Set up the SpacePC 7.5″ DIY E-Paper Dashboard Kit

Required components and tools

You will need:

• SpacePC 7.5″ DIY E-Paper Dashboard Kit

• self-printed enclosure

• small suitable screwdriver

• USB data cable

• PC or Mac with Google Chrome

• Wi-Fi credentials

• free OpenWeatherMap API key

Use a USB cable that supports data transfer. Charge-only cables can power the ESP32 but are not detected by the Web Flasher. If you selected the “Pre-flashed & tested” variant, skip steps 8–11 and continue with Wi-Fi setup.

1. Print the enclosure

Download the supplied STL or 3MF files and open them in your preferred slicer. Print the enclosure using the settings provided with the download. PLA or PETG can be used. Pay attention to the correct orientation and a clean build-plate surface.

The printed enclosure is not included in the hardware kit. Print it yourself or order it from a 3D-printing service.

2. Remove support structures

Carefully remove all supports and printing residue. Check the display recess, interconnect holder, display-adapter mount, ESP32 mount, USB opening and screw holes. Remove sharp edges carefully with a deburring tool or small side cutters.

Do not install the electronics until the enclosure is clean, and do not use excessive force.

3. Install the e-paper display

Place the enclosure on a clean, level surface and carefully position the 7.5-inch display in its recess. The panel must sit straight, the metal frame must rest fully on the support, the ribbon cable must point towards the electronics mount and the display must remain free of mechanical stress.

Hold the display by its outer frame. Do not press the visible surface: the panel contains thin glass and can be damaged by bending, twisting or point pressure.

4. Connect the display cable

Insert the display ribbon cable straight and fully into the inner connector on the interconnect board. Verify the contact orientation. Do not twist the cable, insert it at an angle or bend it sharply next to the connector.

Press the interconnect board carefully and squarely into its enclosure mount. Remove any remaining support material if it does not fit cleanly. Do not use force.

5. Connect the interconnect to the e-paper adapter

Connect the interconnect board to the e-paper adapter in the marked insertion direction. Confirm that each connector is fully seated and straight. Check the ribbon-cable routing and keep it clear of screws and enclosure edges.

Make or release all display connections only while power is disconnected.

6. Connect the e-paper adapter to the ESP32

Use the connector or cable supplied for the kit. Insert it fully and verify that no plug is offset or angled. Use only the connections intended for this kit. Incorrect orientation or incompatible hardware can prevent operation or damage the display.

7. Install and secure the ESP32

Place the ESP32 in its mount with the USB port accessible from outside. Ensure that the board is straight, no cable is trapped underneath and the display cable is not under tension. Secure it using the supplied screws.

Tighten screws only by hand. Check every connection once more before applying power.

Install the firmware

8. Connect the ESP32 to your computer

Connect the ESP32 to a PC or Mac using a USB data cable. Browser installation requires a Chromium-based desktop browser with Web Serial support; Google Chrome is recommended. Close programs that might access serial devices.

9. Open the SpacePC Web Flasher

Open https://spacepc.dev/en/flash in Google Chrome and select the stable firmware for the 7.5-inch E-Paper Weather Display.

10. Select the ESP32

Start the installer and allow Chrome to access the connected device. Select the serial port belonging to the ESP32. If several ports appear, disconnect and reconnect the ESP32; the newly appearing port is normally the correct one.

11. Flash the firmware

Start installation and wait for the success confirmation. Flashing takes approximately three minutes. During installation, do not:

• disconnect or move the USB cable

• close the browser window

• turn off the computer

• unplug the ESP32

The ESP32 normally restarts automatically. If it does not, briefly disconnect and reconnect USB. The e-paper display may flash several times during its first start; this is normal.

Configure Wi-Fi and weather data

12. Prepare an OpenWeatherMap API key

Create a free account at https://openweathermap.org/ and copy your personal API key. Treat the key like a password and do not publish it or expose it in screenshots. A newly created key may take a short time to become active.

13. Connect to the setup Wi-Fi

After first start, the display shows the temporary setup network. Open the Wi-Fi settings on your phone, tablet or computer and connect to that network. A temporary “no internet” warning is normal because your device is connected directly to the ESP32.

14. Open the captive portal

The captive portal should open automatically. If it does not:

1. Open a browser manually.

2. Wait a few seconds.

3. Disconnect from the setup Wi-Fi and reconnect.

4. Temporarily disable VPN, Private Relay or similar network features.

15. Enter Wi-Fi credentials

Enter your Wi-Fi network name and password. Check spelling and capitalisation carefully. The selected network must have sufficient signal strength at the display location.

16. Configure OpenWeatherMap

Enter your OpenWeatherMap API key, city and country. Use the normal city name and select the correct country where places share a name. Remove accidental spaces before or after the API key.

17. Save the configuration

Save the settings in the captive portal. The ESP32 applies them, closes the setup network, restarts and connects to your normal Wi-Fi. Do not disconnect power during this process.

First start

The first complete start may take approximately two minutes. The display may initially remain blank, flash several times, briefly show old content or build the image gradually. This is normal for e-paper. Current weather data appears after a successful connection.

Finish the enclosure

Once weather data is displayed, check all cables and close the enclosure. Ensure that no cable is trapped or kinked, the USB port remains accessible, the display sits without mechanical stress and every screw is only hand-tightened. Power the finished dashboard with a suitable USB supply.

Troubleshooting

The ESP32 is not detected

Use Google Chrome and a USB data cable. Try a different USB port or cable, restart the browser, close serial-port applications and connect the ESP32 directly instead of through a USB hub.

Flashing stops

Disconnect the ESP32, close the Web Flasher and start again. If installation was incomplete, repeat the complete flashing process without moving the cable or closing the browser.

The display remains blank

Disconnect power first. Check that the panel is a Good Display GDEY075Z08, verify the ribbon-cable orientation and confirm that the interconnect, e-paper adapter and ESP32 connections are fully seated. Confirm that the correct SpacePC firmware was selected, reconnect power and wait at least two minutes.

The setup Wi-Fi does not appear

Remove power for a few seconds and restart the ESP32. Confirm that flashing completed successfully. A previously configured device may immediately try to use saved Wi-Fi credentials.

The captive portal does not open

Stay connected to the setup network despite any no-internet warning. Open a browser manually and temporarily disable VPN, Private Relay or similar features.

No weather data appears

Check the Wi-Fi name and password, OpenWeatherMap API key, city, country, Wi-Fi range and router internet connection. Restart the display and allow approximately two minutes.

The display flashes while updating

Flashing is part of the normal e-paper refresh process and is not a defect. Faint shadows of older content may briefly remain and should largely disappear after a full refresh.

Safety information

The e-paper panel contains thin glass. Do not bend, twist or apply point pressure. Connect or disconnect display and adapter cables only while power is removed. Use the dashboard only in dry indoor environments and protect it from liquids, high humidity, excessive heat and direct sunlight. Do not cover it or place it directly on a heat source. Use a suitable USB power supply and stop using damaged cables, circuit boards or displays.