User Manual

1. Product Overview

Portrait is a WiFi-connected eInk display that brings dynamic content to your home or office. Unlike traditional screens, eInk technology provides a paper-like viewing experience with minimal power consumption and no eye strain.

Key Features

• Paper-like Display: High-contrast monochrome eInk for comfortable, glare-free viewing
• WiFi Connected: Receives automatic updates over your home network
• NFC Setup: Quick and easy configuration using your iPhone
• Low Power: Efficient design with USB-C charging
• Multiple Content Types: Display images, text, QR codes, live data, and more

Features with purple border require Premium subscription

2. What's in the Box

• Portrait Display Unit - Your WiFi eInk display
• Quick Start Guide - Basic setup instructions

3. Technical Specifications

Display

Connectivity

Power

Physical

4. Hardware Setup

Device Layout

┌─────────────────────┐
│  ┌───────────────┐  │
│  │               │  │
│  │    DISPLAY    │  │
│  │   400 x 300   │  │
│  │               │  │
│  └───────────────┘  │
│                     │
└─────────────────────┘

┌─────────────────────┐
│   ┌───────────┐     │
│   │  NFC TAP  │     │  ← Hold iPhone
│   │   AREA    │     │    here for setup
│   └───────────┘     │
│                     │
│          [RESTART]  │  ← Restart button
│                     │
│ [SWITCH]      ● ●   │  ← LEDs
│              USB-C ─┤
│                     │
└─────────────────────┘

LED Indicators

Two charging LEDs are located on the back right side of the device:

Initial Charging

1. Connect the USB-C cable to the side port of your Portrait device
2. Connect the other end to a USB power adapter or computer
3. The blue LED will turn on to indicate power is connected, and the red LED will turn on while the battery is charging
4. Allow 1-2 hours for a full charge before first use

Placement & Positioning

Choose an ideal location for your Portrait display:

• Indoor use only: Portrait is designed for indoor environments
• Stable surface: Place on a flat, stable surface or mount securely
• WiFi range: Ensure good WiFi signal strength at the chosen location
• Viewing distance: The 400x300 display is best viewed from 1-6 feet away
• Avoid direct sunlight: Indirect light is best; prolonged direct sun exposure can damage the eInk display
• Temperature: Keep in a temperature-controlled environment (50°F - 95°F / 10°C - 35°C)

Orientation

Portrait can be displayed in either orientation:

• Portrait mode: Taller than wide - ideal for text, Bible verses, and stock prices
• Landscape mode: Wider than tall - ideal for images, weather, and MTA arrivals

Switch Operation

The power switch is located on the side of the device:

Restart Button

A restart button is located on the back of the device. If the device becomes unresponsive, press the restart button to reboot it. The device will take about 5–10 seconds to reconnect to WiFi after restarting.

5. App Setup & Device Registration

Download the App

1. Open the App Store on your iPhone or use the link below
2. Search for "Paper Portrait Connect"
3. Download and install the app
4. Open the app and create an account or sign in

Register Your Device

Follow these steps to connect your Portrait display to WiFi and register it:

1. 1 Power on your Portrait device by toggling the switch on the side up
2. 2 Open the Paper Portrait Connect app and tap the + button to add a new device
3. 3 Enter your WiFi credentials:
   • WiFi Network Name (SSID) - must be a 2.4GHz network
   • WiFi Password (case-sensitive)
4. 4 Tap "Connect & Register Device"
5. 5 Hold your iPhone to the back of the Portrait device, near the top where the NFC area is located
6. 6 Wait for connection: The app will send WiFi credentials via NFC and receive the device ID
7. 7 Verify the code: A 6-character verification code will appear on your Portrait display
8. 8 Enter the verification code in the app to confirm device ownership
9. 9 Name your device (optional) - e.g., "Kitchen Display" or "Office Portrait"
10. 10 Tap "Verify & Register" to complete setup

6. Display Features

Portrait supports multiple content types. Tap on your registered device to access these options.

Show Image

Display photos from your iPhone on the eInk screen.

1. Select Show Image from the display options
2. Choose a photo from your library
3. The image will be automatically optimized for the eInk display
4. Tap Send to update your display

Show Text

Display custom messages, quotes, or reminders.

1. Select Show Text from the display options
2. Enter your message in the text field
3. Tap Send to display it

Show QR Code

Generate and display scannable QR codes for URLs, WiFi passwords, or any text.

1. Select Show QR Code from the display options
2. Enter the URL or text to encode
3. Tap Generate to create and display the QR code

Bible Verse

Display inspirational scripture with automatic updates.

