Build Your Own Raspberry Pi Based Smartphone

This is one of the coolest DIYs we have seen from the community. Your very own Raspberry Pi based wireless touch screen phone that can make actual calls! David Hunt conjures it with cheap, easily available, off the shelf components Raspberry Pi Model B, a PiTFT Touchscreen 320×240 , a LiPo battery, a SIM900 GSM/GPRS module (which is connected to Raspberry Pi using UART), and a DC-DC boost converter.

GSM/GPRS module allows a user to send standard AT commands to make calls, cut calls, send texts and data, and for other such functions. There is a slot for SIM card at the board’s bottom. The SIMc card enables the module to logically connect with the subscribed GSM network in the area. Below the GSM module, there is a provision of on/off switch. Right next to it is a DC-DC converter which converts the 3.7volts from the LiPoly battery to 5volts needed for most components.

One of the problems that David faced was the excess heat. He has to keep a fan on next to the phone to keep it working for extended time. However, that’s a small limitation in what is otherwise a fancy and exciting DIY assembling project which provides a good learning opportunity.