# e-ink Published articles for e-ink. This is one page of public article previews, not the complete archive. Follow Next page to continue. Summaries are not the original full articles. ## Build Your Own E-Reader for $40 DevFeed: [Build Your Own E-Reader for $40]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Author: Ben Published: 2026-11-07T21:03:06Z Content type: tutorial Language: en Sources: [Adafruit Industries]() Topics: [Learning](), [MicroPython]() Tags: [adapter](), [board](), [build](), [bus](), [button](), [dev](), [e-ink](), [e-paper](), [e-reader](), [esp32](), [esp32-s3](), [flash](), [gpio](), [guide](), [how-tos](), [microcontroller](), [module](), [navigation](), [optional](), [panel](), [power]() ### AI overview The build uses an ESP32-S3 dev board, an e-paper panel and adapter, a five-way button module, and a power source; the excerpt estimates total cost at $35-$60, depending on the panel. The ESP32-S3 is chosen for built-in Wi-Fi, flash for storing books, and hardware SPI to drive the display. Boards with 8 MB or 16 MB flash are recommended in the source; 4 MB can work but leaves little room for text. The buttons connect through a shared ground and five GPIO signal pins. A BME280 sensor is an optional add-on for temperature and humidity on the status line. ### Source excerpt Allan Binder of MUON SORTES shares this how to guide for building an affordable e-reader. And head to Allan Binder's instagram for a more polished look and future iterations. You need four things: an ESP32-S3 dev board, an e-paper panel with its adapter board, a five-way button module, and a way to power it. Total [...] ## M5Stack PaperDIY Kits pair an ESP32-S3 MCU with a 4.7-inch e-Paper display DevFeed: [M5Stack PaperDIY Kits pair an ESP32-S3 MCU with a 4.7-inch e-Paper display]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Author: Debashis Das Published: 2026-10-18T03:00:58Z Content type: news Language: en Sources: [CNX Software - Embedded Systems News]() Topics: [ESP32-S3](), [m5stack](), [Embedded Systems]() Tags: [3d-printed](), [arduino](), [assembly](), [bluetooth](), [development-board](), [display](), [e-ink](), [e-paper](), [embedded](), [epaper](), [esp32](), [esp32-s3](), [espressif](), [hardware](), [iot](), [low-power](), [m5stack](), [psram](), [video]() ### AI overview M5Stack's PaperDIY series pairs an ESP32-S3 MCU with a 4.7-inch grayscale e-paper display. It is available as a factory-assembled kit or an assembly kit for custom projects, and includes a microSD slot, battery, and low-power management chip. The article also describes its software support and compares it with the earlier M5Paper and a similar LILYGO device. ### Source excerpt M5Stack has released the PaperDIY series, an updated version of its 2020 M5Paper ESP32 development kit, featuring an ESP32-S3 MCU and a 4.7-inch e-paper display with 16 levels of gray. It comes in two versions: the PaperDIY Complete Kit, which ships factory-assembled in a 3D-printed enclosure, and the PaperDIY Assembly Kit, which is designed to be integrated into custom projects. Both boards also include a microSD card slot for extended storage, a built-in 140mAh battery, and a custom M5PM1 low-power management chip. M5Stack PaperDIY specifications: Core module - Espressif Systems ESP32-S3-WROOM-1-N16R8 SoC - ESP32-S3 CPU - Dual-core LX7 processor with up to 240MHz Memory - 512KB SRAM, 8MB Octal PSRAM Storage - 384KB ROM Wireless - WiFi 4 802.11b/g/n and Bluetooth 5.0 LE Storage - 16MB flash PCB antenna Storage - MicroSD card slot Display - 4.7-inch (960 x 540) ED047TC1 e-paper display with 16-level grayscale and an 8-bit parallel interface for direct display control, [...] The post M5Stack PaperDIY Kits pair an ESP32-S3 MCU with a 4.7-inch e-Paper display appeared first on CNX Software - Embedded Systems News. ## 2026 Retrocomputing Challenge: Oldputer Gives Old Eyes Relief with E-ink Display DevFeed: [2026 Retrocomputing Challenge: Oldputer Gives Old Eyes Relief with E-ink Display]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Author: Ian Bos Published: 