I got tired of being locked into FitIndex’s ecosystem when I wanted to move my weight tracking data to Garmin Connect. Their CSV export format doesn’t play nicely with other platforms, so I built (Thanks Claude Code!) a simple Node.js converter that transforms FitIndex exports into Fitbit’s CSV format (which most fitness platforms actually support). It handles the timestamp conversion, cleans up the data, and spits out a file you can import anywhere. Nothing fancy, just solves the annoying problem of data portability between fitness apps.
Category: Open Source
Open Source Project: Reach UI
After building the open Source Reach SDK project, I realized it would be great to have an accompanying UI /Dashboard/Work bench where I would be able to test various notification methods and configurations before including them in my projects. Due to this, I build Reach UI, under the hood it is a simple static site with a Node.JS backend, using the Reach SDK. I think it does an ice job at showing how simple it can be to implement the SDK in your code base, and even includes some example code to make it even easier.
Check it out on Github below:
Awesome Trail Building
After working on Rocky Branch since 2018 to renovate the park, it became very clear to me that the Trail Building community could really use a Framework or Templated approach for building trails. Like a niche business segment or company, all trail building projects are very similar in nature, structure, challenges and solutions. While I have not quite filled the gap of “open source trails”, I decided to take one small step in the right direction by compiling a list in the “Awesome” format, many software or online projects use these “awesome lists” to help folks get started in the right direction.
Step 2 of this project would be to build reusable templates, emails, websites, assets, way finding signage, presentations and maintenance schedules. The ultimate goal: Make it as simple as possible for volunteers, cities, towns and land owners to build trails.
OpenGraph API – AWS Lambda
8 years ago I was introduced to Serverless functions on AWS. The concept of having the ability to run code, without worrying about running the underlying sever infrastructure was pretty appealing, not only from a management and operations perspective, but also from the associated 24/7 runtime costs.
Serverless computing enables you to focus on writing code, wiring it up to a API gateway or endpoint, and only paying when the code is executed. Some of the key functions or aspects which make this unique compared to a traditional server stack such as LEPP, MEAN, LAMP, etc. is that you have to consider the key underlying characteristics of a micro-service architecture:
Bookmark: Open Source E-ink Display – Glider
I tend to be more and more interested in open source hardware. Between the resonable PCB printing and cheap components, this category of DIY is becoming increasingly popular. Here is a cool project where the hardware and software are ripe for a summer project:
Sustainability + Opensource = Win
I really like this sort of manifesto from Bruno (an open source alternative to Postman, Insomnia, ++) – which is a API testing tool. Building useful open source tools or products is generally a labor of love (= Github Stars), but sometimes the love fades (= Github Forks), and inevitably no one wins (= Github Unfollow). As an open source developer, and consumer is to have zero expectations – I got this product for “free” and I am sharing this product for “free” is generally part of my ambitions.
However, many consumers of open source software want to the product to grow and thrive at that free tier which is more often than not unreasonable. This sus up some options around the lifecycle surrounding open source and what consumers, and developers should expect.
Export Apple Photos to the Filesystem – Apple Script
I have never really used Apple Script, but recently had the desire to backup all my Apple Photos to my local NAS. I currently have all my photos organized in a Folder -> Album structure so pulled this Apple Script together together to get this done. Create a new Apple Script (*.scpt) and select the source Photos Folder and a location to save the files on your filesystem. Note: Slashes in the name case folders to be created 🙁
https://gist.github.com/paschmann/536def178ea9dd96c22c2143cc2b212c
3D Printing Project: F1 Sim Wheel
I have always enjoyed the concept of being immersed into a virtual world. One of my first experiences with VR was in roughly 1993 when our local arcade introduced a game from one of the OG gaming founders John Waldron called Dactyl Nightmare on a 1000CS. After that experience, I have always wanted to build a motion sim which gets you as close to reality as possible.
Last year I took the first steps and decided to put the initial blocks in place and start with sim platform that I could eventually add motion to. I purchased a Fanatic wheel base and thought it would be a great learning experience to build the steering wheel from scratch. Many of the components can be built versus bought which is what is keeping me motivated to eventually get the entire system together.
DIY – E V E R Y T H I N G
Designing, building and then using something you have made, has been one of the most rewarding and personally satisfying activities I have found in my life so far. I was born a tinkerer, always disassembling, trying to understand and improve or recreate.
My favorite TV show is “How it’s made”.
I have way too many expensive tools, printers, cutters and machines, and not a single one has made a significant return on the investment … but, what I have learned using them has been 10x …
Its not just the tool, its the tools to use the tool, the software to design the product, the process to start, run or finish the machine or product, the prep work, consideration and the functionality.
Laser Cutting Project: Bicycle hook
This weekends challenge, a better hook for a bicycle:
Want to laser cut one of your own or remix it? Check it out on Thingiverse
This is a vertical based bike hook for bicycles with aero (deep) front rims. Currently there are not many wheel hooks that keep the front wheel vertical and that don’t scratch the rim when putting the bike up.
The hook is lasercut using a glowforge and medium draft board (the material thickness is important as all the slots need to interlock). Assembly is slotting the parts together and installation requires two screws/anchors into the wall.
It was specifically designed for a Reynolds AR80, however, I believe other wheels with similar dimensions, depths or profiles should fit.
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