Old Rotary Phones Converted to Cellular

Spark Fun Electronics have developed an old-fashioed rotary phone that contains a GSM mobile phone module inside. The phone dials out like normal through the rotary. Incoming calls ring the original, loud, gong style metal bells. While they thoroughly enjoying taking the Port-O-Rotary out on the town, the sound quality will not be as good as your normal cell phone. This phone is for entertainment purposes only.

Inside the rotary phone is the GM862 cellular module from Telit, which works on the 900MHz/1800MHz/1900MHz cellular bands. The battery can run the phone for 4-5 days and is charged by unscrewing two screws on the bottom of the phone, opening it, and attaching the charger.

The new PRP v1.1 is now truly international with up to 15-digit dialing, auto-frequency selection, '+' characters, and PIN # entry for pre-paid cards.

If you are proficient with a soldering iron - they also explain how to make your own rotary phone conversion - http://www.sparkfun.com/tutorial/Port-O-Rotary/portable-rotary.htm"

Posted to the site on 14th August 2006