iPad Setup

This guide walks you through your first few minutes with Arrivals Board on iPad, from launch to a fully configured board.

First launch

When you open Arrivals for the first time, the board runs through a brief boot sequence. Rows flip into place from top to bottom, just like a real split-flap display warming up. After a few seconds the board settles and displays a set of welcome messages.

First launch boot sequence

There is nothing you need to do during the boot sequence -- just enjoy the show.

Opening Settings

There are two ways to reach Settings:

  1. Tap the gear icon in the top-right corner of the board.
  2. Long-press anywhere on the board background (not on a message row).

Settings panel

Adding your first source

The fastest way to get content on your board is to add a Mastodon account or an RSS feed.

Option A: Mastodon

  1. Open Settings > Sources > Add Source.
  2. Select Mastodon.
  3. Enter your instance URL (for example, mastodon.social).
  4. Sign in when prompted. Arrivals will request read-only access to your timeline.
  5. Tap Done. Posts from your home timeline will begin appearing on the board within moments.

Option B: RSS feed

  1. Open Settings > Sources > Add Source.
  2. Select RSS / Atom.
  3. Paste the feed URL (for example, https://daringfireball.net/feeds/main).
  4. Tap Done. Headlines will start flipping onto the board.

Adjusting display settings

Once you have messages flowing, you may want to tweak how the board looks and sounds.

Open Settings > Display to adjust:

Setting What it does
Row count How many message rows are visible on the board
Flip speed How fast characters flip (from leisurely to rapid)
Color scheme Board and character colors (classic black-and-yellow, white-on-black, and more)
Font The typeface used on the flaps
Sound Toggle the mechanical flip sound effect and adjust its volume

See Display Settings for the full list of options.

Key gestures

Learn these gestures to navigate the board like a pro:

Gesture Action
Tap a message row Opens the linked content (post, article, etc.)
Swipe left on the board Advances to the next message
Swipe right on the board Returns to the previous message
Long-press the board background Opens Settings
Pinch Adjusts the zoom level of the board

Next steps