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I built Timeframe, our family e-paper dashboard

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Re: I built Timeframe, our family e-paper dashboard

#41
We do this with a raspberry pi and a decent lcd screen in a picture frame in our kitchen. I like the idea of e-ink but there isn’t a reason to go that route if you want to see everyone’s calendar color-coded while also saving a few bucks.

Love the artistry and dedication in this effort - getting something just right for your own tastes and honing it over time can be really fulfilling.

Re: I built Timeframe, our family e-paper dashboard

#42

This is awesome but I still find it funny that he said he wants a healthy relationship with technology then goes and fits his entire house out with technology. It doesnt seem like any of this would really be useful as you'd have to enter all the useful data manually(calendar). For example the washing machine. You dont need real time information because you know how long it takes since you've done it 1000s of times an…

> For example the washing machine. You dont need real time information because you know how long it takes since you've done it 1000s of times and it beeps. It beeps, on the other end of the house (or on another floor), where it's inaudible. (And, thankfully, where the loud sounds of it operating are also inaudible.) > All these things are just managed in our heads subconsciously. And when you remove the need to track…

"hey Siri, set timer for washing machine"

Re: I built Timeframe, our family e-paper dashboard

#43
post #6

I’m always surprised how much people seem to want to constantly know the weather.

I'm in Scotland. Looking outside and seeing blue skies does not mean it's safe to leave without a rain jacket, or a thermal layer. Seeing fog in the morning doesn't mean you don't need shorts for the afternoon. It being 0 outside today doesn't mean it won't be 10 degrees tomorrow. Knowing it's going to rain between 10 and 2 is good motivation to take the dog out before 10. Knowing it's going to rain on Sunday but be clear on Saturday is a good reason to book outdoor activites (golf) on Saturday instead.

Re: I built Timeframe, our family e-paper dashboard

#44
post #4

Why is e-ink still so expensive?

I would guess there's not enough volume due to limited use-cases of the tech compared to more traditional screens.

The typical e-ink uses cases boil down to e-readers, dumb-phones, and hobbyists, which is not a huge market. Anything niche or specialized tends to carry a higher cost.

Re: I built Timeframe, our family e-paper dashboard

#45
My solution is based on 12.48 inch Magic Ink Calendar:

https://github.com/speedyg0nz/MagInkCal

A 12.48 Waveshare eink display costs $175. Sadly haven't gotten it to work with the Raspi Zero and therefore can't use it battery-powered. Got an ugly cord right now. Running power to the right place through the walls is definitely dedication!

Re: I built Timeframe, our family e-paper dashboard

#46
Interesting but it assumes the teens will bother to look at it.

We use a WhatsApp channel for our family to manage breakfast meetups and who needs what from the shops or the pharmacy (they are on our healthcare plan) and general conversation about events or troubles and parental advice in their lives.

One kid live on her own with her bf a few minutes from us but she can't drive so we sometimes have to pick her up from work.

It gets muddled but works for us as the rule is no pet photos unless it is very cute (cat with a dustbin cover on his head) or inspirational daily quotes.

Re: I built Timeframe, our family e-paper dashboard

#47

~3000€ to show information in some random places in the house even though the household members have a device with a screen called a smartphone next to them 24/7 ? Well, it's cool, but the usability of it all is below average. Declutter your life and don't install any more screens in your home ;)

For those who lack the technical aptitude to use a smartphone (e.g. children, the elderly), a device that shows information in random places in the home is much more useful.

Plenty of elderly people have the aptitude to use a smart phone. It's shockingly ageist to assume that old == inept.

Re: I built Timeframe, our family e-paper dashboard

#48

This is really cool, thanks for sharing the journey so far. One potential idea - it might be worth looking at overseas manufacturers to see if they can offer a similar display at a better price point. I did a bit of digging on Alibaba, for example, and found a 25" E-ink display with the same resolution as the Boox for around $1000 (and the price goes down to $500 if you order 100 units or more): https://www.alibaba.c…

Have you seen any that include a touchscreen? Would be nice for extremely simple home controls (e.g. thermostat, music).

Re: I built Timeframe, our family e-paper dashboard

#50

This is awesome but I still find it funny that he said he wants a healthy relationship with technology then goes and fits his entire house out with technology. It doesnt seem like any of this would really be useful as you'd have to enter all the useful data manually(calendar). For example the washing machine. You dont need real time information because you know how long it takes since you've done it 1000s of times an…

It's about attention. You can check the schedule without thinking about messages, likes, or the news.
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