Hacking eInk Price Tags (2021)
Hackers repurpose eInk electronic shelf labels (ESLs) into photo frames or status displays by customizing firmware. Detailed exploration of hacking challenges, including Marvell chip analysis, bootloader functions, memory storage, communication protocols, and debugging methods.
Read original article
The article discusses the hacking of eInk electronic shelf labels (ESLs) to repurpose them into photo frames or status displays using custom firmware. The author details their involvement in the project after purchasing a Samsung NFC Tag Solum ESL SmartTAG and delving into its internal components. The device's Marvell chip posed challenges due to the lack of documentation, but the author managed to access and debug its code, uncovering the bootloader's functions and memory storage mechanisms. The bootloader's role in loading applications from QSPI flash into RAM is explained, along with insights into the device's communication protocols and debugging methods. Despite encountering obstacles like the watchdog timer causing crashes during debugging, the author successfully navigated the device's architecture to manipulate its functionality. The article provides a deep dive into the technical aspects of hacking and customizing eInk price tags, shedding light on the complexities and workarounds involved in such endeavors.
Related
Show HN: Eidos – Offline alternative to Notion
The Eidos project on GitHub offers a personal data management framework as a Progressive Web App with AI features. Customizable with extensions and scripting, it leverages sqlite-wasm technology for chromium-based browsers.
Avoiding Emacs Bankruptcy
Avoid "Emacs bankruptcy" by choosing efficient packages, deleting unnecessary configurations, and focusing on Emacs's core benefits. Prioritize power-to-weight ratio to prevent slowdowns and maintenance issues. Regularly reassess for a streamlined setup.
My weekend project turned into a 3 years journey
Anthony's note-taking app journey spans 3 years, evolving from a secure Markdown tool to a complex Electron/React project with code execution capabilities. Facing challenges in store publishing, he prioritizes user feedback and simplicity, opting for a custom online deployment solution.
DIY PCB Method?
The article details a DIY process for making high-quality PCBs at home using tools like a CNC mill and UV curing resins. It involves steps like soldermask application and UV-curing ink, offering professional results.
Show HN: Field report with Claude 3.5 – Making a screen time goal tracker
The author shares their positive experience using Claude 3.5 Sonnet to track screen time goals. Claude proved reliable, fast, and auditable, aiding in reducing screen time through visualizations and goal setting. Despite design flaws, Claude improved performance with accurate metrics and visualizations, benefiting the author's screen time tracking.
10 commentsThe best guide I've found so far is this one [0], as it uses easy to procure tags + guides on GitHub + offers an application to auto-upate tags via screenshot area of a website and seems like it could be done in an afternoon.
However, I'm hoping to find an even more streamlined approach that I could turn into a gift to others (assuming they want a 3rd party device on their network), where the tags sync to a raspberry pi (or similar cheap USB powered device), and it uses very cheap tags, if anyone has done this or has plans.
I ended up using atc1441's base station firmware[0] because it's a bit of a pain to actually pop open the case and get the programming pins on the Chroma 74
Furrtek has been playing with those things too. Maybe he knows things you don't and vice versa. https://github.com/furrtek/PrecIR
As a hobby photographer who mostly shoots black-and-white film, readily available info about generating grayscale images on eInk displays is intriguing from an artistic perspective.
Related
Show HN: Eidos – Offline alternative to Notion
The Eidos project on GitHub offers a personal data management framework as a Progressive Web App with AI features. Customizable with extensions and scripting, it leverages sqlite-wasm technology for chromium-based browsers.
Avoiding Emacs Bankruptcy
Avoid "Emacs bankruptcy" by choosing efficient packages, deleting unnecessary configurations, and focusing on Emacs's core benefits. Prioritize power-to-weight ratio to prevent slowdowns and maintenance issues. Regularly reassess for a streamlined setup.
My weekend project turned into a 3 years journey
Anthony's note-taking app journey spans 3 years, evolving from a secure Markdown tool to a complex Electron/React project with code execution capabilities. Facing challenges in store publishing, he prioritizes user feedback and simplicity, opting for a custom online deployment solution.
DIY PCB Method?
The article details a DIY process for making high-quality PCBs at home using tools like a CNC mill and UV curing resins. It involves steps like soldermask application and UV-curing ink, offering professional results.
Show HN: Field report with Claude 3.5 – Making a screen time goal tracker
The author shares their positive experience using Claude 3.5 Sonnet to track screen time goals. Claude proved reliable, fast, and auditable, aiding in reducing screen time through visualizations and goal setting. Despite design flaws, Claude improved performance with accurate metrics and visualizations, benefiting the author's screen time tracking.