Seeed Studio and TRMNL released a $48 DIY e-paper display kit that lets users show whatever information they want without requiring subscriptions or interaction.
The kit combines Seeed Studio's hardware design with TRMNL's firmware and plugins. Seeed is a Shenzhen open hardware company known for its XIAO microcontroller boards. TRMNL, founded by indie hardware enthusiast Ryan Kulp in 2023, launched its first e-paper device via crowdfunding in 2024. The partnership between the two companies was announced in July 2025, following a March 2025 teaser of Seeed's XIAO e-paper panel.
The display works in three ways. Users can connect to TRMNL's servers through trmnl.com with a $50 one-time license fee after a 14-day trial that requires $1 to access. Alternatively, users can run the device through Seeed's SenseCraft platform, which includes a plugin repository and firmware-flashing tool with no license requirement. Users with their own server can point the device to it using Terminus, TRMNL's open source container, which lets users run their own private network and keep all data locally.
The e-paper display pairs with a control board that connects to Wi-Fi. Two case designs are available for 3D printing: a triangular prism and an L-shaped case. The kit includes all necessary hardware, though users may need to 3D print a stand. Assembly involves connecting the battery or USB-C power, plugging in the display, and routing a fragile FPC ribbon cable, which the L-shaped case design makes challenging.
TRMNL's plugin marketplace offers standard options like Google Calendar and weather alongside niche content such as Star Trek Ferengi Rules of Acquisition. Seeed's SenseCraft marketplace offers similar functionality without a license fee.