1. Select Regular Bible Verse from the options
2. Choose your update interval (1 min to Daily)
3. Tap Start to begin receiving verses

Clock PREMIUM

Display the current time with automatic updates.

1. Select Clock from the display options
2. Choose your timezone from the list
3. Select update interval (1 to 30 min)
4. Tap Start to display the clock

MTA Transit PREMIUM

Display real-time NYC subway and bus arrival times.

1. Select MTA Updates from the options
2. Choose Subway or Bus
3. Search for your stop by name or line
4. Select your stop from the results
5. Choose update interval (1 min to 30 min)
6. Tap Start to display live arrivals

Stock Prices PREMIUM

Track stock prices with automatic updates.

1. Select Stock Prices from the options
2. Search for a stock symbol (e.g., AAPL, GOOGL, TSLA)
3. Select the stock from results
4. Choose update interval (1 min to Daily)
5. Tap Start to display live prices

Weather PREMIUM

Display current weather conditions for US cities.

1. Select Weather Updates from the options
2. Search for your city
3. Select the city from results
4. Choose update interval (1 min to Daily)
5. Tap Start to display weather

7. Device Management

Rename Device

Tap on the device name in the device list to edit it. Give each device a memorable name like "Kitchen Display" or "Office Portrait".

Change Device Icon

Tap the device icon to choose from a selection of icons. This helps you quickly identify devices if you have multiple Portrait displays.

Pause/Resume Updates

Tap the power icon to toggle updates on or off. When paused:

• You won't be able to change the display mode
• If set to live mode, the device will still receive data and update the display
• Resume to change the display mode again

Update WiFi Credentials

If you change your WiFi network or password:

1. Tap the WiFi icon on your device card
2. Enter the new WiFi credentials
3. Tap "Write to Device"
4. Hold your iPhone to the back of the Portrait device
5. The device will reconnect with the new credentials

Delete Device

Swipe left on a device in the list to delete it from your account. This removes the device registration but does not affect the device itself.

8. Daily Operation

Understanding how your Portrait device operates day-to-day will help you get the most out of it.

How Content Updates Work

Portrait uses two operating modes for different content types:

Live Updates Mode (Default)

• Used for: Clock, MTA Transit, Stocks, Weather, Bible Verses
• Device maintains a secure WiFi connection to receive updates
• Updates occur at your chosen interval (1 min to 24 hours)
• Display refreshes automatically when new content arrives
• Slightly higher power consumption due to active WiFi

Static Display Mode

• Used for: Images, Text, QR Codes
• Content is sent once and displayed until changed
• WiFi can be disabled to conserve power
• Display retains content even when powered off (eInk feature)
• Very low power consumption

Understanding Update Intervals

What Happens During a Display Refresh

When the display updates, you'll notice:

1. The screen may briefly flash black and white (this is normal for eInk)
2. New content appears within 1-2 seconds
3. The device returns to low-power state until the next update

Keeping Your Device Connected

For reliable operation, ensure:

• Stable WiFi: Keep your router powered and working
• Signal strength: Move the device closer to your router if updates are unreliable
• Network changes: Update WiFi credentials in the app if you change your network password
• Power: Keep the device charged or plugged in for continuous operation

Battery Life Expectations

When fully charged, the device can last approximately 1.5 – 2 days in live mode (with active WiFi and regular updates). Static mode lasts significantly longer since the device doesn't need to maintain a WiFi connection. To conserve battery, turn off the device when not in use.

9. Premium Subscription

Free Features

• Show Text
• Show QR Code
• Show Image
• Bible Verse (scheduled updates)

Premium Features

• Clock (with timezone selection)
• MTA Transit (NYC subway and bus)
• Stock Prices
• Weather Updates

Subscribe to Premium

To unlock premium features:

1. Open the Paper Portrait Connect app
2. Tap on the Profile tab
3. Tap Upgrade to Premium
4. Choose your subscription plan
5. Complete the purchase through the App Store

Subscriptions are managed through your Apple ID and can be cancelled at any time in your iPhone Settings under Subscriptions.

10. Maintenance & Care

Proper maintenance ensures your Portrait display operates reliably for years.

