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Kevin Noki’s brick-style DIY “phone” is a Bluetooth handset, not a standalone cellular phone. It has no cellular modem: it connects to a separate phone for calls, giving the maker a retro handset to use instead of reaching for a smartphone whenever it interrupts him. Hackaday’s October 8, 2026 report describes how he built it.

What this DIY phone does—and what it does not

The handset’s vintage, brick-phone styling is an enclosure around Bluetooth calling hardware. A separate cellular phone supplies the actual phone service; the DIY handset does not make cellular calls independently. It is therefore better understood as a Bluetooth accessory than as a replacement phone.

That distinction matters if you want to copy the project: you will need a compatible phone to pair with it, and the handset’s Bluetooth audio hardware must support the calling features needed for that connection.

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How the audio hardware changed

Noki initially tried an ESP32, but he found the resulting audio quality unsatisfactory. He then switched to a dedicated Bluetooth Hands-Free Profile (HFP) module, a component intended for this kind of calling application. Hackaday does not identify its make, model, or detailed specifications.

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That omission means the report is not a ready-to-buy parts recommendation. Before choosing a module, check its documentation for HFP support and compatibility with the phone and audio components you plan to use. The article supplies no measured audio results or module specifications for comparing alternatives.

How the retro enclosure was made

The enclosure process moved from a physical mockup to digital fabrication. Noki shaped XPS foam with a manually operated hot-wire cutter to work out the form, then produced a final 3D-printed case. A piece of black LED acrylic, bent to shape, covers the display.

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This workflow offers a practical lesson for a custom-shaped case: test the silhouette and proportions in an easy-to-adjust mockup before committing to the printed enclosure. The reported build does not provide detailed dimensions, a complete bill of materials, or print settings.

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Can you get the design files?

Hackaday reports that the design is sold on the maker’s website and mentions an STL file. The report does not establish whether the files are currently available, what they cost, what files are included, or what license applies. Check the maker’s listing for those details before planning a build around the design.

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  • The handsets for cell phones has high-definition speakers and a microphone, and the frosted earpiece shell is more durable.
  • Simple operation - menu key: pick up/hang up, voice +/- buttons for volume control during calls, and usb interface rechargeable.
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What to check before building

  • Calling support: Confirm that the Bluetooth module explicitly supports HFP and check its documentation for compatibility with your intended phone and audio setup.
  • Design-file details: Verify current availability, included files, price, and license with the maker; those terms are not established by the report.
  • Enclosure approach: Decide whether you can prototype the shape in XPS foam and finish it with a 3D-printed case and bent acrylic, or whether you prefer to iterate directly in CAD.
  • Scope: Plan to pair the handset with a separate cellular phone; this project does not include a cellular modem.

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