GoKawiilOpen-source firmware turns M5Stack PaperMono into synced e-paper shopping list
A developer released PaperMono Shopping List, an open-source C++ firmware (about 2,400 lines) for the M5Stack PaperMono, an ESP32-S3 device with a 3.97-inch e-paper touchscreen. The firmware turns the device into a fridge-mounted shopping list with touch input, an on-screen keyboard, and a companion mobile web page that keeps the list synced.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
The project shows how e-paper hardware can be made responsive with careful use of partial versus full screen refreshes, addressing a common weakness of e-ink devices being sluggish or prone to ghosting. Its low-power networking approach, syncing only periodically or after edits, illustrates a practical pattern for battery-conscious smart home gadgets that could inform other DIY e-paper projects.
- Firmware is open source and roughly 2,400 lines of C++ for the M5Stack PaperMono device.
- Uses partial e-paper refreshes for speed with periodic full refreshes to limit ghosting.
- Wi-Fi activates only during sync events to conserve power, with offline editing queued until sync.
M5Stack PaperMono ESP32-S3 e-paper — This is the exact device the PaperMono shopping list firmware is built for, so you can flash it straight onto real hardware and stick it on your fridge. Its 480x800 e-paper touchscreen and ESP32-S3 brain make it a great low-power canvas for DIY smart-home projects beyond just shopping lists.
See M5Stack PaperMono ESP32-S3 e-paper on Amazon → Affiliate link — we may earn a commission on purchases, at no extra cost to you. Product picked by AI based on this article; it is not a tested recommendation.Source: github.com, 2026-09-28
Published there as: “Show HN: PaperMono, e-ink fridge magnet shopping list with mobile web page”
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