De-link Project Update 07/01 Website + Newsletter Launch!
Hi all for those unfamiliar with de-link. This is an open-source open-hardware microreader/development kit aimed to provide a durable solution to the ever expanding market of handheld e-paper devices. It will support custom firmwares such as Crosspoint Reader and CrossInk to provide a well-built e-reader platform for all users of the hardware, without risk of firmware locking, bricking, or any other risk factors that are typically involved with flashing custom firmware on microreader devices. On top of that, its PCB is hand-solderable and orderable from PCB assembly service sites, components are easily accessible, and the case is completely 3D printed. All of this allowing for customization, repair, and expansion to whatever use case the board is used for! Reader, typewriter, fridge magnet, anything e-paper is useful for de-link aims to provide the open platform that supports any form factor, any screen (24-pin), any LiPo battery, and any interface. Here's the latest update I provided today, 07/01, that goes over my new website as well as some general updates!
Hi everyone,
Exciting news today, as I got some time to put together a small website dedicated to the de-link project, I present to you '[de-link.me](https://de-link.me)'. It will serve as a hub for info regarding the newest version of the de-link platform 'pip', and right now it has a few cool features:
* splash page with cool frontlight toggle * 3d model viewer of de-link prototype "pre" and part explosion toggle * 3d model viewer of de-link 1.0 "pip" PCBA (my supporters might notice a treat for them there) * specs of "pre" and "pip" devices * BOM and updated estimated cost of "pip" device * additional info regarding future ways you can get your hands on one
All in the style of Y2K Windows 98, breaking it down to basics just like the de-link aims to do. Please explore the small site as it is now, give me feedback on design and content, and sign up for the newsletter! It will help me relay news faster as well as display interest in my project going forward.
To update briefly on the state of things now:
The 1.0 "pip" PCB is built and I am waiting to order it while the enclosure is being designed and built. I'm waiting for this mostly due to financial constraints, I do NOT think I can afford buying broken boards, especially in quantities greater than minimum. Once I build these boards and am happy with the enclosure design, I will release everything to my paid supporters including:
* Gerber files * CPL/BOM files for PCBA services * tutorials to generate your own of the above * 3D print files for the 4.26" enclosure * tutorials to print it correctly and assemble it afterward * full links and guides to buy your own screen panels, battery, and screws, which are the main parts required for unit assembly/functionality besides a micro SD card * up-to-date crosspoint/crossink/microreader forks that can be flashed straight from the USB port (NO LOCKING, NO BRICKING, NO RESTRICTIONS), with full de-link functionality expanded to frontlight and USB file transfer modes.
All of these resources will have a timed paywall that I will lock behind Patreon or Ko-fi. It is not something I like to do but in lieu of proper crowdfunding it is something I need to do to maintain at least a little bit of financial integrity during the continued development of this project, with the ultimate goal of being able to sell kits/units down the line.
So when can I sell these? Well... it's complicated. I have done a lot of math and logistics work to figure out ways I'd be able to hoard units and sell them even in small batches, I'm talking 50-100 here. That alone would cost me thousands of dollars, but I was comfortable with the prospect of eating that debt just so I could get units in peoples' hands with a small <10% profit margin. 'de-link LLC' was in the works, but I got stonewalled at the screen sourcing.
I have been in contact with GoodDisplay, the manufacturers of the 4.26" frontlit screen I use primarily for this project so far, and I have been told that demand is extremely high and I am facing months-long lead times for even the 50-100 units I desired. Without this, I obviously can't make any units in bulk. For the first few months of the 'pip''s existence, it will be up to you guys to make the investments with my guidance and tutorials. I promise that if there is a way to make a proper sale of units possible months down the line, big or small, I will make it happen.
In any case, please spread the word further if you have interest in this project. I am incredibly appreciative of this community's support, paid or unpaid. Please continue to follow along, sign up for the newsletter, and participate in the discord for further updates!
P.S. help is wanted for PCBA designers and 3D modelers, reach out if interested. I will provide sample boards to all who help make this happen.
P.P.S de-link is collaborating with the 'freeink' initiative at [freeink.org](https://freeink.org), I highly suggest you check them out and support the growing ecosystem!