Cleaning the Display

The eInk display requires gentle care:

1. Power off the device before cleaning
2. Use a soft, dry microfiber cloth (like one for glasses or screens)
3. Gently wipe the screen in one direction
4. For stubborn marks, slightly dampen the cloth with distilled water
5. Never spray liquid directly on the device

Cleaning the Device Body

• Wipe with a soft, slightly damp cloth
• Avoid getting moisture in ports or buttons
• Let the device dry completely before powering on

Battery Maintenance

Maximize your battery's lifespan:

• Avoid full discharge: Recharge before the battery is completely empty
• Regular use: If storing long-term, charge to ~50% first
• Temperature: Avoid charging in extreme heat or cold
• Quality chargers: Use reputable USB power adapters (5V output)

App Updates

Keep the Paper Portrait Connect app updated for the best experience:

1. Open the App Store on your iPhone
2. Tap your profile picture (top right)
3. Scroll down to see pending updates
4. Tap Update next to Paper Portrait Connect, or Update All

Network Maintenance

If you make changes to your home network:

• Changed WiFi password: Update credentials via the WiFi icon in the app
• New router: Re-register the device with new network credentials
• Network name changed: The device will need new credentials via NFC

Long-Term Storage

If you won't use your Portrait for an extended period:

1. Charge the battery to approximately 50%
2. Power off the device
3. Store in a cool, dry place (50°F - 77°F / 10°C - 25°C)
4. Avoid humid environments
5. Recharge every 3-6 months to maintain battery health

Recommended Maintenance Schedule

11. Troubleshooting

Device Won't Connect to WiFi

• Check network type: Portrait only supports 2.4GHz networks. Ensure you're not trying to connect to a 5GHz network.
• Verify password: WiFi passwords are case-sensitive. Double-check your password.
• Router issues: Restart your router and try again.
• Distance: Move the Portrait device closer to your router during setup.

NFC Connection Fails

• iPhone position: Hold the top of your iPhone to the back of the Portrait device, near the top edge.
• Remove case: Thick cases can interfere with NFC. Try removing your iPhone case.
• Hold steady: Keep your iPhone in position for 2-3 seconds.
• Check settings: Ensure NFC is enabled in your iPhone Settings.

Display Not Updating

• Check device status: Ensure the device is not paused in the app.
• WiFi connection: Verify your WiFi network is working and the device is in range.
• Wait for interval: Updates occur at the selected interval (e.g., every 30 minutes).
• Force refresh: Open the device details and tap "Refresh" to manually trigger an update.

App Issues

• Update app: Ensure you have the latest version from the App Store.
• Force quit: Close and reopen the app.
• Sign out: Try signing out and back in from the Profile tab.
• Reinstall: Delete and reinstall the app as a last resort.

Battery Draining Quickly

• Live mode: A fully charged device lasts approximately 1.5 – 2 days in live mode. This is normal due to active WiFi usage.
• Use static mode: Static content (Image, Text, QR) uses significantly less battery since WiFi stays off.
• Turn off when not in use: Power off the device with the switch on the back to conserve battery.
• Keep plugged in: For always-on live features, keep the device connected to USB-C power.

Verification Code Not Showing

• Wait: It may take 5-10 seconds for the code to appear after NFC transfer.
• Check WiFi: The device needs to connect to WiFi before showing the code.
• Restart device: Power off and on the Portrait device, then retry registration.

12. Safety Information

Intended Use

Paper Portrait is designed for stationary indoor use. Perfect placement options include:

• Desktop display: On your desk, nightstand, or kitchen counter
• Shelf display: On a bookshelf, mantle, or entertainment center
• Wall-mounted: In a hallway, office, or living space
• Reception areas: Lobbies, waiting rooms, or storefronts

General Safety

• Keep the device in a dry, indoor environment
• Avoid direct sunlight for extended periods
• Do not expose to temperatures below 32°F (0°C) or above 113°F (45°C)
• Keep out of reach of small children and pets
• Do not place near heat sources, radiators, or open flames

Battery Safety

• Use only standard quality USB-C cables
• Use only standard USB power adapters (5V, 1A-2A output)
• Do not attempt to open, modify, or replace the battery
• If the device becomes hot, swells, or emits odor, discontinue use immediately and contact support
• Do not puncture, crush, or expose the battery to fire
• Dispose of old devices according to local electronics recycling regulations

Electrical Safety

• Keep away from water, rain, and excessive moisture
• Do not use with wet hands
• Unplug during electrical storms
• Do not use damaged cables or adapters
• Ensure proper ventilation around the device when charging

Display Safety

• The eInk display contains no backlight and emits no harmful blue light
• If the display cracks or breaks, avoid touching the internal components
• Do not apply pressure to the display surface

Regulatory Information

This device complies with FCC regulations for electronic devices. Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the manufacturer could void the user's authority to operate the equipment.

13. Support & Contact

We're here to help! If you have questions or need assistance:

• Email: babs@wanyekitech.com
• Support Page: Portrait Support

When contacting support, please include:

• Your device's registration code (if applicable)
• A description of the issue
• Your iPhone model and iOS version
• Any error messages you've seen