Category: Open Source

GeoRpo – Geo Relative Position

paschmann

It’s snowing and I needed something to do. So I built a new Node.js library written in Typescript (with the help of Claude!)

Context: In the Journey app, I wanted a way to inform users of interesting POI’s in relation to where they were. For example, I am (standing | walking | cycling | driving) from point A to point B, there is an interesting story I want to hear about, in relation to my co-ordinates, bearing and speed, where is the POI in relation to me. This allows me to customize the story for the user. For instance: You may have just passed X, or, on your right is Y, or, about 2 miles to your south is Z.

The purpose of this library is two fold: One it personalizes the story to create a USP and two it gives context to the user as to where the POI is, in relation to themselves. Should they be looking out the window? Or Just understand that the POI is in the general vicinity. Piggy backing off that, the user can decide if they want to stop, explore or if close enough, take a detour to visit or view that POI. read more

Cycling CdA Analyzer

paschmann

I’ve been a BestBikeSplit user for years now. It’s been great for predicting race times and power requirements beforehand, and for analyzing my CdA after races. But at $20 per month, the cost started to feel steep for how often I actually used it.
That’s when I decided to create my own version using Claude. The project works surprisingly well, with results that match up closely with other paid subscription tools.

Check it out on Github here:

GitHub – paschmann/CDAAnalyzer: CDA Analyzer similar to Best Bike Split or MyWindSock

CDA Analyzer similar to Best Bike Split or MyWindSock – paschmann/CDAAnalyzer

Open Source: FitIndex to FitBit (For Garmin Connect)

paschmann

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.

GitHub – paschmann/FitIndexToFitBit: Small Node.js application which converts FitIndex export files (CSV) to FitBit files which can then be uploaded to Garmin Connect. read more

Open Source Project: Reach UI

paschmann

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:

GitHub – paschmann/reach-ui: A test UI for the Node.js Reach SDK

A test UI for the Node.js Reach SDK. Contribute to paschmann/reach-ui development by creating an account on GitHub.

Awesome Trail Building

paschmann

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. read more

OpenGraph API – AWS Lambda

paschmann

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: read more

Sustainability + Opensource = Win

paschmann

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. read more

Export Apple Photos to the Filesystem – Apple Script

paschmann

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

paschmann

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. read more