# A $40 ESP32-S3 e-reader you build from parts

An ESP32-S3, a five-way button and an e-paper panel add up to a Wi-Fi e-reader for $35 to $60, with a cardboard case if you want it.

- Category: Hardware (build)
- Made by: [Allan Binder (MUON SORTES)](https://muonsortes.com/build-a-wifi-ereader) on MUON SORTES
- Original: https://muonsortes.com/build-a-wifi-ereader
- On Afterware: https://afterware.xyz/p/a-40-esp32-s3-e-reader-you-build-from-parts

## Can I build this?

- Difficulty: Intermediate
- AI-buildability: 4/5 (The firmware is open and AI can help adapt it, but you still have to solder and wire the display, buttons and sensor by hand.)
- Time: A weekend
- Cost: $35–60
- Parts: ESP32-S3 dev board, 5.76in E Ink Carta display (GDEH0576T81), Waveshare 7.5in e-Paper V2 (800x480), Five-way navigation switch module, BME280 breakout, 470 uF electrolytic capacitor, 100 nF ceramic capacitor
- Tools: soldering iron, multimeter

Estimates based on the original write-up. How the AI-buildability score works: https://afterware.xyz/ai-buildability

## Starter prompt

```
Based on "A $40 ESP32-S3 e-reader you build from parts" on Afterware: https://afterware.xyz/p/a-40-esp32-s3-e-reader-you-build-from-parts

Help me build a battery-powered e-reader on an ESP32-S3 dev board with 16 MB flash, driving a Waveshare 7.5in e-Paper V2 (800x480) through its driver HAT over SPI. Use a five-way navigation switch on five GPIO pins with a common ground for up, down, left, right and center. Write MicroPython or Arduino code that loads a text file from the SD card, word-wraps it to the screen, and turns pages with the buttons.
```

## Story

Allan Binder, who publishes as MUON SORTES, wired up a basic e-reader from four parts: an ESP32-S3 dev board, an e-paper panel with its adapter board, a five-way navigation button module, and a power source. The panel is either a 5.76in E Ink Carta module or a 7.5in Waveshare e-Paper (800x480), and the firmware supports exactly those two.

The ESP32-S3 earns its spot with built-in Wi-Fi, enough flash to hold a few books, and a hardware SPI bus that drives the panel at full speed. Get a board with 8 MB or 16 MB of flash, since 4 MB boards leave little room for text. The five buttons wire to one common ground and five free GPIO pins. A BME280 breakout adds temperature and humidity to the status line for a couple of dollars.

The guide is free and the firmware is open. Build it yourself for $35 to $60, or the author sells a flashed, boot-tested kit with a printed case.

## Resources

- [Build guide](https://muonsortes.com/build-a-wifi-ereader)
- [Creator Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/_stition/)

Tags: e-paper, esp32-s3, e-reader, five-way button, wifi, diy

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