Summary of DIY mobile phone – Create your own mobile phone
This MIT Media Lab prototype is a customizable DIY cell phone designed for diverse subcultures, featuring options like wooden cases, large antennas, and big buttons. Built with an SM5100B GSM module and a custom circuit board, it offers basic voice and texting on a 160×128 pixel screen. The enclosure can be laser-cut wood or 3D printed, costing between $100 and $150.
Parts used in the DIY Cell Phone:
- SM5100B GSM Module
- Standard SIM card
- Custom circuit board
- 160×128 pixel screen
- Laser cut wood enclosure
- Veneer enclosure
- 3D printing materials
This DIY cell phone created at MIT manages to have something for just about every major contemporary subculture or hipster subset I can think of.
Nerds and tinkerers? Check. Wooden case for the steampunk set? Check. Huge antenna for the retro, skinny-jeans-wearing set? Check. Big buttons for the fat-thumbed and Luddite crowd? Check. Rugged design for outdoorsy types? Check.
The folks at the MIT Media Lab created this prototype with an SM5100B GSM Module that takes a standard SIM card and a custom circuit board. The screen will take you back to the last century at 160×128 pixels and the laser cut wood and veneer enclosure is just one of many possible exteriors, given the availability of 3D printing. While far from a smartphone, voice, texting, and other slightly old-school functionality is possible. All told, the parts cost between $100 and $150.
For more information visit: DIY mobile phone – Create your own mobile phone
- Who created this DIY cell phone?
The folks at the MIT Media Lab created this prototype. - What type of module does the phone use?
The phone uses an SM5100B GSM Module that takes a standard SIM card. - What are the screen specifications?
The screen resolution is 160×128 pixels. - Can I customize the exterior of the phone?
Yes, the enclosure can be laser cut wood, veneer, or made using 3D printing. - Does the phone support modern smartphone features?
No, while it is far from a smartphone, it supports voice, texting, and other slightly old-school functionality. - How much does it cost to build?
All told, the parts cost between $100 and $150. - Is there a specific design for nerds and tinkerers?
The article notes the project checks a box for nerds and tinkerers as part of its broad appeal. - Does the phone have an antenna?
Yes, the design includes a huge antenna for the retro set.
