If you don’t already have it, download the Yahoo! Widget Engine, then download the STOPwatch.WIDGET. For more detailed instructions, keep reading. Download

STOPwatch.WIDGET requires the Yahoo! Widget Engine (previously Konfabulator) to operate. To begin, download the engine for your computer (Mac or PC), install the program and then download the widget. Widgets can be stored anywhere, but are typically placed in their default folder. Please visit the Yahoo! Widget FAQ for more information.

The STOPwatch.WIDGET will update every 30 seconds, providing the latest real-time information available for any particular stop. STOPwatch.WIDGET also approximates departure information for the next 30 minutes, based on real time route information.

While you watch the widget, departure times will count down as each bus travels closer to the stop. The time listed to the right of the route tells you how many minutes are left until departure, based on the last time that the widget refreshed itself.

Color Coding
Routes are sorted in ascending order by time of departure. Once a route has left its stop, it will automatically disappear from the list. Each row also uses color-coded times to easily identify routes that will be departing soon. To clarify:

When you first open your widget, you’ll need to set your bus top preferences. Widget preferences allow you to enter your text message code for your stop, rename the stop, and filter out routes that do not pertain to your trip.

Text Message ID
All stops in the district contain a corresponding SMS text message code. You can find the code for your stop in our most recent Routes & Schedules book or by using the Bus Stop Lookup tool.

Location (Optional)

Instead of using the default stop or intersection identification, STOPwatch.WIDGET allows you to change the location name to something that’s more personal and easy to remember. For example, you could decide to name the stop closest to your office “Office.” Just type your selection here, and it will show up in your active stop bar and on the widget’s Quick List.

To reset any location name, simply clear the location field or leave it blank when adding a new stop. STOPwatch.WIDGET will retrieve and save the original stop name for you.

Filter Routes (Optional)

Because one stop may serve several different routes, you may see a lot of information for buses you’ll never use. This filter allows you to remove those routes and make your choice easier to follow.

For example, if you are interested in the 4 Blue East, you can add the filter parameter 4 Blue East, 4 Blue or even 4 to only show matching routes. To add multiple filters, just enter all the routes you want, using a comma to separate each route.

While the filter provides the best mechanism for showing specific routes, you can also specify a limit for the number of results shown on STOPwatch.WIDGET. If you prefer a more compact widget list, use the slider to adjust the maximum routes to show fewer routes. If your list is too small, increase the value instead.

Because you may want to keep track of multiple stops, a favorite list is maintained each time you add a new SMS text message code. With Quick List, you can quickly switch between locations without needing to reset your text message code or filter list.

Accessing the List

The Quick List can be retrieved and managed by clicking the blue button in the upper right hand corner of the widget. You will notice that your cursor changes as you pass over it. Clicking it will display the Quick List.


Adding
Access the Quick List by clicking on the blue button. Choose Add new location. Enter the new SMS text code and other optional parameters. Click Save when you are finished.

Modifying
Access the Quick List by clicking on the blue button. Choose the stop you're interested in modifying from your favorites. Once checked, choose Modify selected location. Change the SMS text code or other optional parameters. Click Save when you are finished.

Deleting
Access the Quick List by clicking on the blue button. Choose the stop you're interested in removing from your favorites. Once checked, choose Delete selected location.

Version 1.5
Improved connection management.
Fixed minor preference bug.
Version 1.1
Fixed missing variable error.
Resolved issue with first load and preferences.
Version 1.0
Initial release
Version 0.9
Added filter parameters.
Added Quick List management.
Allowed widget to recover from "No results" message.
Displays helpful errors for network connection problems.