Converting an old mobile into a Steampunk Deskphone

A couple of month ago I received a headset from a vintage phone as a gift.
The first idea was to attach the handset to my Android phone and use it there.
To find out what quality is possible with such a headset I bought a Nokia handsfree.
Than I started some experiments.

Step 1: The Headset

I removed the coal microphone from the vintage handset and replaced it by the whole handsfree set from Nokia.
Then I replaced the original earphone of the handsfree set by the speaker inside the vintage handset.
The sound was loud and clear.  :-)
The keyboard of the Nokia mobile was a bit damaged. So I changed my mind and decided to build a new keyboard by my own.

Comments

[longwinters]

This project drives me nuts, I was sitting here trying to think up a unique project that used the antique style keys, but not a keyboard (computer) so I thought a phone would be fun, then I take a look and my project is finished with your name on it, I will not be discouraged by your excellent project, since I don't have an old phone to use parts off I'll have to scratch build mine......

Since I was not the first to think this idea up I'll have to fall back on the saying;

Go out there and be UNIQUE just like everybody else.

I hope you see the attempt at humor here, your projects are an inspiration!

[clazman]

Rather than attempting to access the keypad(s) electronically, how about you, or someone else out there, creating a mechanical linkage between the retro keypad and the cell keypad. Wait! What am I saying? Am I nuts?

Can you imagine what that would be like? At least it wouldn't be as complex as a typewriter, which has been done only via an electronic interface.

All that aside I love what you have done!!

I am in awe!

[jeremiahthebullfrog]

Fanatstic 'ible!
I love all things antique and retro. But I would like to see more pictures!, every little part of the phone and the build process would be great.
Anyway A++++ :-)

[Horatius.Steam]

Hi,

thank you for your reply.

I think the build process (the main parts) is written as well.
The rest is some woodwork ;-)

If I am back from the steampunk convention in Luxembourg I will take some more photos and put them online.
I am going to disassemble the handset to make some more and detailed photos.

Regards from Germany,


H. Steam

[jeremiahthebullfrog]

Wonderful thanks.
The instructions are good, but for someone who can't be bothered to read and has a short attention span, pictures are better :-P hehehe.
Anyway how did the convention go? I bet that was exciting.
Thanks for your reply

Chris

[monkeys98]

awesome could you do this with a land line phone?

[Horatius.Steam]

Yes, that could be much easier. Because the keypad is better to interface than the keypad of a mobile.

[jcardella]

This is sweet! How'd you come up with this idea?
Can you do this with an blackberry because its just a paperweight right now.

[Horatius.Steam]

Mhmm Blackberry, this can be a real challenge, because of the keys a BB has.
But it can be possible.

[maolizi]

Thanks for you share,Having a nice day!

[electfire]

Really neat idea!
*side note*
I would have ran the flexible metal tubing through a fabric cover.... (steel like that I don't think (personally) is very steampunkish... Although It would be easier to just paint the tubing coppery-ish... or even better run the wiring from the handset to the phone through some old vinyl or natural rubber tubing...

[Horatius.Steam]

Yes, i really thought about this.
But the metal tubing is the originals tubing and I would keep it.
But, yes you are right I am still thinking about using a shoe lace as a cover for the connection.

Thank you

[bmalek]

What is the clear/dome/display piece made from?

[Horatius.Steam]

This is a half of a plastic bowl.

[knife141]

This is excellent! Very nice job!