2026-10-17T17:00:52Z Content type: article Language: en Sources: [Hackaday]() Topics: [Retrocomputing](), [e-ink](), [smartdevices]() Tags: [2026-retrocomputing-challenge](), [contests](), [e-ink](), [e-ink-display](), [esp32](), [retrocomputer](), [retrocomputing]() ### AI overview The Oldputer project pairs an old e-ink display with an ESP32 and indicator LEDs in a retro-inspired case, creating a desk ornament for displaying information. The article describes its inspiration and points readers to the project's GitHub repository. ### Source excerpt Modern computers are towers of glass and metal with very few large deviations from one to another. Monitor A will go against B, except you can't tell them apart unless ...read more ## Facebook releases Muse Gadgets SDK for ESP32 and Raspberry Pi/Linux-based devices DevFeed: [Facebook releases Muse Gadgets SDK for ESP32 and Raspberry Pi/Linux-based devices]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Author: Jean-Luc Aufranc (CNXSoft) Published: 2026-10-12T02:50:00Z Content type: news Language: en Sources: [CNX Software - Embedded Systems News]() Topics: [SDK](), [Embedded Software Dev](), [Embedded Systems](), [Raspberry Pi](), [ESP32-C3](), [Open Source](), [PSRAM](), [Matter]() Tags: [802-15-4](), [agent](), [ai](), [amoled](), [artificial-intelligence-ai](), [broadcom-bcmxxxx](), [devices](), [display](), [e-ink](), [embedded-systems](), [esp32](), [esphome](), [espressif](), [facebook](), [hardware](), [home-assistant](), [linux](), [meta-superintelligence-labs](), [nat](), [nat-friedman](), [open-source](), [raspberry-pi](), [releases](), [sdk](), [seeed-studio](), [waveshare]() ### AI overview Meta released the open-source Muse Gadgets SDK for ESP32 boards and Linux-based single-board computers. Its device SDKs support image display, audio input and output, and connections to sensors and other peripherals. The article also describes the Muse Home Link device and setup requirements for pairing a gadget with the Muse app. ### Source excerpt Meta, Facebook's parent company, has released the open-source Muse Gadgets SDK, designed to work with ESP32 boards or Linux-based SBCs like a Raspberry Pi. This requires some explanation... I've been on holiday for a while, so I'm not up to date on everything, but apparently Meta released Muse on September 6, yet another personal AI agent... Earlier this month, Nat Friedman, head of product at Meta Superintelligence Labs, shared an X post about the Muse Gadgets "side project" that aims to make ESP32 and Linux devices work with Muse, basically enabling hardware AI monitors and Physical AI with Muse. The Muse Gadgets SDK has been released on GitHub under an Apache 2.0 license (for most of the code) with two main directories: ESP32 Device SDK - It can show images, supports audio input and output, and can interface with sensors, actuators, buttons, etc... Linux Device SDK - Works with Raspberry [...] The post Facebook releases Muse Gadgets SDK for ESP32 and Raspberry Pi/Linux-based devices appeared first on CNX Software - Embedded Systems News. ## Programming an Adafruit RP2040 Feather ThinkInk board using Rust DevFeed: [Programming an Adafruit RP2040 Feather ThinkInk board using Rust]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Author: Anne Barela Published: 2026-09-28T14:59:22Z Content type: tutorial Language: en Sources: [Adafruit Industries]() Topics: [Programming](), [Rust]() Tags: [e-ink](), [e-ink-display](), [e-paper](), [feather](), [github](), [gpio](), [graphics](), [hardware](), [images](), [lcd](), [led](), [microcontrollers](), [neopixel](), [programming](), [python](), [qt](), [rp2040](), [rust](), [rust-rink](), [stemma](), [stemma-qt](), [thinkink]() ### AI overview A Rust example collection demonstrates programming the Adafruit Feather RP2040 ThinkInk, including its LED, NeoPixel, e-ink displays, sensors, OLEDs, and LCD. The panels were tested on hardware, and the examples record refresh times. USB CDC logging uses the RP2040's second core to keep serial output flowing during lengthy panel refreshes. ### Source