Tool Open source

Tinta

Tinta is a battery-powered e-paper sign built around the Raspberry Pi Pico W. A real-time clock wakes the device on schedule; it retrieves data over Wi-Fi, redraws the display, and switches the hardware off completely rather than using sleep mode. A push button or optional NFC tag can also trigger a wake-up, allowing uses such as room signage, sensor graphs, home automation, weather data, and desk booking.

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Overview

The repository contains Pico W firmware in C, a custom KiCad PCB, a 3D-printable enclosure, and an optional Python/Flask telemetry service. The PCB includes the real-time clock, MOSFET power switching, battery monitoring, and optional NFC hardware; the e-paper retains its image while the device is powered off. Firmware supports OTA update slots and documented use cases including Seatsurfing, CCU-Historian, Homematic, and weather data, and can also run on an unmodified Pico W with the display disabled.

The hardware is licensed under CERN-OHL-S-2.0, while original firmware is licensed under Apache License 2.0. The project was formerly published as inki.

What Tinta is used for

1 use taken from transcripts — each links to the moment in the video.

  • A low-power e-paper dashboard that wakes on a real-time clock, retrieves data over Wi-Fi, updates its display, and powers down completely to eliminate standby drain.

Videos mentioning Tinta

1 in the library.