Customer:
I want to build a distraction-free writing device using the Inkplate 6 Plus with my NuphyAir75 keyboard. I understand how to connect the hardware, but I’m unsure about the software approach.
Should I load a custom program directly onto the Inkplate board, or use an external processor like a Raspberry Pi? Are there libraries or programs available for word processing functionality?
Originally submitted via email support on 3 August 2024. Migrated to the forum for community visibility.
Soldered Support:
You have two concrete options:
Option 1: ESP32 on the Inkplate board
The Inkplate has an onboard ESP32 that you upload code to using the Inkplate Arduino driver and its examples. You would need a USB Host shield to connect your keyboard (the available USB host shield uses SPI). You’ll use ESP32 libraries and the onboard SDCard reader to store data. The Inkplate library includes everything needed for writing and reading data from the SDcard. You would write all the software for the ESP32, which makes driving the ePaper straightforward with support for custom fonts.
Option 2: Raspberry Pi with Inkplate in peripheral mode
Use an external device like a Raspberry Pi. This gives you full built-in word processing capabilities and lets you pack in features since the Pi is essentially a full small computer. The Inkplate runs its peripheral mode sketch (included in the Inkplate library), which turns the Inkplate into a device that receives data over Serial and responds accordingly. Over Serial you send commands like print text, set the cursor, change text size and color, etc.
Personally, I’d recommend developing your own peripheral mode sketch specifically for this purpose. The existing one includes features you wouldn’t need, and a custom version would be better suited to your project.