excerpt Developer Mariusz Jurgielewicz has published a Rust example collection on GitHub for the Adafruit Feather RP2040 ThinkInk. The repository started from the rp2040-project-template and covers the onboard red LED on GPIO 13, the NeoPixel, text and graphics on the e-Ink display, dithered tri-color and four-color images, a BME280 over STEMMA QT, SSD1306 and SH1107 OLEDs, [...] ## 3D Hangouts - FruitMesh, Monster Eyes and Skull Spine DevFeed: [3D Hangouts - FruitMesh, Monster Eyes and Skull Spine]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Author: Noe Ruiz Published: 2026-09-24T14:00:29Z Content type: article Language: en Sources: [Adafruit Industries]() Topics: [3D](), [Internet of things](), [e-ink](), [ESP32-S3](), [Microcontroller]() Tags: [3d-printed](), [3d-printing](), [e-ink](), [esp32-s3](), [guide](), [iot](), [microcontroller](), [project]() ### AI overview A weekly Adafruit roundup showcases an IoT e-ink project, a prototype using Monster Eyes and round TFT displays, and a time-lapse of a 3D-printed skull spine. It also highlights projects combining 3D printing with electronics and microcontrollers. ### Source excerpt 3D Hangouts - E-Ink FruitMesh, Monster Eyes and Skull Spine https://youtube.com/live/WRx1svLihfA?feature=share This week @adafruit Pedro published and showcased his IoT E-ink Meshtatstic project. Noe is prototyping a new project using Monster Eyes and round TFT displays. Timelapse this week features a print-in-place skull with spline. Learn Guide: https://learn.adafruit.com/meshfruit-message-board Project YouTube Video https://youtu.be/FxuyWbHRbRs 4.2 300x400 Tri-Color [...] ## MeshFruit Message Board #3DThursday #3DPrinting DevFeed: [MeshFruit Message Board #3DThursday #3DPrinting]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Author: Pedro Published: 2026-09-24T14:00:05Z Content type: tutorial Language: en Sources: [Adafruit Industries]() Topics: [Internet of things](), [lora](), [e-ink](), [ESP32-S3](), [Microcontroller]() Tags: [3d-printing](), [3dprinting](), [3dthursday](), [build](), [e-ink](), [esp32-s3](), [iot](), [lora](), [microcontroller](), [sensor]() ### AI overview A guide to building an off-grid IoT message board that receives LoRa messages and displays them on a tri-color e-ink screen. The project uses a Feather ESP32-S3, RFM95 LoRa radio, STEMMA QT sensor, battery power, and a 3D-printed case. ### Source excerpt Build an off-grid message board. This IoT project listens for messages sent across a LoRa network and displays them on a tri-color e-ink. Guide: https://learn.adafruit.com/meshfruit-message-board It features a STEMMA QT sensor that reads CO2, temperature, and humidity Powered by the Feather ESP32-S3 and an RFM95 LoRa radio, this is a great combo for building a [...] ## 3D Hangouts Cover E-Ink FruitMesh, Monster Eyes, and a Skull Spine DevFeed: [3D Hangouts Cover E-Ink FruitMesh, Monster Eyes, and a Skull Spine]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Author: Noe Ruiz Published: 2026-09-23T15:00:23Z Content type: article Language: en Sources: [Adafruit Industries]() Topics: [Internet of things](), [e-ink](), [MicroPython](), [Arduino](), [Python](), [CircuitPython]() Tags: [3d-printing](), [arduino](), [e-ink](), [guide](), [iot](), [micropython](), [python](), [python-on-microcontrollers](), [video]() ### AI overview A live 3D Hangouts session features an IoT e-ink Meshtastic project, a prototype using Monster Eyes and round TFT displays, and a print-in-place skull spine. The program also points viewers to related microcontroller and electronics content. ### Source excerpt 3D Hangouts - E-Ink FruitMesh, Monster Eyes and Skull Spine https://youtube.com/live/WRx1svLihfA?feature=share This week @adafruit Pedro published and showcased his IoT E-ink Meshtatstic project. Noe is prototyping a new project using Monster Eyes and round TFT displays. Timelapse this week features a print-in-place skull with spline. Learn Guide: https://learn.adafruit.com/meshfruit-message-board Project YouTube Video https://youtu.be/FxuyWbHRbRs 4.2 300x400 Tri-Color [...] ## A Comparison of Five Compact E-Ink Gadgets Designed for Focused Use DevFeed: [A Comparison of Five Compact E-Ink Gadgets Designed for Focused Use]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Author: JC Torres Published: 2026-09-17T09:15:02Z Content type: comparison Language: en Sources: [Yanko Design]() Topics: [e-ink](), [touchscreen](), [Linux]() Tags: [boox](), [e-book-reader](), [e-ink](), [e-ink-display](), [e-reader](), [gadgets](), [gadgets-lifestyle-technology-boox-e-book-reader-e-ink-e-ink-display-e-reader](), [lifestyle](), [screen](), [technology](), [touchscreen]() ### AI overview The article compares five compact E Ink gadgets designed for narrowly defined uses, including the Xteink X4 Classic and BOOX Picco. It highlights their deliberately limited interfaces, portability, and differences in features such as buttons, touchscreens, processors, batteries, storage, and software. ### Source excerpt Screens Got Louder, These 5 E-Ink Gadgets Went Deliberately Quiet Screens have gotten loud, and most of them are fighting for the same six to eight inches of attention in your pocket. E Ink is... ## OpenTrailPaper transforms LILYGO T5 E-Paper S3 Pro devkit into a DIY e-paper bike computer DevFeed: [OpenTrailPaper transforms LILYGO T5 E-Paper S3 Pro devkit into a DIY e-paper bike computer]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Author: Jean-Luc Aufranc (CNXSoft) Published: 2026-09-05T08:01:22Z Content type: news Language: en Sources: [CNX Software - Embedded Systems News]() Topics: [Embedded Systems](), [ESP32-S3](), [Open Source](), [Android](), [iOS](), [Bluetooth](), [ESP-IDF](), [GitHub](), [JavaScript](), [Python](), [browser]() Tags: [android](), [bluetooth](), [browser](), [core](), [display](), [diy](), [e-ink](), [e-paper](), [epaper](), [esp-idf](), [esp32](), [esp32-s3](), [espressif](), [firmware](), [github](), [gps](), [hardware](), [ios](), [javascript](), [lilygo](), [lora](), [open-source](), [python]() ### AI overview OpenTrailPaper is an open-source DIY e-paper bike computer project for the LILYGO T5 E-Paper S3 Pro, using ESP32-S3 firmware alongside Android and iOS companion apps. It supports ride data, offline maps, GPX routes, FIT file recording, and Bluetooth sensor connections. ### Source excerpt OpenTrailPaper is an open-source, DIY e-paper bike computer project comprised of firmware for the ESP32-S3-based T5 E-Paper S3 Pro devkit and Android and iOS companion apps for maps, routes, and settings. It shows ride data and offline maps, follows standard GPX (GPS Exchange Format) routes, records FIT (Flexible and Interoperable Data Transfer used in Garmin devices) files, and connects to Bluetooth (and soon ANT/ANT+) heart rate, power, and cadence sensors. Before looking into the project's details, let's check out the LILYGO T5 E-Paper S3 Pro specifications: ESP32-S3-WROOM-1 wireless module SoC - ESP32-S3N16R8 dual-core Tensilica LX7 microcontroller @ up to 240 MHz with 2.4 GHz 802.11n WiFi 4 and Bluetooth 5.0 LE connectivity Memory - 8MB PSRAM Storage - 16MB SPI flash PCB antenna Storage - MicroSD card slot Display - 4.7-inch e-Paper display with 960x540 resolution, 16 shades of gray, capacitive touch (GT911); ED047TC1 drive IC Wireless 2.4 GHz 802.11n [...] The post OpenTrailPaper transforms LILYGO T5 E-Paper S3 Pro devkit into a DIY e-paper bike computer appeared first on CNX Software - Embedded Systems News. ## postmarketOS in 2026-01: monthly blog post reboot DevFeed: [postmarketOS in 2026-01: monthly blog post reboot]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Published: 2026-01-25T00:00:00Z Content type: article Language: en Sources: [postmarketOS]() Topics: [Open Source](), [Linux](), [Mobile](), [Kernel](), [e-ink](), [Software Testing]() Tags: [2026](), [blog-post](), [bootloader](), [e-ink](), [fosdem](), [foss](), [kernel](), [linux](), [mobile](), [pinenote](), [postmarketos](), [team](), [update]() ### AI overview A postmarketOS update explains the project's new blog format, highlights organizational changes and contributor work, and previews FOSDEM 