The RoadBook - Rally-Inspired GPS Device for Riders & Adventurers

If you have ever watched a rally race, you might hаve noticed the co-driver reading from a scrollіng‍ paper device on the dashboard. This is a rоad book, a guide that warns the driver about uрcoming sh‍arp turns, fuel stops, hazards, and dіstances. It is easily one of the most vital tоols in racing.

Now, picture having that exaсt system on your bike, motorcycle, or off-road vеhicle, only much smar‍ter. We designed a digitаl version that replaces the paper and the co-drіver with a clear electronic‍ screen. It tracks уour location, shows your next three waypoints wіth real-time distances, and coun‍ts your travel tіme. In an emergency, a single button press instаntly displays your blood type and e‍mergency cоntacts.

We built exactly that.

eRoadBook is a self-contained GPS navigation device built around the Seeed XIAO ESP32S3 Plus and a 4.26-inch ePaper display. It's designed for long road trips, trail rides, rallies, cycling tours, and hiking expeditions — anywhere you need to follow a pre-planned route and stay aware of what's ahead.

Unlike a phone navigation app, it doesn't route you turn-by-turn. Instead it works the way rally drivers think: you plan your journey in advance, mark your important stops and hazards as waypoints, and the device counts down the distance to each one as you ride.

When you get within 50 metres of a waypoint, it automatically advances to the next one. No tapping. No looking away. Just ride.

So let's get it into build

1. XIAO ePaper Display Board(ESP32-S3) - EE05 (The EE05 package includes the display cable, connector, and Wi-Fi antenna.)
2. 4.26" Monochrome ePaper Display with 800x480 Pixels
3. L76K GNSS Module for Seeed Studio XIAO
4. 3.7V 2000Mah 654060 Li-Polymer Battery
5. 12mm Waterproof Momentary Push Button
6. Toggle Switch
7. M2 screws kit
8. M3 screws 10mm X 8
9. Bike phone mount

As you can see in the design, it is not a single solid-body print. I presented different elements in two colours and assembled everything to create a unique look. I downloaded all the component models from Grabcad. I designed the enclosure using Autodesk Fusion 360. I exported all the parts as STL and 3d printed them.

Now, let's 3D print all of the components for this project. I 3D printed domes using both yellow and black PLA.

The core of the project is the new tiny XIAO ePaper Display Board EE05 from Seeed Studio. This driver board is powered by the Xiao ESP32 S3 Plus, which provides additional GPIOs for connecting external sensors and other accessories. It also features programmable buttons, battery connectors, a power switch, and, importantly, support for Senscrteft HMI. This no-code platform makes it easy to create various ePaper projects. You can find more details about Senscrteft HMI here

Thanks to this, we do not need a custom PCB or extensive soldering. All the essential components, including push buttons, a power switch, and battery connectors, are already built into the display driver board. The build will be simple.

I've been using the L76K GNSS Module in my project for finding the live GPS location of the eRoadBook. This versatile and efficient Multi-GNSS receiver is specifically designed for SeeedStudio XIAO and is compatible with all XIAO development boards. It supports various satellite systems such as GPS, BeiDou, GLONASS, and QZSS, allowing for both combined multi-system and independent single-system positioning.

The module features AGNSS functionality, and with its built-in low-noise amplifier and surface acoustic wave filter, I'm able to achieve fast and precise positioning. Additionally, the high-performance active GNSS antenna is optimized for GPS L1 C/A, BeiDou B1, and GLONASS L1 frequencies, which ensures wide coverage and reliable signal reception for my project. This has significantly enhanced my ability to track live GPS locations effectively.

Since the module doesn't have screw holes, it's better to use my Xiao holder PCB for this. Just solder the module onto the PCB; it will work because it has the same footprint as the common Xiao. If you don't like to have any PCB, just use a regulated prototyping board that is cut to size and aligned with screw holes to fit it in the inner frame screw holes.

Here is the link to the PCB file

https://github.com/gokuxmaker/XIAO-PCB-

I used a medium-sized 2.46-inch e-ink screen for this project. I selected this size because it is neither too small nor too large; it's just right for displaying information effectively in this application. It also supports EEO5, making it a good choice.

Due to the placement of the EE05, it is best to use display extension cables to connect to the EE05. The FPC cable and connector are included with the EE05 package, making this task very easy. This means you won't need to spend time searching for the right cable and connector. Simply connect everything according to this picture.

After connecting the display cable extender, follow these steps for display installation

1. Place the display onto the main enclosure.
2. Place the internal frame on the main enclosure.
3. Use four M2 x 5mm screws to secure the internal frame to the main enclosure.

Place the EE05 onto the main frame and secure it using four M3*5mm screws. Then connect the display cables

1. Insert the external cable into the underside of the EE05
2. Position the GPS module.
3. Secure it in place with two M3*5mm screws.

1. Insert the antenna cable through the hole in the antenna holder.
2. Insert the GPS antenna inside the antenna holder.
3. Place the GPS front cap

1. Insert the antenna cable through the hole in the main enclosure.
2. Use a soldering iron to melt and fuse the antenna to the main body.
3. Attach the antenna to the connector on the L76K GNSS Module.

1. Place the power switch into the 3D printed slot.
2. Use the M2*5mm screw to secure the switch to the main enclosure.

1. Place the two push buttons in the main enclosure holes
2. Attach them to the main enclosure.

Here is the wiring diagram for the eRodeBook. We will not be using the power switch on the EE05; instead, we are soldering some wires to the power circuit to connect it to a larger switch. Now, connect all of the components according to the provided circuit diagram.

1. Close the back cap securely using M3 screws.
2. Install two M3 threaded inserts into the holes on the back using a soldering iron.

1. Place the display frame on the front element.
2. Position the entire assembly in front of the main enclosure.
3. Secure the assembly using M3 screws. (Cut the M3 screws to a length of 3mm, or use screws of this specific size. If you use longer screws, they may damage the screen.)

Apply some glue, then position the button cover over the buttons.

So we are done with the build. Now let's flash the code you ardiuno ide make sure thees thisns besfore up loadin the code

Install all of the recommended libraries

1. Choose XIAO ESP32S3 Plus in the Board section, and
2. Make sure the library is selected.
3. include driver.h

Use some M3 screws to install the holder adapter on the back. To mount the device, it is better to use any kind of phone holder

To configure the data connection, connect your PC or mobile phone to the Roadbook Wi-Fi. The password is roadbook123

Open a web browser and enter the IP address 192.168.4.1 This will take you to the configuration page. From this page, you can do the following:

1. Feeding emergency information
2. Manage waypoint data
3. Save and create trips

The "Trips" tab allows you to save your current waypoint mission for later use. With this, you can plan several journeys and save those trips onto the device.

I hope you enjoy this project! If you make any changes to the code, please upload your own version to GitHub and share the link in the comments. I will add it to the main blog. If you have any questions or suggestions, feel free to let me know in the comments!

I hope you enjoy this project! If you make any changes to the code, please upload your own version to GitHub and share the link in the comments. I will add it to the main blog. If you have any questions or suggestions, feel free to let me know in the comments!