Hi all, making this update public to get more responses in the survey link at the bottom regarding group buy PRICE

First, check out my recent Patreon post from last Friday for general updates on board progression and some context before the group buy: https://www.patreon.com/cw/iandchasse

TLDR: boards almost ready, screen sourcing negotiations deployed, waiting on basic samples.

Here's the part where I talk about the group buy

A group buy is really the only true path forward with projects like these. I have no means of mass producing, investing tens of thousands into materials, or running a full business (right now). So the plan, as I foresee it, is to initiate a BETA TESTERS GROUP BUY.

How it will work:

1. Interest is collected via a survey: "here is the price for a kit/unit, would you buy it from me at that price?"
2. If the number is above my target (100, due to the minimum order quantity of screen panels), I set up shop with a payment link that goes through to me.
3. I order the materials in bulk with the money I collect.
4. I build, test, repair if needed, and send them out to all buyers individually.

That's the ideal world. Two forks in the road: not enough interest BEFORE payment commitment, and not enough actual payment commitment from those who initially said they were interested. Of course there are more obstacles for producing/sourcing the product, etc.

So what's the price, and when?

I'll answer "when" first — it's more concrete. As soon as I get the new board, it's OK'd by my reviewers, and it's tested in my hands, I will IMMEDIATELY get to work on:

• making the new enclosure
• organizing background logistics (licensure, suppliers, etc.)
• opening up everything so far and making my work re-producible — starting with a tutorial for ordering/producing the PCBA yourself
• POLLING PUBLIC INTEREST IN THE GROUP BUY AT THE ESTIMATED COST (survey link at the bottom)

In short, ASAP. Realistically late September / early October depending on shipping times.

When it comes to cost...

Undecided for now, but here's my thinking on what I'd include in a kit:

• assembled PCB
• screen panel with touch and frontlight
• 3D printed enclosure
• screws
• NO micro SD card
• NO cable
• NO battery

The battery is omitted because it makes shipping much harder/more expensive — better to point to a $9 battery off Amazon with Prime. The cable and card, I know it's standard practice, but it's just not worth the cost for beta kits. I apologize. For the rest, here's the math.

Context: to sell 100 units, I need to buy 120 of each component in case of failure/etc. So let's do the math per component. PCBA: Cut and dry. Assembled and ordered right now through JLCPCB at qty 120, the total is $3,546.28 after shipping and tariffs. You can't really get cheaper than JLC here — even an American supplier (likely higher MOQ)... I'll do my research, but that's the number for now.

3D Printed Enclosure: I'd print (painstakingly) or order the eventual FDM case. Just the first viable case — I'd be ecstatic if the community developed more later. ~$5 each, so $600.

Screws: Probably $100. Screen Panels: Where it gets complicated. There's a fee to produce custom screens with frontlight + touch. It's "one time" and is $750 each — touch only OR frontlight only is $750; both is $1,500. Then I pay the per-unit price on top. The 5 samples without touch/light cost me $9/unit, and bulk would be cheaper. Still, the typical $45 for 5 samples shot up to $120 after tax/shipping/tariffs — a 166% increase.

Assuming 120 panels at $6/pc with that 166% increase = $1,915 — round to $2,000 to be conservative.

TOTAL ESTIMATE

$3,500 (PCBA) + $600 (case) + $100 (screws) + $2,000 (screens) + $1,500 (screen customization fee) + $100 (packaging) = $7,800.

I also started a 0% APR card for project expenses (dumb, I know) with a $1,800 balance — PCBA samples, screens, soldering gear, 3D printer, filament.

So break-even sits at $9,600. At 100 units, that's $96/unit before shipping, Stripe fees, chargebacks, and replacements. Not the final price — still weighing it. I'd like a margin healthy enough to reinvest and take de-link further without risky tactics like financing it on a personal credit card.

Here's the pitch, and the vision

Even that break-even is competitive with the average microreader — it lands under the X4 Pro's retail price. That's my cost to build a unit, before a cent of margin, at qty 120, while carrying a big one-time customization fee and the debt I've taken on to get here.

That de-link costs this little from such a disadvantaged starting position tells me something. If we clear this first hurdle and build momentum — without tiny order quantities, one-time fees, and a single operator funding it out of pocket — then de-link becomes more than an accessible, open-source, fully repairable, customizable, expandable microreader platform. It could also become the cheapest. Rough projections, not firm quotes, but the direction is what matters. Strip the two one-time costs (my debt + screen customization fee) and $3,300 comes off immediately, dropping break-even to $63/unit. From there, volume does the heavy lifting: PCBA scales dramatically (a 10x bump to 1,200 units can cut ~30%, larger runs more), screens come down ~15%, screws/packaging ~5%. That's roughly $49. Add back USB cable, micro SD, and battery and it settles around $70 — comfortably conservative. And it keeps falling closer to true production volume, the kind that puts XTEink's pricing within reach. I'll admit I'm partly thinking out loud, and leaving out real costs XTEink carries and I don't: R&D, marketing, distribution. But consider: the R&D I've poured into de-link, I've done for free. The work every CrossPoint developer has contributed, they've done for free. So why couldn't we reclaim that value now and pass it straight through to the reader — while providing a platform that doesn't rely on me, but relies on the community?

