Trinket Pedometer

Here is the prototype , including how it will fit in a standard usb dock and how one wears it like a regular pedometer.  The user will leave it charging in dock until they are ready for a walk .  They then attach it  to their belt, go walking, and place it in the dock when done. The TP will download its data to software on the PC that will calculate the stats of the walk.

Note TP = " Trinket Pedometer "

This biggest challenges for the project are :

1) How do I keep the size small and at the same time keep it functional as a regular pedometer ?  ( The last thing I want is a huge box hanging off my belt loop

I will use an old dead  WiFI adapter  housing and connector for the Trinket's housing
and data collection

2) How do I power/recharge the dang thing ?

Using the old USB-A male connector, I will use this  for both data collection and power -  When I plug

the device in the usb dock pictured in future future diagrams included with this blog, it will charge the batteries every time   and download data from the TP simultaneously . A VB program will

collect and store data from current walks from memory stored in the TP

I want to use small batteries but at the same time have enough charge for a 5 mile walk

at 3 to 5 mi/hr

I have decided to use a Li-ion  cordless phone battery to power the device.  I figure if the

talk time on my cordless handset is about 2 hours, this will more than enough walk time for

the TP 

3) How do I upload data from the device ? Do I want wired or wireless data transfer  ?

See the above regarding the USB connector scavenged from the busted WiFI

adapter.

4) How do keep it inexpensive to build  ( if it is going to cost more than the a FitBit,

what's is the point, right ?? ).  I want to use stuff I  can find around the house.

These are my expenses so far :

Digital Pedometer - $1

Cordless phone battery - Donation - $0

Busted WiFi Adapter - Donation -$0

Adafruit -Trinket  Pro  -$10

Construction time - Donated - 0$

Total cost - $11

Cheapest Fitbit at Walmart - $60

(I think I'm good with the price )

( more to come in the next blog )

This biggest challenges for the project are :

1) How do I keep the size small and at the same time keep it functional as a regular pedometer ?  ( The last thing I want is a huge box hanging off my belt loop

2) How do I power/recharge the dang thing ?

I want to use small batteries but at the same time have enough charge for a 5 mile walk

at 3 to 5 mi/hr

3) How do I upload data from the device . Do I want wired data or wireless ?

4) How do keep it inexpensive to build  ( if it is going to cost more than the a FitBit,

what's is the point, right ?? ).  I want to use stuff I  can find around the house.

( more to come in the next blog )