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unkyulee/micro-journal

An open-source DIY distraction-free writing device that reimagines the typewriter, with build guides across multiple hardware revisions.

Open-source alternative to:AlphaSmart Neo2

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1,077
Forks
48
Open issues
90
Last commit
yesterday

What is it?

Micro Journal is a do-it-yourself writing device that aims to bring back the typewriter's focus with modern conveniences like digital storage and portability. It has no notifications, apps, or browser tabs, so the only thing on screen is the text being written.

The project is organized into numbered revisions (Rev.2 through Rev.8, plus extras such as a Cardputer build and an AlphaSmart Neo2 variant). Each revision explores a different approach: a Raspberry Pi with a wide display and mechanical keyboard, a smartphone-based setup, a keyboard that can become a standalone writer, and several ESP32-based devices using color LCD, all-in-one, or e-ink and reflective LCD screens.

Every revision is documented with build guides so others can make their own, and the author also offers pre-built units through an online shop.

Key features

  • 01Distraction-free writing with no notifications, apps, or browser tabs
  • 02Multiple hardware revisions, from Raspberry Pi to ESP32-based devices
  • 03Build guides published for every revision
  • 04Options include e-ink and reflective LCD screens for readability
  • 05Pre-built custom units available through an online shop

Use cases

  • Writing drafts or journal entries without online distractions
  • Building a portable typewriter-style device as a hardware DIY project
  • Using a phone or existing keyboard as a minimal writing setup

Quick start

  1. 1

    Pick a revision from the list and open its build guide

  2. 2

    Follow the hardware build steps in that revision's readme (no software install command is given)

Things to know

  • Requires building the hardware yourself, following DIY build guides.
  • The license is not clearly specified in the project metadata.

In collections

Embedded systems & microcontroller projects

Topics

#hardware#esp32#diy#writing#raspberry-pi#e-ink#open-hardware

FAQ

What is micro-journal?
An open-source DIY distraction-free writing device that reimagines the typewriter, with build guides across multiple hardware revisions. Micro Journal is a do-it-yourself writing device that aims to bring back the typewriter's focus with modern conveniences like digital storage and portability. It has no notifications, apps, or browser tabs, so the only thing on screen is the text being written.
Is micro-journal free to use? What license does it have?
micro-journal is open source under the Other license. Check the license terms before using it in commercial products.
Is micro-journal still maintained?
Actively maintained. The last commit to micro-journal was on Nov 6, 2026.
What can I use micro-journal for?
Writing drafts or journal entries without online distractions Building a portable typewriter-style device as a hardware DIY project Using a phone or existing keyboard as a minimal writing setup
How do I install micro-journal?
Pick a revision from the list and open its build guide Follow the hardware build steps in that revision's readme (no software install command is given)
Where can I get micro-journal?
The source code and installation instructions are on GitHub: https://github.com/unkyulee/micro-journal

Summary generated by AI from the project's README. GitHub stats refresh daily.

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