Open Digital Checklist

When something keeps coming to mind, especially after years, it means I just need to do it. This project would have made my life so much more organized, but I didn't have the skills to make it when I really needed it. Now I've got most of the skills, but lack the time and funds. Soon though. I want to keep this as a stand alone device, instead of trying it to a smartphone for base functions, like checklist management. I've completed my first real Python project already, and am well into my first big Arduino project. Both are teaching me the hardware and software skills I need to finally complete this project. The best part is that the available hardware is far better now than when I started this in 2016. I think a Raspberry Pi Zero W is in order. I've also got 2 IBM Model M keyboards to work with. One will have a small PC built into it and be turned into a mobile development kit for all kinds of fun things. I just had the idea to dock the checklist directly into the keyboard PC for transferring data, and set up some auto synching features and charging. I could even dock the device and use the Model M keyboard to create and edit the lists on the device. Tons of options, still a little beyond my reach with my current programming level. I'll assemble the hardware as soon as I can and that will make it easy to really get started on this. As much as I don't like monetizing things, I suspect I will build and sell these if people are interested. I hate the 9-5 world and want to do something useful with my time. I'd still have an open source version for anyone to make though. I'm very excited to start on this. I think I'll pick up the raspberry pi soon...

Recently I've been thinking about one of my oldest projects on here. My DIY truck camper. That got me logged back into here and I remembered this project. I've made no further progress here, but I do still intend to finish it at some point. The hardware is likely to be far different than what was first available when I first came up with this idea. By the time I get around to making this thing, I bet it will be easier than ever to add some really nice features. 

The killer feature for me would be syncing Google Keep notes to it some how. I use tons of them, and having a super small device that could modify those lists would be perfect for me. Maybe have it somehow scrape the data off my notes, reformat for the small screen, then send back changes to the main note. No idea how to do that, so I'll start simple until I get around to learning programming. 

I move back to my home state in a month, and will be right down the street from a good friend who owns a prop making business, and can help me design and make the case, which is the part stopping me from getting the hardware made. I did get a really nice Dremel Platinum kit for my leather working business, so I could as easily carve the case out of a nice piece of cherry or some other hard wood. Either way I do, I now have the means to build the hardware. Once that's done, I'll have a really good excuse and reason to finally learn Python and get to programming it. Maybe I'll simply find a way to link it to a smartphone on Bluetooth or wifi and run a webserver interface on it to allow editing lists and such on it. Time will tell.

Just wanted to stop by and let everyone who's followed and liked this project know it's not dead. It's been on hold a few years while I stabilize my life and build the skills needed to bring it to life. I'll continue to design it with open source in mind, though I'll likely make a commercial version to sell through my business some day to fund future projects. Cheers!

Its been about 1.5 years since i last updated or thought about this project. My life went down hill and I ended up putting all projects on hold. These days, I'm starting a business, and getting back into my electronics. I have to design and build some custom industrial equipment, so I might as well finish this project as I master some more skills. This one is still a long way off, but I still find value in it. Currently, I'm using an Android small with Google Keep, but still want to get away from that. I'd be happiest if my Raspberry Checklist could read and write my Keep account. We shall see how it goes.

As I am constantly in need of a good flashlight, I have decided to add one to this checklist. I have found a really neat, 1 watt LED that I can mount on the back of the case, and hook directly to the battery through a physical switch.

1 Watt Cool White LED - Heatsink Mounted

From <https://www.adafruit.com/products/518>

The current daw on this should be low enough not to drain the battery too fast, but much testing will need to be done to determine the effect on battery life and case temperatures.

I am considering the following switch as it is very simple, rugged, and easy to operate blindly.

Breadboard-friendly SPDT Slide Switch

From <https://www.adafruit.com/products/805>

The built in flashlight would be made much more effective with the addition of magnets or a belt clip of some sort.

After reading a few automotive articles involving extensive Bondo work, I have decided to try to build the case for this project out of Bondo. The stuff is super tough, easy to work with, molds well, and can be sanded and finished quite easily. It also drills really well and I am sure I can tap it for case screws as well.

I would also like to embed magnets into the case to allow it to stick to random surfaces so you could mount it as a dash cam or flashlight or something if needed. Would be a very handy tool for automotive work, as you could use the flashlight and checklist functions at the same time. Just turn on the light, bring up your transmission mounting checklist, and stick it to the frame somewhere.

Still very excited to finish this project up as it will be one of my largest projects and most useful. I should have plenty of time and funds available within the next two months and might be able to hammer it out pretty quick. Figured I'd provide a quick update for those following and write some quick ideas down.

After moving again, starting a new job, and a few other major events, I am unable to work on this right now. I have most of the hardware needed, but I am not a programmer yet. I will be going through codecademy soon, and will return to this when done. This is the most complex of all my current projects, and also the one I want to turn out the best. I am going to master a few more skills first and return to this when I have nailed the hardware and software on a few other projects. Still haven't given up on this.

Just got my micro HDMI to HDMI adapter and Raspberry Pi Zero v1.3 in the mail the other day. Accidentally kind of stepped on the shipping envelope, but I think everything is ok. I opened them, inspected them carefully, set the on my desk, and that's where they have stayed for about 3 days now. Too busy to so anything with it now, just gathering parts and thinking about the project from time to time. Mostly thoughts regarding how useful this thing would be if I actually had it working right now...

I have been putting this project off lately for a few reasons. Mostly due to getting used to a new job, lack of sleep, lack of time, and the biggest one: Lack of proper hardware. I have the Raspberry Pi Zero, an HDMI to DVI cable, a monitor with DVI, a wireless keyboard with touch pad that works with the Pi, a USB OTG adapter, a simple LCD module, soldering equipment, everything needed to prototype the hardware, and SD cards to write the images for the Raspberry Pi Zero.

I am missing an HDMI adapter, a proper power supply, a USB hub, epoxy putty to make the case, battery and charging circuitry, and the knowledge to program this thing properly. I will try to order the missing hardware tomorrow when I get paid. I am hoping to get the hardware together by next week so I have a stand alone device, even if the software isn't ready. The software roadblocks will be significant for me, but I know I can tackle the hardware pretty quickly, so I am just going to focus on that for now.

It has been a while since I even thought about this project, but I really need to get back to it ASAP.

Things that need done to achieve bare minimum functionality:

1. Outline that simplest process for flipping through tasks and toggling them "Done."
2. Get the LCD screen working with Raspberry Pi Zero, then solder connections.
3. Mount the screen straight to the Pi.
4. Get a battery and charging circuit.
5. Make a temporary, 2 piece case from epoxy putty, screw it together before set so it can be taken apart.

As I find myself busier than ever, trying to get ready for winter, I find that completing this project will make my life much easier and help me stay on top of the ever growing list of things I need to remember, and take care of. Right now, I am going to focus on the core checklist functionality, keeping other desired features in mind as I design a temporary case, software, and peripherals. Even if I have to edit the code every time I need to add to the lists, that will be ok. I can keep writing things down in my notebook and add them to the Raspberry Checklist when I get to my computer next. This process should annoy me enough to force me to include a full keypad on the back or something.