Project Overview
The vision was to seamlessly blend the nostalgic, tactile experience of a vintage rotary telephone with the versatility of modern technology. The goal was to create a unique and memorable interface for an audio guide that encourages playful interaction. Beyond its initial use, the project demonstrates how classic objects can be repurposed as novel, multi-functional Bluetooth peripherals, preserving their iconic design while giving them a new lease on life.
Gallery
Tech Stack
- ESP32
- C++
- DFPlayer Mini
- Bluetooth
- Custom Electronics
Key Features
- Rotary Dial Input: The original rotary dial has been successfully integrated with the ESP32 to accurately read dialed numbers.
- Audio Guide System: When a specific number is dialed, a corresponding audio track is played through the phone's original earpiece.
- Authentic Ringer: The vintage electro-mechanical bell has been successfully interfaced with, providing an authentic ringing sound to attract users.
- Bluetooth Connectivity: The phone can function as a Bluetooth headset, allowing users to make and receive calls from a paired smartphone.
- Self-Contained and Portable: The entire system is self-powered by rechargeable 18650 batteries, making it a fully portable installation.
- Exhibition-Ready: The telephone was successfully deployed as an interactive audio guide at an exhibition.