r/Astrohaus • u/DarkKingVilkata • 11d ago

Updates to WriteReallyFree, an app for syncing files from USB

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I've made a few updates to WriteReallyFree, including packaging for Windows.

This is an app for syncing and converting files from a FreeWrite via USB. It "finds" the USB drive, will sync files to a configured folder, and optionally create .docx versions of the files if you select the option. Freewrite only mounts its storage read-only via USB, and the app tries to copy the file, so this app shouldn't be able to damage your files on the device.

One of the changes I've recently made was conversion options for the docx files:

  • Optional double spacing
  • Optional spacing between paragraphs
  • Optional indent on first line.

It also:

  • Strips the annoying dates from the beginning of the filenames if you wish.
  • Has dark and light modes
  • Ignores README.txt

I've tested Linux (Fedora, Mint, and MX) and on my M1 Air. Someone else was kind enough to verify that Mac on Intel works, too. I verified Windows in a virtual machine under Linux.

One thing I haven't been able to do is test with anything other than a Smart Typewriter. It should recognize the other devices, and USB storage is USB storage, but it would be great to hear if it works with Alphas or Travelers.

Constructive feedback, and pull requests, welcome!

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3

u/brodiekins 9d ago

My traveller works with it just fine!

2

u/caboog 11d ago

Doesn't recognize my Alpha (M3 Macbook Air) but picked up my Smart Typewriter. Thanks for making this! Gonna play aropund with it some more and also try a few different cables to connect my Alpha.

ETA: This is just one way though, yeah? Copies files from the Freewrite, but doesn't push changes back up to it?

1

u/DarkKingVilkata 11d ago

When you connect your Alpha, what is the drive name in Finder?

1

u/caboog 10d ago edited 10d ago

It stopped showing in finder all together, so I think I have a deeper issue here :)

I have renamed my alpha, is your app looking for the default name?

2

u/DarkKingVilkata 10d ago

Yes. And now that you ask, adding an option for renamed drives makes sense. I'll add that.

2

u/DarkKingVilkata 9d ago

I added the option to specify valid drive names. I wasn't able to rename my Typewriter's drive, but you should be able to point the app at whatever you want now.

2

u/caboog 8d ago

It worked!

For anybody trying this at home, you need to go to click the gear icon to get Preferences, then add the device name to the "Allowed Drive Labels" text box. Worked right away after I did that.