Can I Build a Simple Mobile Phone for My Graduation Project?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the feasibility of building a simple mobile phone for a graduation project, specifically one that only receives incoming calls and vibrates. Participants explore various aspects of mobile phone technology, including RF and signal processing, security concerns, and alternative approaches to achieving the project's goals.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses interest in building a mobile phone that only receives calls and vibrates, questioning the feasibility of this project.
  • Another participant suggests that understanding RF and signal processing is crucial, noting potential security issues related to signal encoding and the need for a phone number from a carrier.
  • A different viewpoint proposes using a central mobile phone connected to a modem and PC to manage commands, emphasizing the ease of using WiFi technology instead of building a mobile phone from scratch.
  • One participant indicates they are studying RF and signal processing and considering attaching SIM cards to devices, but may reconsider using a conventional mobile phone.
  • Another participant mentions the availability of GSM evaluation boards that could simplify the project, while cautioning about the complexity of programming such boards and the need for embedded design skills.
  • There are humorous exchanges regarding the understanding of SIM cards, indicating a mix of technical knowledge among participants.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the feasibility and approach to the project. Some suggest using existing technology like GSM evaluation boards, while others propose alternative methods involving WiFi. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the best approach to take.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention various technical aspects such as RF, signal processing, and security, but there are no settled definitions or assumptions about the requirements for building a mobile phone. The complexity of the project is acknowledged, but specific limitations or dependencies are not fully explored.

shaimaa
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I was searching about the possibility of building a simple mobile phone, but I found an old topic here indicating that this is pointless and hard.

Actually I want to make a mobile phone which only receives the incoming ring and vibrates.
I am asking about the possibility of doing this ? It is all about my graduation project about home automation using mobile phone.

thanks in advance
 
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shaimaa said:
I was searching about the possibility of building a simple mobile phone, but I found an old topic here indicating that this is pointless and hard.

Actually I want to make a mobile phone which only receives the incoming ring and vibrates.
I am asking about the possibility of doing this ? It is all about my graduation project about home automation using mobile phone.

thanks in advance

Welcome to the PF. What do you know so far about the RF and signal processing aspects of cell phones? To do this on your own, you would need to understand what each wireless carrier does for their signal encoding. I'm not sure, but I'm guessing that there is some security involved -- like, you'd need some code access to receive phone calls. You'd at least need a phone number issued by the particular carrier.
 
An interesting project but it sounds very very large!
Could you not approach the problem by just using a phone network to connect a single 'central' mobile phone plus modem plus PC to interpret the commands from your personal mobile(s)? You could then distribute your signals round the house with WiFi technology - all of which would be under your control and not a part of the phone service provider's domain. WiFi circuits are probably a lot easier to build and to interface with and you would not be treading on the toes of a phone company as you would be using the two mobiles quite conventionally.
 
Thanks for your reply and concern
berkeman said:
Welcome to the PF. What do you know so far about the RF and signal processing aspects of cell phones? To do this on your own, you would need to understand what each wireless carrier does for their signal encoding. I'm not sure, but I'm guessing that there is some security involved -- like, you'd need some code access to receive phone calls. You'd at least need a phone number issued by the particular carrier.

Actually i am studying RF and signal processing right now and after that i will take the antenna
design course.
About the security: I am not sure you got my point .
I am thinking to attach a sim card to each device, but may be i will rethink using a mobile phone to avoid this
 
sophiecentaur said:
An interesting project but it sounds very very large!
Could you not approach the problem by just using a phone network to connect a single 'central' mobile phone plus modem plus PC to interpret the commands from your personal mobile(s)? You could then distribute your signals round the house with WiFi technology - all of which would be under your control and not a part of the phone service provider's domain. WiFi circuits are probably a lot easier to build and to interface with and you would not be treading on the toes of a phone company as you would be using the two mobiles quite conventionally.

Great idea i was trying not to involve the PC but this sound very interesting.
I will try to do more search.
Thanks a lot.
 
shaimaa said:
Thanks for your reply and concern


Actually i am studying RF and signal processing right now and after that i will take the antenna
design course.
About the security: I am not sure you got my point .
I am thinking to attach a sim card to each device, but may be i will rethink using a mobile phone to avoid this

What's a sim card?
 
Omg
lol
 
sophiecentaur said:
Omg
lol

:redface:
 
They make kits for this sort of thing. Here's a full GSM evaluation board offered by http://www.sparkfun.com/commerce/product_info.php?products_id=8700". Plug your SIM card in and make your calls to it.

Is this for a senior design project? Be sure to ask your adviser if programming an evaulation board is a suitable project. At my Alma Mater, we weren't allowed to do something that easy.

Even if you can't use a pre-made board, you can still take a close look at Sparkfun's schematic to see what you're getting yourself into. It's not impossibly hard but you or some team member you wish to work with had better be good at working with microprocessors and embedded design.

Edit: fixed the link above.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
  • #10
Okefenokee said:
They make kits for this sort of thing. Here's a full GSM evaluation board offered by http://www.sparkfun.com/commerce/product_info.php?products_id=8700". Plug your SIM card in and make your calls to it.

Is this for a senior design project? Be sure to ask your adviser if programming an evaulation board is a suitable project. At my Alma Mater, we weren't allowed to do something that easy.

Even if you can't use a pre-made board, you can still take a close look at Sparkfun's schematic to see what you're getting yourself into. It's not impossibly hard but you or some team member you wish to work with had better be good at working with microprocessors and embedded design.

Edit: fixed the link above.

This is very close to what i was thinking about
thanks

@berkeman
sorry i mean SIM card.
 
Last edited by a moderator:

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