2026 talks about Linux Mobile, Fairphone kernel support, and reliability. It also covers PineNote and other device, package, kernel, and bootloader contributions. ### Source excerpt A new year is a good opportunity to reflect on what has worked and what did not, and improve the things that didn't. We did that with the "monthly" blog posts, of which we had published the last one for October 2025. The reason that it took us so long to write these is, that we were trying to link every merge request that got merged since the previous post and write short summaries for most of them. While this results in a very detailed account of what has happened, it became less feasible over time as we had more contributions in postmarketOS. After a good conversation we decided to change the format to talk about the highlights and going into detail sometimes, instead of achieving a complete report of everything that has happened. One major goal of the previous approach was thanking all the amazing people who contributed to the project, but we solved that by just adding the contributor names in the blog post in a separate section. The title image of this blog post was taken at the very inspiring 39C3. If you would like to have some postmarketOS stickers as well, the next chance to get them is FOSDEM 2026 where we will have our own stand again where you can stop by and talk to us about all things postmarketOS! We are also excited to have two talks from postmarketOS team members: Mainline kernel for Fairphones - 2026 update postmarketOS: Reliability in 2026 ...as well as many more postmarketOS and Linux Mobile related talks in the FOSS on Mobile devroom! Organizational Alexey M. stepped down as Trusted Contributor. He has been improving postmarketOS across the whole stack since 2019. Among lots of other things he created libapk-qt and used it to add an apk backend to KDE's Plasma Discover, which eventually found its way upstream. He also improved pmbootstrap, maintained multiple devices and kernels and did a lot of kernel and bootloader work. Thank you very much and all the best for your new endeavours! The PineNote using Sway with hrdl's opinionated configuration. No ## TRMNL DevFeed: [TRMNL]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Author: Adam Langley Published: 2025-07-27T00:00:00Z Content type: article Language: en Sources: [ImperialViolet]() Topics: [smartdevices](), [JSON](), [Functional programming](), [3D](), [webservice](), [Cloud]() Tags: [3d-printed](), [battery](), [calendar](), [cloud-run](), [community](), [custom](), [display](), [e-ink](), [e-ink-display](), [events](), [firmware](), [flash](), [go](), [http](), [image](), [json](), [liquid](), [magnets](), [microcontroller](), [network]() ### AI overview TRMNL combines an 800x600, 1-bit e-ink display with a sleeping microcontroller, yielding a reported battery life of six months or more. Its standard firmware fetches an image and sleep duration from a server over Wi-Fi; users can instead flash custom firmware or point the standard firmware at a custom HTTP server. The default service supports tiled layouts and private plugins that obtain data by polling a URL or receiving a webhook, with Liquid templates for rendering. The author used a Go program on Cloud Run to turn the family calendar into data for a fridge display. The main friction was coordinating device sleep and tile refresh schedules, which could leave the wrong day displayed. The author also notes an extra $20 charge for the Developer Edition and considers the device somewhat expensive for a neat but nonessential gadget. ### Source excerpt The TRMNL is an 800x600, 1-bit e-ink display connected to a battery and a microcontroller, all housed in a nice but unremarkable plastic case. Because the microcontroller spends the vast majority of the time sleeping, and because e-ink displays don't require power unless they're updating, the battery can last six or more months. It charges over USB-C. When the microcontroller wakes up, it connects to a Wi-Fi network and communicates with a pre-configured server to