Inkplate 6 Arduino setup and configuration questions

TECHNICAL SUPPORT Inkplate
1

Customer:

I bought 2 Inkplate 6 boards and I’m trying to compile the examples but running into issues. Can someone help me set up Arduino and get the example code working, particularly how to pull images into the e-reader?

Originally submitted via email support on 17 April 2022. Migrated to the forum for community visibility.

2

Soldered Support:

To set up Arduino and upload code to the Inkplate6 board, first install Arduino IDE, then add the Inkplate core. Go to File > Preferences and in “Additional Boards manager URLs” paste this URL:

https://github.com/e-radionicacom/Dasduino-Board-Definitions-for-Arduino-IDE/raw/master/package_Dasduino_Boards_index.json

Then click Tools > Boards Manager, search for Inkplate, and install the latest version.

Next, use the library manager (Sketch > Include library > Manage libraries) to install the Inkplate library. Once both the Inkplate core and library are installed, you can select an example and upload it to the Inkplate6 board.

3

Customer:

I was able to follow the instructions and use the image_frame program. I have some questions:

  1. How do I change the ESP sleep timing so that images refresh faster, like every 5 minutes?
  2. How do I install the battery, and what do the upwards and downwards buttons on the side panel indicate for on/off status?
4

Soldered Support:

To change the sleep timing, modify the esp_sleep_enable_timer_wakeup() function’s first parameter. The time parameter is in microseconds.

For the battery, the board uses a JST connector. Before connecting, check the polarity of both your battery and the JST connector carefully—they can sometimes have swapped wires, which could damage the Inkplate. The polarity is marked on the board.

For the on/off switch, the PCB is marked to show the on and off positions. When you move the switch down toward the USB connector, you turn off the Inkplate.

5

Customer:

Can I set the sleep to every 5 minutes using this code?

// esp_sleep_enable_timer_wakeup(15ll * 60 * 1000 * 1000);
esp_sleep_enable_timer_wakeup(5 ); // changing to every 5 minutes
6

Soldered Support:

To sleep for 5 minutes, you need to convert it to seconds and multiply by 1000000 (the conversion factor from seconds to microseconds). The function should be:

esp_sleep_enable_timer_wakeup(300*1000000 ); // changing to every 5 minutes

It’s better to use a conversion factor like this so it’s easier to change the sleep time later.

7

Customer:

Any suggestions on improving the image appearance when the background is white?

Attachment omitted in migration: ~WRD0000.jpg

8

Soldered Support:

You’ll need to adjust the image in photo editing software to get it to display better on the Inkplate screen. Making it darker should help. Try different adjustments until you get optimal results.

Regarding the battery: any li-ion battery will work, just be careful about polarity. The polarity diagram is shown on the board and marked clearly, so it should not be difficult to get right.