Evertop: Solar-Powered, Ultra-Low-Power IBM XT Clone Runs for Thousands of Hours Off-Grid

Evertop is a portable, ultra-low-power computer that emulates an IBM XT with an 80186 processor and 1MB of RAM, capable of running DOS, Minix, and early versions of Windows. One of its standout features is an e-ink display that can run for hundreds to thousands of hours on a single charge, thanks to its power-efficient design and built-in solar panel. This project, created by Eric Jenott, aims to provide a nostalgic yet highly practical computing experience, especially for off-grid environments where energy sources are limited. Loaded with Built-in Peripherals The Evertop is equipped with a built-in keyboard, external PS/2 keyboard and mouse ports, full CGA, Hercules, and MCGA graphics support, and partial EGA and VGA support. It includes a PC speaker, Adlib, Covox, and Disney Sound Source audio outputs, along with built-in speaker and headphone jacks featuring volume control. Additionally, it has one DB9 RS232 serial port, one TTL serial port, dual PS/2 ports for keyboard and mouse, a USB flash drive port for easy file transfer, an RJ45 ethernet port, and both Wi-Fi and LoRa radio capabilities. The creator, Eric Jenott, has even written a LoRa real-time chat client in QBasic. Bluetooth hardware is present but not yet integrated into features. The detachable keyboard allows for flexible usage, either with the integrated option or an external full-sized keyboard. Charging Options for Every Scenario Evertop supports three charging methods: a built-in solar panel, a 2.5-20V DC input via an internal buck/boost circuit, and a micro USB connector. These options allow for simultaneous charging from multiple sources while the device is in use. A built-in voltmeter helps users monitor battery levels and charge voltage easily. The solar panel, rated at 6V and 6W, typically produces 700mA in full sunlight, providing ten to fifty hours of continuous use for each hour of charging. On cloudy days, it still generates 70-100mA, yielding one to five hours of additional use per hour of charge. The device can hibernate to disk and automatically shut off power when idle, further extending its battery life. Storage and Emulation The system uses a 256GB SD card to store floppy and hard disk images. Each emulated hard drive can be up to 4GB, and emulated systems can mount two floppy drives and two hard drives, totaling 8GB. Users can set up multiple emulated environments and select which one to boot at startup, or default to the last used system. This setup supports a wide range of classic applications and games, from QBASIC programming to titles like Space Quest 3, Minesweeper, and Doom. Technology and Design Under the hood, Evertop is powered by an Espressif ESP32 microcontroller. The e-ink display is a 5.83-inch 648x480 model from Good Display, known for its fast refresh rate and zero power consumption when not refreshing. The initial project was based on Fabrizio Di Vittorio's PCEmulator demo for his FabGL library, with Eric Jenott adding, cutting, and modifying the code over two years to create Evertop. The enclosure is 3D printed using matte PETG plastic, making it durable and lightweight. Evertop Min: A Lightweight Version To make the device more portable and cost-effective, Eric Jenott introduced the Evertop Min. This stripped-down version eliminates the built-in keyboard, variable voltage charging, solar panel, RJ45 ethernet, DB9 serial port, LoRa radio, and volt meter, along with half of the battery capacity. Despite these cuts, it retains the e-ink display, dual PS/2 ports, built-in speaker, headphone jack, volume control, USB flash drive port, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, TTL serial port, SD card slot, and micro USB charging port. It runs the same firmware as the larger Evertop, making it a versatile option for minimalist off-grid computing. User Experience and Applications Users can run a variety of classic games and applications, and the device includes features such as a built-in text editor and e-reader. Sample videos and images demonstrate its capabilities, from running QBASIC and early Windows versions to playing games like SimCity and King's Quest 1. It also supports networking with features such as web browsing, FTP, and telnet. Power Efficiency and Consumption In power-saving mode, Evertop can run for 200 to 500 hours of continuous interactive use on a single charge. With native applications for text editing and reading, the potential extends to over 1000 hours, and the e-reader app could last up to 10,000 hours on a single charge. This makes Evertop ideal for scenarios where energy conservation is paramount, such as remote fieldwork or camping. Industry Insights and Company Profile Evertop stands out in the niche market of retro computing and off-grid solutions. Its innovative use of e-ink displays and solar power aligns with the growing trend of sustainable technology. Industry insiders praise Evertop for its ability to bridge the gap between the nostalgia of early computing and modern power efficiency needs. The creator, Eric Jenott, is known for his passion for retro technology and his expertise in low-power computing. His previous projects include a similar pocket device, showcasing a consistent commitment to the field. Evertop’s design and functionality make it a compelling choice for enthusiasts and professionals alike who value both the historical significance of early PCs and the practical benefits of modern power-saving technologies. The addition of the Evertop Min further diversifies its appeal, catering to users who prioritize portability and cost-effectiveness.