Building A Communication Device

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the feasibility of creating a new communication device using old cellular phone hardware and knowledge of communication technology. Participants explore the complexities involved in such a project, including the technical challenges and the required expertise.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions whether it is possible to combine old cellular phone hardware to create a new system, suggesting that while it may seem pointless, it could be a valuable learning experience.
  • Another participant argues that the requirements for such a project are too high for an individual, noting that companies do not share their schematics and legal issues could arise from attempting to create a new device.
  • A different viewpoint suggests that the specialized nature of the devices makes reconfiguration impractical, recommending instead that individuals pursue amateur radio licenses and build simpler transmitters and receivers.
  • One participant emphasizes the complexity of cellphone technology, stating that the knowledge required for a serious attempt would likely necessitate collaboration among multiple specialists.
  • Another participant points out that while basic communication protocols are published, the intricacies of modern digital phones are far more complex than simpler systems like Crystal Sets.
  • One participant provides links to open hardware/software phone projects as examples of alternative approaches to building communication devices.
  • Another contribution highlights that cellular phones contain custom-designed integrated circuits, making it extremely difficult to replicate their functionality without significant effort and time.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally express skepticism about the feasibility of the proposed project, with multiple competing views on the complexity and practicality of using old cellular phone hardware to create a new system. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the potential for success in such an endeavor.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the limitations of individual knowledge and the complexity of modern communication technology, suggesting that significant expertise and collaboration are necessary for such projects. There are also concerns about legal implications related to proprietary technology.

vishalhd
Messages
2
Reaction score
0
Basically like a cellphone. I am aware that it is pointless, like most things in this life, but it makes sense if you want to learn about things. So I have a question
Using knowledge on communication technology, and a bunch of old cellular phones, is it possible to combine all of that hardware and create a brand new system?

PS. If Anyone has the schematics for BlackBerry 8800, Sony Ericsson W910i and Sony Ericsson W610i can you all link me please :) Much Appreciated.
 
Engineering news on Phys.org
vishalhd said:
Basically like a cellphone. I am aware that it is pointless, like most things in this life, but it makes sense if you want to learn about things. So I have a question
Using knowledge on communication technology, and a bunch of old cellular phones, is it possible to combine all of that hardware and create a brand new system?

PS. If Anyone has the schematics for BlackBerry 8800, Sony Ericsson W910i and Sony Ericsson W610i can you all link me please :) Much Appreciated.

Everything's possible if time and energy is invested in it. In this case the requirements are too much high for an individual.

Those companies do not leak their schematics. So nobody knows them. Even if you figure out the schematic and make a device they will sue you.
 
Last edited:
Not really. The devices are way too specialized to be reconfigured to be a different system.

You would be far better off getting an amateur radio license and building some simple transmitters and receivers.
 
vishalhd said:
Using knowledge on communication technology, and a bunch of old cellular phones, is it possible to combine all of that hardware and create a brand new system?
I reckon that Cellphone technology will be so sophisticated that the appropriate "knowledge" required for a serious attempt at what you want to do would probably not be likely to be held by an individual. As with all complex electronic systems (and we're talking on the same level as that involved with Computer hardware and software design) sufficient knowledge probably requires a number of individual specialists, working at the same time.

The basic protocols for communication must all be published as a standard (the simplest standards go back decades, now, as your oldest digital phone still can be used to make calls) but it would take a long time to get inside the whole system 'from scratch' to DIY a system.

If you want to get into this sort of thing, dip a toe in the water first. You've no idea just how complex it is for a complete beginner. There is no equivalent to the Crystal Set in Digital Phones.
 
vishalhd said:
Basically like a cellphone. I am aware that it is pointless, like most things in this life, but it makes sense if you want to learn about things. So I have a question
Using knowledge on communication technology, and a bunch of old cellular phones, is it possible to combine all of that hardware and create a brand new system?

PS. If Anyone has the schematics for BlackBerry 8800, Sony Ericsson W910i and Sony Ericsson W610i can you all link me please :) Much Appreciated.

Look at this for an example of open hardware/software phones:
http://wiki.openmoko.org/wiki/Why_Openmoko
http://wiki.openmoko.org/wiki/Neo_FreeRunner
 
If you open the cell phone, I bet you'll find only a few big ICs. Those are likely to be custom designed that you won't find spec or anything. It must contain embedded processor, mixed signal RF link with their own phy and link layers. It is going to be extremely difficult and even possible, would take you a long long time to put one working.

You want to play with these, go get a job and you get pay doing it.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Replies
7
Views
3K
Replies
11
Views
3K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
4K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
10K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
4K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
5K