The ultimate open-source, hackable device with modular functionality through NFC cards. Ultra-portable, ultra-customizable, built for makers and tinkerers.
v1.0 - Raspberry Pi Pico W
MindPad is a modular smart device that changes its functionality based on the NFC card you present to it. Built on open-source principles, it's designed to be hacked, modified, and personalized to your needs.
Each NFC card represents a different module - calendar, smart home control, task manager, and more. Swap functionality instantly by swapping cards.
Open-source hardware and software. Built on Raspberry Pi Pico W with MicroPython. Add your own modules or modify existing ones.
Custom 3D-printed cases with embedded NFC tags. Choose from community designs or create your own.
Raspberry Pi Pico W microcontroller, 2.13" e-ink display, PN532 NFC/RFID module, custom PCB, and 3D-printed enclosure.
MicroPython firmware with modular architecture. Each NFC card triggers a different Python module to load.
NFC card is read → corresponding module loads → interacts with APIs or local data → updates e-ink display → waits for next interaction.
Step-by-step guide to assembling your own MindPad. No soldering required for the basic version!
1. Stack e-ink display on Pico W. 2. Connect NFC module via I2C. 3. Insert into 3D printed case. 4. Program NFC cards.
Connect VCC to 3V3, GND to GND, SDA to GP0, SCL to GP1.
Pico W ⇨ PN532 3V3 (Pin 36) ⇨ VCC GND (Pin 38) ⇨ GND GP0 (Pin 1) ⇨ SDA GP1 (Pin 2) ⇨ SCL
# Install MicroPython sudo picotool load firmware.uf2
Download the firmware from our repository and flash it to your Pico W.
# Install required libraries mpremote mip install github:org/repo/pkg
Use mpremote or rshell to install the necessary libraries.
# Program an NFC card import nfc nfc.write_card(uid='abc123', module='calendar')
Program each NFC card with the corresponding module identifier.
# Example module template
class MyModule:
def __init__(self, display):
self.display = display
def run(self):
self.display.text("Hello World!")
Add your Python module to the modules folder and map it to an NFC card.
Use our base STL files to create custom cases in Fusion 360, TinkerCAD, or your preferred 3D modeling software. Share your designs with the community!
Get all the files you need to build, modify, and expand your MindPad.
The complete MindPad firmware and example modules. Licensed under MIT.
Case designs in multiple styles. Ready for 3D printing or modification.
Complete technical documentation for MindPad hardware and software.
Join our growing community of makers, developers, and tinkerers.
Join our active Discord community with over 1,200 members. Get help, share your projects, and collaborate.
Contribute to the open-source projects or create your own fork. We welcome pull requests!