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Ringing a Crank Phone Digitally
This relay module enables a Raspberry Pi or Arduino to ring a 1916 wall phone by safely switching an external AC signal to the bell. A transistor drives the relay, preserving isolation while bridging digital control with original electromechanical hardware. Read More
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Detecting a Phones Hand Crank
Building a crank detection module for a 1916 wall phone, this project uses an optocoupler to safely sense magneto activity while preserving original hardware. The design highlights protection, isolation, and modular expansion toward a fully functional hybrid analog-digital telephone system. Read More
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Building a Switchboard for Old Phones
I built a working PBX using a Raspberry Pi to connect rotary and analog phones, enabling audio playback, voicemail, and interactive dialing. This guide walks through the setup, challenges, and creative possibilities for turning vintage telephones into a programmable experience. Read More
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Bridging a Century of Telephony
A chance encounter led to a hands-on journey through communication history—rotary dials, ringing bells, and a century-old crank phone. Now, those mechanical signals are being translated into something new, as an antique system becomes a living, interactive telephone exchange. Read More