BYOD

Bring your own device to TRMNL.

Before diving into "how," it's worth mentioning that the investment required to build your own device could be greater than our retail price.

Making your own TRMNL from scratch is not an economically rational decision, but rather a labor of love. We learned this the hard fun way while building v1 over 7 months, from Dec 2023 to July 2024.

Here's what you can expect to spend per component:

• Battery, $5 (unnecessary if you prefer plugged in)

• EPD screen, $50 (this one is compatible)

• Microcontroller, $3-30 (depends if you build/solder yourself or leverage a PCB prototyper)

• Enclosure/case, $3-20 (print one of ours or design your own)

If you know what you're doing and just need some firmware or a server client, here ya go:

• Firmware: https://github.com/usetrmnl/firmware

• Server (multiple options): https://docs.usetrmnl.com/go/diy/byos

When you're ready to start building:

1. Buy access to the TRMNL web app + API: https://shop.usetrmnl.com/products/byod

2. Create a (temporary) virtual device: https://usetrmnl.com/claim-a-device

3. Register your DIY device's MAC (find it): https://usetrmnl.com/devices (click yours to edit)

4. Flash our firmware to your DIY device: easy, advanced

5. Set up your DIY device by turning it on + following the steps to pair WiFi

6. Your DIY device will produce a 6-digit ID; input this inside your existing TRMNL account, via the top-right dropdown > add new device. This will replace your temporary virtual device from Step 2

7. Connect native apps or start building private plugins from the Plugins tab

8. Stay focused

Email [e-mail] if you have any questions, or join the Developer-only Discord, accessible from your Account tab.

DIY Kit

(Coming at the end of June, 2025)

If you're a Seeed Studio early adopter, check out this helpful guide from a mutual customer. You can also leverage the Seeed Wiki guide to TRMNL.