Another DIY Monstrosity

飞越理想

So what is this thing? Well, it’s definitely a single purpose, distraction free writing device. Very single purpose. It’s built around an RP2040 zero and a small Sharp Memory display. All together it’s less than $15 in parts.

I’ve been lurking here for a while and one of the things that matters the most to me is that I can use MY keyboard. Even more specifically, I can use my keyboard with my keymap. I’ve been messing around with custom keyboards for several years now and I don’t even know if I would be able to find happiness with anything else.

This thing is so distraction free you’re not even distracted by what you’re writing. It’s not easy to read. At least not for my eyes. But that’s ok. It doesn’t do anything other than let you create text files. No spell check, no syncing with anything. Just pure, unedited text. I didn’t realize how freeing that would be. No squiggly red lines making me backup and try to correct, just ideas as raw as they can be.

Currently it’s using just the 2MB of flash built into the board. You have to split that with the firmware, but even at 1MB, you could likely fit a 500-700 page novel on there.

But are the files easy to retrieve? No friend, they are not. They aren’t impossible, but they require you to run a little python script which requires you know what port it’s connecting to. I have another version that connects an SD card reader, so you can just move the card over to your computer and copy the files.

This is a bring your own keyboard and bring your own power type situation, but that also gives it a certain amount of flexibility. Bring as much or as little power/keyboard as you need. Rough estimates with say a 5000mAh power bank mean this thing can be used continuously for several days.

The sharp displays have a fantastic refresh rate, so there’s no noticeable lag when typing. I tried so hard to love the e-ink, but the refresh rate drives me bananas. It’s a personal issue I’m working through in therapy. No shade on those that love them. But the sharp displays also use as little, if not less power than the e-ink.

I’m working on a better adaptor PCB and an actual case, but it’s all about the journey, right?

Enjoy the pics!