A fast, low-latency, open-hardware e-paper monitor and dev kit

Summary

Modos Paper Dev Kit includes nearly everything you need to create an open-hardware e-paper monitor with a fast 75 Hz refresh rate, low latency, various screen-update configurations, multiple image modes, and flexible dithering options. It can be connected through HDMI or USB, and it works on Linux, macOS, and Windows. We are offering 6-inch and 13-inch monochrome kits, but the controller that powers both kits can be used with other panels as well. At the Cutting Edge of E-PaperTwenty years ago, the release of the first e-paper devices marked a significant milestone in display technology, giving rise to e-readers and digital signage. Electrophoretic displays stand out for their unique qualities: they are easy on the eyes, mimic the aesthetics of paper, conserve power when idle, and offer high contrast with wide viewing angles even in direct sunlight. In recent years, improvements in e-paper technology have expanded its applications beyond traditional e-readers. Despite these advancements, however, key challenges still hold back widespread adoption of e-paper devices: Proprietary Hardware and Software: Most e-paper devices operate on closed, proprietary systems. Lack of Standards: There is a shortage of best practices and guidelines for designing user interfaces optimized for e-paper. High Costs: The expense of e-paper panels limits experimentation and broader adoption. We built the Modos Developer Kit to allow engineers, product designers, programmers, and enthusiasts to re-purpose e-paper screens in creative ways. We’re also building a community that’s committed to establishing the standards, best practices, and guidelines needed to realize the full potential of e-paper technology. Join us on Discord and by following us on Mastodon, Bluesky, Matrix, and Twitter. High Refresh Rate Our Developer Kit leverages Caster, an open-source FPGA-based electrophoretic display controller engineered for low-latency performance and capable of driving e-paper screens at up to 60 Hz...