via email support on 21 May 2023. Migrated to the forum for community visibility.

2

Soldered Support:

The ladybug screen is displayed at the end of the testing process if successful.

The fact only one example compiles is strange - they should all compile just fine. To help, I need more information:

  1. What are the errors which the Arduino IDE gives you on failed compilation? Enable ‘Verbose Output’ in preferences to get the most info.
  2. Which example is the one that compiles for you? The basic/inkplate2_black_White_red one should always work and compile OK.
  3. Have you installed the correct board definition (Inkplate 2) and the latest version of the Inkplate library? Check the official docs: Inkplate Get Started Page — Inkplate docs documentation
3

Customer:

I have the correct settings. This unit does not work. It will not take any updates.

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4

Soldered Support:

One thing I noticed in the tools menu is that the upload speed is set to 115200 - you can set it to 921600.

I suggest checking the connection between the main board and the ePaper itself via the flat ribbon cable.

Try disconnecting the panel and connecting it back together with the main board at the flat cable. This has helped resolve this issue a couple times. Both the board and ePaper could be OK but unable to communicate.

Be careful as the flat cable is delicate.

Here’s how: First, disconnect the battery and/or USB-C cable and open the case.

Dethatch the flat cable holder by gently pulling on the catch/release mechanism on both sides, one at a time, in the noted direction.

Take the flat cable out, keeping in mind to bend it as little as possible.

Then connect it back together and secure with the mechanism. Make sure the connection is solid.

Try uploading the Black White Red example again.

5

Customer:

Any suggestions on the compiling issues for the other examples - missing the Fonts?

6

Soldered Support:

All the fonts should already be included - the C++ compilers sometimes have issues locating the files.

The folder structure for the Hourly Weather Station example includes the font SourceSansPro_Regular8pt7b in the ‘Fonts’ subfolder, just as it is included in the example, so the path should be correct.

I see you are using Arduino version 2. Would you mind trying to install the legacy version 1.8.18? That’s the version many users prefer: https://www.arduino.cc/en/software/OldSoftwareReleases

You may also have to install the board definitions and Arduino Library again, as noted in the docs: Inkplate Get Started Page — Inkplate docs documentation

When running the DailyWeatherStation example, you’ll need an API key from OpenWeatherMaps (details are in the sketch).

Let me know if Arduino 1.8 works better for compiling the examples.

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7

Customer:

What I found was that if I load the example from within IDE via file > examples > inkplatelibrary > inkplate2 > Projects > Inkplate2_Hourly_Weather_Station and then look in the sketch folder, IDE puts all the files in a temp folder and can’t find the fonts - the entire file structure is missing.

However, if I unzip your library master file elsewhere on my PC, then browse to examples > inkplate2 > Projects and right-click the .ino file and choose ‘open with IDE’, it works fine and the directory structure is retained.

I already have an OpenWeatherMaps API key. So far I have been able to successfully compile and install all examples except the web server one - it installs but can’t connect to the web server.

I notice after uploading, the paper screen flickers for like 10 or so seconds, then redraws. Is this normal? I’ve reseated the ribbon a few more times to make sure it wasn’t a bad connection.

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8

Soldered Support:

The flickering is perfectly normal - this is how ePaper displays work! You don’t need to adjust the connection as we don’t want to damage the flat cable. These displays have low power usage and high latency - they update every once in a while and display useful data like a personal calendar or weather while being powered by battery.

Glad you found a workaround with running the sketch from your computer. Compilers can sometimes be tricky with finding all required files, and we are always trying to improve our tutorials and docs.

As for the web server one, check the sketch in more detail. It runs a small web server on the Inkplate itself and you can connect to it via your PC or mobile phone like connecting to any WiFi network. After you send text to it by opening the displayed IP address in your device’s browser, it appears on Inkplate’s display.