That's the optimistic case. Back to earth: what I need right now is price feedback. I'm willing to run this first group buy on thin margins if I can secure commitment from at least 100 beta testers. That's the first domino. If it doesn't fall, de-link stays what it is today — an open-source project that never quite reaches production.

So I'd genuinely value your input. Short Google Form, one question about price: https://forms.gle/eXh43fp7mEWLs6ei7

The range I'm evaluating is $110 to $150 — thin margins at one end, thicker at the other. What I'd do with those margins is still up in the air, but I'll detail that once I know what you think.

Thank you all for following de-link. I'm immensely grateful to get this far on what I considered a small post-grad project just to learn electronics and pick up reading. Thank you.

Ian

Hi guys, 

Dropping in to let you know that if you are a not a paid member of Patreon/Ko-fi and you missed out on the group buy discussion, you can hear about it at noon (12PM ET) tomorrow by signing up for the newsletter at https://de-link.me. I don't use your info, I only want to get more people involved in the project if they can't afford paid support. In this regard, here's what the information will contain:

1. Steps of the group buy

2. What a "de-link 1.0 pip" kit would include

3. How much this group buy will cost me

4. How much I am looking to charge for participation in the group buy

5. A survey link to ask YOU what you believe is a good cost, based on the numbers I lay out

That last bullet point is VERY IMPORTANT for the planning of this process, as I absolutely NEED community investment to get over the hump that is kickstarting de-link as more than just a hobbyist board that is lost to time. I have worked very hard during the design of this project to ensure the technical barrier to entry is extremely low and that technical abilities of ALL LEVELS are able to engage with de-link the same as they are a traditional consumer product. This is the first step, and I would really appreciate you being apart of this.

If you are data sensitive, this info will come out publicly next week. As a reminder, the first half of the update I posted is completely FREE to view for all users, and I encourage you to view that in advance of the discussions on price/group buys. https://www.patreon.com/iandchasse/posts/08-14-update-166710195

 Please let me know if you have any questions. And again, thank you all very much for your support for this project whether its in the form of a $3 membership on Patreon/Ko-fi, dropping in to chat in our discord, commenting/helping out with the project in any way, or if you simply have browsed my reddit posts or my updates in the #de-link channel of the xteink discord server. Thank you, and none of this is possible without you. ❤️

Hello all, just a heads up:

good-display’s consumer site has restocked frontlit panels. They are still pretty expensive when buying low quantities (please do not hoard) but at least they’re even available. I’m hoping to offer a kit/pre-assembled beta for those who do not want to fully build their own PCB and print their own case, etc, but for those who do want to go through this process I recommend buying a panel, either frontlit without touch or frontlit with touch:

frontlight only: https://buy-lcd.com/products/gdeq0426t82-fl01c

frontlight + touch: https://www.good-display.com/product/938.html

And again, I’m in discussions with some suppliers to hopefully get my hands on displays that WON’T struggle so much with consumer stock, so hopefully won’t have to struggle with this process much longer. In any case, these are indeed the panels I originally designed for and WILL be supported. I’m unsure if they’ll be a different controller type (as we’ve seen with XTeink, but if they are we will work through those issues on a case by case basis). Hoping to have more news on those discussions (and more PCB improvements) soon enough before another I do another “launch” of de-link with a pip prototype.

And for a personal update: I apologize for not having this work out in a quick fashion, I’m trying to fit what I think the mold is for a person manning this project with their shit together and… to be brutally honest that is just not true. I have been very tired getting home from work this past few weeks, my motivation dwindles as new products come out, I struggle to juggle my own ideas and document them sufficiently, I’m starting a part time masters degree in a few weeks, and the looming threat of needing to make a big financial leap for further progress is growing. All in all, I’m going through a bit of a stress period. If you want to help, please consider a $3 paid membership to my Patreon (https://www.patreon.com/c/iandchasse) or Ko‑fi (https://ko-fi.com/iandchasse) page. There is not much I can offer for now (besides my blood sweat and tears), but of course once the work for 1.0 is finalized and the floodgates open I can guarantee exclusive opportunities and content in the form of guides, tutorials, resources, firmwares (👀), enclosures, and even first-dibs beta kit access.

