Heltec wireless paper
When battery longevity matters most, this e-ink node delivers weeks of operation on minimal power.
Important: 868 MHz for Europe
Always buy the 868 MHz version for use in Europe. The 915 MHz version (US) is not allowed in Europe.
Understanding the Heltec wireless paper
The Heltec Wireless Paper brings together an ESP32-S3 microcontroller, a crisp 2.13" e-ink panel, and the dependable SX1262 LoRa transceiver. What sets this board apart is its miserly power draw: just 20 microamps whilst sleeping.
Once refreshed, the e-ink display holds its image for roughly half a year without any power whatsoever. For remote nodes that must run unattended through several seasons, few alternatives match this capability. Bright sunshine poses no readability challenge either.
Heltec Automation operates from Chengdu, China, where they have manufactured LoRa and IoT hardware since 2014. Their facility houses three SMT production lines, enabling consistent quality at competitive prices.
Hardware specifications
| Chipset | ESP32-S3FN8 dual-core processor at 240 MHz paired with Semtech SX1262 |
| LoRa Frequency | 868 MHz for UK/Europe - verify frequency variant before ordering |
| Display | 2.13" electronic paper, 250x122 resolution, monoChrome |
| Battery | External connection via SH1.25-2 port (battery sold separately) |
| GPS | Not included |
| WiFi / Bluetooth | WiFi 802.11 b/g/n plus Bluetooth 5.0 LE (one at a time) |
| Dimensions | Roughly 88 x 88 x 25 mm when housed |
| Special Features | Electronic paper screen, 20 microamp sleep current, 8MB storage, USB-C, u.FL antenna socket |
When to choose the wireless paper
For remote installations running on battery, this device excels. Drawing merely 20 microamps whilst dormant means months of autonomous operation become feasible. The e-ink panel only consumes power during screen updates.
Under direct sun, e-ink remains completely legible - no glare or washout like backlit screens suffer. Outdoor deployments, asset labels, or status displays all benefit from this characteristic.
Be aware: GPS hardware is absent here. For position tracking, examine the Heltec Wireless Tracker instead. Additionally, without external PSRAM, WiFi and Bluetooth cannot operate simultaneously.
Purchase the wireless paper
Available through Heltec's official AliExpress presence. Remember: budget for an external antenna and battery pack for practical field use.
Browse on AliExpressMake sure to select the 868 MHz version for Europe
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