The Tool Desk
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What was rebuilt—and what was not
Hackaday identifies the donor handset as a Motorola DynaTAC 8000 Classic 2. The original phone’s 1G electronics are not what make the rebuilt device usable: the project removes the original internals and installs a new control system and phone hardware inside the vintage enclosure. Hackaday reports the handset weighs 1.5 lb.
This is therefore an interface-and-enclosure retrofit, not a revival of the original cellular radio. It preserves the brick-phone look and physical keypad while relying on replacement electronics for its functions.
How the retrofit works
The Pico scans the original-style keypad
A Raspberry Pi Pico 2 running CircuitPython reads a matrix of 20 microswitches fitted beneath the keypad. The Pico acts as the controller for the rebuilt interface; it is not itself the cellular radio.
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A small LCD reproduces the display
The Pico drives a 1.14-inch, 240×135 color TFT over SPI. The screen is used to reproduce the original handset’s seven-segment-style display, rather than preserving the original display electronics.
Analog switches relay button presses
The Pico sends I2C commands to two ADG729 dual 1-to-4 analog matrix switches. These switches simulate keypad presses on a modified BM10 Bluetooth dialer/2G mini phone installed inside the case. In effect, the vintage keypad becomes the input for the replacement phone hardware.
Rank #2
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- Dimensions: Measures 7.5 inches high by 1.5 inches wide by 2.5 inches deep with a 5.5 inch long antenna
Does it connect to a current mobile network?
The project README describes the embedded BM10 as a modified Bluetooth dialer/2G cell phone, but the available documentation does not establish its exact calling path. It does not identify a supported carrier, cellular bands, country, or whether calls shown in a demonstration depend on Bluetooth pairing with a separate current phone.
That uncertainty matters because “back online” does not mean the original 1G radio has returned to service. The documented work replaces the internals and uses the BM10 as the phone component, but it is not enough to promise working service for a buyer in the US or elsewhere. Treat network compatibility as unverified unless the maker provides details for the specific BM10 configuration and local carrier.
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- Excellent audio and playback functions. Support MP3 playback function, support external radio playback, support video playback.
- 4800 mAh lithium battery, 1.77-inch main screen, low power consumption, long battery life.
- Support Bluetooth dialing, support four card four standby, support voice change.
- Support Bluetooth dialing, support four card four standby, support voice change.
- Support for up to 32GB memory cards. Support 5pin headphone jack.
What parts does the documented build use?
Alan Boris’s project repository lists the following components. It also provides the Pico code, build photos and a schematic PDF.
| Part | Role in the build |
|---|---|
| Raspberry Pi Pico 2 | Runs CircuitPython, scans the keypad and controls the display and analog switches. |
| Twenty 6 mm tactile switches | Form the keypad matrix. |
| 1.14-inch 240×135 color TFT | Replaces the display electronics and reproduces the original-style readout. |
| Two Adafruit ADG729 analog matrix switches | Relay simulated key presses to the BM10. |
| BM10 wireless dialer/mini phone | Provides the replacement phone hardware; its precise service compatibility is not established. |
| 3.7 V, 2200 mAh lithium-ion battery | Project power source, as specified in the repository. |
| PowerBoost 1000 charger/power supply | Included in the documented parts list for power management. |
The Pico 2 is a relevant component to source if you want to recreate this particular controller, but it is only one part of a substantial hardware rebuild. The project is not a plug-in adapter or a drop-in radio replacement.
Quick Recap
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Rank #4
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What to consider before trying a similar restoration
- Choose the goal first: preserving the original radio and preserving the handset’s physical interface are different projects. This build documents the latter by replacing the internals.
- Plan for custom hardware work: the keypad matrix, display, analog switches, battery and wiring all form part of the retrofit.
- Verify service independently: before sourcing a BM10 or another embedded phone module, confirm its exact operating bands, carrier support, regional availability and call setup. Those details are not established for this project.
- Use the project materials: the repository’s code, photos, parts list and schematic are the concrete references for reproducing the documented arrangement.
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