Desktop Portrait Stand & Enclosure for CrowPanel 5.79" ESP32-S3 e-Paper Display

1. Project Overview

The CrowPanel 5.79-inch e-Paper HMI display features a distinctive, ultra-wide 272×792 resolution. While horizontal setups are common, placing this panoramic aspect ratio into a vertical portrait orientation creates an ideal desktop companion:

• Smart To-Do & Task List: Real-time sync with Notion, Todoist, or Google Tasks.

• Live Vertical Telemetry: Crypto/stock tickers, home telemetry, or Home Assistant room cards.

• Low-Power Desk Calendar & Clock: Sunlight-readable, zero-glare ambient status board.

This modular enclosure is engineered to be split into 3 discrete printable parts (Front Bezel Frame, Angled Main Body/Backplate, and Base/Stand with cable guide). Splitting the model ensures optimal layer orientation for strength, eliminates tall support structures, and provides clean surface finishes.

2. Slicer Preparation: Split by Object into 3 Parts

Before slicing, prepare the model in Bambu Studio / OrcaSlicer:

1. Split the Model:

   • Right-click the model on the build plate $\rightarrow$ select Split $\rightarrow$ To Objects (or To Parts depending on your file structure).

   • Separate the model into its 3 functional parts:

     1. Part 1 — Front Bezel Frame: The faceplate that secures and frames the 5.79" screen.

     2. Part 2 — Main Body / Backplate: The structural upright housing the PCB and port cutouts.

     3. Part 3 — Angled Base / Foot: The stable desktop stand with the integrated cable routing loop.

2. Plate Layout & Orientation:

   • Part 1 (Bezel): Lay flat face-down on the textured PEI plate for a clean textured face. No supports required.

   • Part 2 (Body): Lay flat on its back to optimize layer lines across mounting standoffs and side port cutouts. Minimal supports.

   • Part 3 (Base): Place flat on its bottom footprint for maximum bed adhesion and stability.

3. 3D Printing & Slicer Configuration

Tested and sliced for standard 0.4 mm nozzle setups:

• Printer / Nozzle: Bambu Lab A1 / 0.4 mm Hardened or Stainless Nozzle

• Material: Generic PLA or PETG (Matte PLA or PETG recommended)

• Build Plate: Textured PEI Plate

• Print Setup: Can be printed sequentially or placed on separate plates for best quality.

Critical Slicer Settings:

• Layer Height: 0.20 mm Standard (Initial layer: 0.20 mm)

• Line Widths:

  • Default: 0.42 mm

  • Initial Layer: 0.50 mm

  • Outer Wall: 0.42 mm | Inner Wall: 0.45 mm

  • Top Surface: 0.42 mm

• Wall Loops (Perimeters): 3 (ensures strong screw standoffs and durable interlocking joints)

• Infill: 15% – 20% (Gyroid pattern recommended for balanced rigidity)

• Supports:

  • Part 1 (Bezel): None needed.

  • Part 2 (Body): Normal or Tree supports enabled only for overhangs at the side connector port cutout.

  • Part 3 (Base): Tree supports inside the circular cable loop opening (easily removable).

4. Hardware Requirements & Bill of Materials (BOM)

• 1x CrowPanel 5.79-inch ESP32-S3 e-Paper Display module

• 3D Printed Parts (3 Pieces): Front Bezel, Main Body, and Base Stand

• 4x M2 / M2.5 self-tapping screws (4 mm–6 mm length) or CA glue / snap-alignment tabs for joining the base and body

• 1x USB-C right-angle or slim profile cable

5. Step-by-Step Assembly Instructions

Step 1: Pre-Assembly Inspection & Clean-up

1. Remove all 3 printed parts from the build plate.

2. Clear away the tree support material from the body side cutout and the circular cable loop in the base.

3. Test-fit the joint between the Main Body and the Angled Base to verify a snug, flush connection before installing electronics.

Step 2: Cable & Electronics Installation

1. Thread your USB-C cable through the circular cable guide ring on the Base.

2. Align the CrowPanel 5.79" PCB into the Main Body, routing the connector through the side port access slot.

3. Fasten the board onto the pre-modeled internal mounting posts using your M2 screws. Hand-tighten only to avoid stripping plastic threads or stressing the PCB.

Step 3: Securing Base & Front Bezel

1. Interlock/fasten the Main Body to the Angled Base.

2. Align the Front Bezel over the screen. Ensure the e-paper glass edge sits freely inside the recessed border without pinch points, then secure the bezel into place.

6. Display Orientation & Firmware Setup

Because the enclosure holds the CrowPanel in an upright vertical stance, set your display rotation to portrait mode in software:

• Arduino / GxEPD2:

  C++

   

  // Set rotation to portrait (1 or 3 depending on orientation)
  display.setRotation(1); 
  display.fillScreen(GxEPD_WHITE);
  display.setTextColor(GxEPD_BLACK);
  display.setCursor(10, 30);
  display.print("PORTRAIT DESK DASHBOARD");
  display.display(true);
  

• ESPHome / Home Assistant:

  YAML

   

  display:
    - platform: ...
      rotation: 90° # Adjust to 270° if inverted
  

7. Files Included

• CrowPanel_5.79_Front_Bezel.stl

• CrowPanel_5.79_Main_Body.stl

• CrowPanel_5.79_Base_Stand.stl