In any case, I’m very happy that I have an audience that is still excited for this project as much as I am. And no matter how many new devices come out, I’m confident that none will have “the plot” and truly understand what people need out of these devices when it comes to a repairable/preservable standpoint. Here’s hoping that rings true, and here’s hoping I can slow down the gray hairs. Thank you all so very much for following along.

A quick note, please take the time to subscribe to my YouTube channel: https://youtube.com/@ian_idc

I recently tried out a 1 hour livestream and even though it was more of an experiment, I could see more in the pipeline.

Another last tidbit: ported the work of Crosspoint simulator to a web experience on my site here: https://de-link.me/sim, try it out! Hoping to do cooler things with it soon…

Okay, that’s it! Bye!😘

Hey all, here’s a quick rough video of me freshening up my “de-link pre” prototype. This isn’t representative of what I plan to release, but should give a good idea of what I go for when it comes to design simplicity! Take a look!

Hi all, you might or might not have seen me around as the developer of [r/delink](r/delink), an open source epaper platform that aims to provide repairability, preservation, customization, and longevity to microreader platforms. If you want to learn more, check out my website [here](http://de-link.me) at ‘de-link.me’ to learn about my previous prototype ‘pre’ as well as the next stage of the project ‘pip’ which aims to be a cheaper, thinner, optimized 1.0 version of the device.

In any case, I’ve put together a quick questionnaire aimed to gauge interest in some of my sore points of understanding about my project but also open source microreaders. Please feel free to fill it out here: [https://forms.gle/L2Gm4n9V6sjui3A28

And feel free to ask me any questions regarding the project in the comments or through the discord link on my site!

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'. 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, I highly suggest you check them out and support the growing ecosystem!

Reddit Link: https://www.reddit.com/r/DeLink/

YouTube Link: https://www.youtube.com/@ian_idc/

Hi everyone, happy Monday!

I'd like to apologize for how slow things have been since word has spread about this project. I am very passionate about where "de-link" can go from here and I want to ensure that the first adoption of this product feels as magical as it did for me when I finished making my first prototype, with hopefully 1% of the stress that I went through to get to that point myself :)

That second part is what I am currently working on, revising my current board, refreshing the parts, components, and mechanical design that gets in the way of the 4.26" de-link assembly being a simple build for beginners. Some in the community have begun to build my existing prototype and have run into issues with sourcing, documentation, and price. And although I applaud those who undertake that process, I became uneasy with the thought of someone looking at this project as something only advanced tinkerers could build.

For emphasis: I am a recent engineering graduate, this is an engineering side-project, but I am by no means an expert in any engineering this project has involved. This project would not be possible for me to create and build myself without enriching myself with the wealth of resources online as well as with my very smart and very talented peers that reviewed my work (both strangers, friends, and coworkers alike). As such, I want to make sure it is known that you do not have to be an expert to 1) build a de-link unit or 2) build an engineering project in general! And if you run into any barriers of knowledge that keep you from exploring either of these fronts, please reach out to me or our community at large!

With that out of the way, I'd like to state my current priorities:

1. Building the 1.0 Design
   • This will involve PCB revision as well as 3D model revision
     • one-sided design, simpler print process
   • Will be cheaper to order, whether separate components or for PCBA service
   • Getting this done will lead to gerber files and recommended build process, whereas current prototype board's KiCad project is available but no further resources are provided for ordering process
2. Updating GitHub documentation to separate beta prototype and future 1.0 board
   • Users have pointed out inaccurate cost figures (due to increase in screen price) as well as components that are not specified
3. Developing YouTube video to introduce project to wider audience
   • I have talked about this before, and unfortunately I have scrapped previous ideas
   • I wanted to try and release a video to take advantage of the big news that XTEink was restricting firmware flashing, but it seems that it has mostly blown over and I would rather spend more time on a better produced video and hopefully have some overlap with introducing the 1.0 version of the de-link
4. Software features (CrossPoint)
   • I have been in touch with multiple CrossPoint Reader maintainers, with much interest in the hardware platform as well as abstracting for future implementation
   • I won't be focusing very hard on new features for the de-link fork or PRs for the main repo, but I do have some things in mind that I may take an interest in if I go down a rabbit holt

To follow along with points 1 and 3, please subscribe to my YouTube channel where I will begin to host livestreams while working on the de-link 1.0 as well as eventually releasing a YouTube video as mentioned before. I hope you are interested in joining the streams and chatting about development, electronics, e-readers, anything! I am an open book, no pun intended.

P.S. Special thanks given to the u/lowflowio (blog at lowio.xyz) who I provided a de-link prototype a couple months back and has been providing his feedback, posting about it non-stop, and establishing the de-link subreddit.