fetch an 800x600 image to display, and the duration of the next sleep. You can flash your own firmware on the device, or point the standard firmware at a custom server. The company provides an example server, although you can implement the (HTTP-based) protocol in whatever way you wish. I considered running my own server, but thought I would give the easy path a try first to see if it would suffice. The default service lets you split the display into several tiles, and there are a number of pre-built and community-built things that can display in each. None of them worked well for me, but that's okay because you can create your own private ones. They get data either by polling a given URL, or by having data posted to a webhook. The layout is rendered using the Liquid templating system, which I had not used before, but it's reasonably straightforward. I wrote a Go program hosted on Cloud Run which fetches the family shared calendar and converts events from the next week into a JSON format designed to make it trivial to render in the templating system. With a 3D-printed holder, super glue, and some magnets, it's now happily stuck to the fridge where it displays the current date and the family events for the next week. The most awkward part of the default service is managing the refreshes. The device has a sleep schedule, and so do the tiles, which are only updated periodically. So the combination can easily leave the wrong day showing. It would be helpful if the service told you when the device would next up ## Raspberry-LLM - Making My Raspberry Pico a Little Smarter DevFeed: [Raspberry-LLM - Making My Raspberry Pico a Little Smarter]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Author: Eugene Yan Published: 2023-04-16T00:00:00Z Content type: tutorial Language: en Sources: [Eugene Yan]() Topics: [Raspberry Pi](), [Large Language Model](), [RSS](), [Python](), [Parsing](), [e-ink](), [OpenAI]() Tags: [e-ink](), [llm](), [llms](), [openai](), [parsing](), [python](), [raspberry](), [raspberry-pi](), [rss]() ### AI overview A hands-on project that uses a Raspberry Pico with an e-ink screen to fetch RSS feeds, call third-party LLM APIs, and generate formatted content. The author describes working within 8 KB of memory, parsing feeds character by character, and using MicroPython. ### Source excerpt Generating Dr. Seuss headlines, fake WSJ quotes, HackerNews troll comments, and more. ## Introducing the PineNote DevFeed: [Introducing the PineNote]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Published: 2021-08-15T00:00:00Z Content type: news Language: en Sources: [Community blog on PINE64]() Topics: [e-ink](), [Single Board Computer](), [Hardware](), [Pinephone]() Tags: [announcements](), [devices](), [e-ink](), [firmware](), [pinedio](), [pinenote](), [pinephone](), [pinetime](), [quartz64](), [release](), [single-board-computer]() ### AI overview PINE64 announces the PineNote, a high-end e-ink device based on the Quartz64 single-board computer, with an RK3566 processor, 4GB of LPDDR4 RAM, 128GB of eMMC storage, a Wacom-compatible panel, and a planned $399 price. The community update also covers PinePhone keyboard production, hardware development, hosting infrastructure, and software updates. ### Source excerpt This month brings news that many of you have been waiting years for - we're introducing the PineNote, a high-end e-ink device based on the powerful Quartz64 single board computer. But the good news doesn't end here, the PinePhone keyboard has entered production, developers have begun work on PinePhone's back cases, PineDio development is moving forward and we've seen a new firmware release for Pinebook Pro's touchpad. There's a lot of ground to cover this month, so let's get to it. You can watch the synopsis of this month's community update on YouTube (embedded below) as well as on Odysee and PeerTube. To stay up-to-date with PINE64 news make sure to subscribe to this blog (subscription widget at the bottom of the webpage), follow PINE64 Telegram News channel, the announcements channel in Discord as well as