laser-cut DIY cellphone project by david mellis

laser-cut DIY cellphone project by david mellis
all images courtesy david mellis

david mellis, a PhD student at the MIT media lab and a co-founder of the arduino electronics prototyping platform has developed a basic DIY cellphone that users can put together on their own with step-by-step instructions.  capable of connecting to GSM networks like AT&T in north america, the device uses a regular SIM card to make and receive phone calls and text messages. building off the current hardware and software in the arduino GSM shield, the DIY handset integrates a full interface, which includes a display, buttons, speaker and microphone. like any other phone, the device can be configured to store names and phone numbers, display the time, and even serve as an alarm clock. the phone consists of a custom electronic printed circuit board (PCB), about 60 electronic components, and a laser-cut enclosure. the hardware and software are open-source and available on GitHub. to see more of mellis’ DIY phones, see here.

the DIY handset integrates a full interface, which includes a display, buttons, speaker and microphone

the phone consists of a custom electronic PCB, about 60 electronic components, and a laser-cut enclosure

different cellphone designs

the device can be configured to store names and phone numbers, display the time, and serve as an alarm clock

PCB configuration

laser cutting the cases