Implementing an Etch-a-Sketch using an e-Paper Display Scott Baker, http://www.smbaker.com/
Purpose
An Etch-a-Sketch is a popular toy that uses two dials to move a plotter and draw lines on a screen. The device does not use electricity, but rather a physical plotter that displaces aluminum powder.
This project attempts to replicate an Etch-a-Sketch using modern e-Paper displays and optical encoders.
Blog post
See http://www.smbaker.com/making-an-e-paper-etch-a-sketch
Required equipment
The project makes use of the following parts:
- Raspberry Pi - CPU. A Pi model 3, or a Pi Zero (or Zero W) should do fine.
- 4.2" e-Paper display (or other display capable of fast refresh, with the appropriate python libraries)
- Breakout board for the display
- Two encoders. I chose optical encoders, ENS1J-B28-R00128, due to the high number of pulses per revolution. If using a 5V optical encoder like I did, make sure to add resistors to the encoder outputs.
- Miscellaneous wires, dupont-style connectors, etc.
Acknowledgments
- Waveshare, e-paper display libraries
- Ben Krasnow, techniques for fast refresh on 4.2" e-Paper display
- "Etch-a-Sketch" is a trademark of Spin Master LTD