our Twitter and Mastodon. I'd like to thank JF, Alex (clover), Dylan (from postmarketOS), Peter (LinMob), Alfred (from UBports), Chris (kop316), Brian (33YN2), gamiee and PizzaLovingNerd for their contributions to this community update. N.B. Comments on the blog post need to be in English and follow our Community Rules and Code of Conduct. Note: This image preview protects your privacy. Click to load the video from the Google servers. Link to the video & Community update video summary by PizzaLovingNerd TL;DR Housekeeping: DHL sent all PinePhones to NZ, so we had to reship all orders (sorry for the delay) Housekeeping: Building a temporary cluster to complete and maintain hosting cluster; build log and updates incoming PineNote: Announcing the PineNote, one of the most powerful devices of its kind on the market PineNote: Quartz64 based; specs include - fast refresh e-ink panel with multiple frontlight settings, RK3566, 4GB LPDDR4 RAM and 128GB eMMC flash storage PineNote: Wacom panel compatible with many EMR pens: we will offer our own PineNote: Available this year for $399; early adopters batch includes EMR pen + magnetic cover (later sold separately) PinePhone ## Plotting patterns in music with a fantasy record player DevFeed: [Plotting patterns in music with a fantasy record player]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Author: Oona Räisänen (noreply@blogger.com) Published: 2020-12-08T21:42:00Z Content type: article Language: en Sources: [Oona Räisänen]() Topics: [Script](), [e-ink](), [3D]() Tags: [3d](), [art](), [audio-media](), [blender](), [computer](), [e-ink](), [experiment](), [music](), [patterns](), [physics](), [plotting](), [script](), [shower-thoughts](), [signal](), [video]() ### AI overview The article explores how a vinyl record's wavy surface pattern can reflect the tempo and beat structure of its music. It describes a script that plots FLAC amplitude into a tempo-based grid and discusses clearer patterns in quantized electronic, pop, and rock music, along with a 3D-rendered fantasy record-player experiment. ### Source excerpt Back in April I bought a vinyl record that had a weird wavy pattern near the outer edge. I though I may have broken it somehow but couldn't even test this because I don't own a record player. *) But when I took a closer look at the pattern it seemed to somehow follow changes in the music. That doesn't look like damage at all. When I played the CD version it became clear: this was an artifact of the tempo of the electronic track (100 bpm) being a multiple of the rotational speed (33 1/3 rpm), and these were probably drum hits! My tweet sparked some interesting discussion and I've been pondering this ever since. Could we plot any song as a loop or grid based on its own tempo and see interesting patterns? (*) I know, it's a little odd. But I have a few unplayed vinyl records waiting for the day that I finally have the proper equipment. By the way, the song was Black Pink by RinneRadio from their wonderful album staRRk. I wrote a little script to do just this: to plot the amplitude of the FLAC into a grid with an adjustable width. The result looks very similar to the pattern on the vinyl surface! Note that this image is a "straightened out" version of the disc surface and it's showing three of those wavy patterns. The top edge corresponds to the outer edge of the vinyl. Later I wrote a little more ambitious plotter that shall be explained soon. Computer-conducted music gives best patterns After plotting several different songs against their own tempo like this it seemed that in addition to electronic music a lot of pop and rock has this type of a pattern, too. The most striking and clear patterns can be seen in music that makes use of drum samples in a quantized time base (aka. a drum machine): the same kick drum sample, for example, repeats four times in each bar, perfectly timed by a computer so that they align in phase. Somewhat similar patterns can be seen in live music that is played to a "click track": each band member hears a common computer-generated time signal