January 2025
Welcome to DIY-Phone
We're excited to introduce DIY-Phone: an open-source project to build a modular, hackable, low-distraction mobile phone from readily available components. This is a phone that respects your time and attention.
The Problem with Modern Phones
Smartphones are marvels of engineering. They're also designed by some of the world's smartest people to capture and hold your attention for as long as possible. Infinite scroll. Push notifications. Algorithmic feeds. Red badges demanding your attention.
For many of us, the phone that was supposed to make life easier has become a source of constant distraction. Studies show the average person checks their phone 96 times a day. That's once every 10 minutes during waking hours.
What if your phone was different? What if it did exactly what you needed and nothing more?
Our Vision
DIY-Phone is built on a few core principles:
- Low distraction by design. No app store. No infinite scroll. Just calls, texts, and the features you deliberately choose to add.
- Modular and hackable. Start with a basic phone and add capabilities as you need them. GPS for hiking. Sensors for science. Solar charging for off-grid adventures.
- Open source everything. Hardware designs, firmware, case files - all available for you to study, modify, and improve.
- Build it yourself. There's something special about using a device you assembled with your own hands. You understand it. You can fix it. You own it completely.
What We're Building
The core of DIY-Phone uses proven, available components:
- SIM7600 4G Module - Full LTE connectivity for calls, texts, and data
- ItsyBitsy M4 Microcontroller - Arduino/CircuitPython compatible brain
- 240x240 TFT Display - Colorful, readable screen
- CardKB Keyboard - Real QWERTY keys for actual typing
- Custom PCB - Bringing it all together cleanly
These components sit on a custom circuit board with breakout pins for expansion. The keyboard slides behind the display, and everything fits in a case you design yourself - whether that's laser-cut wood, 3D printed plastic, or hand-stitched leather.
The Fun Parts
Beyond the basics, we're exploring add-on modules that bring personality to your phone:
- A tiny servo that waves a little hand when you get a message
- LED rings that glow different colors for different contacts
- E-ink badges showing your status or unread count
- GPS for logging adventures
- Solar panels for off-grid charging
- Cases with diary locks for the privacy-conscious
The point is: your phone can be exactly what you want it to be. Practical. Whimsical. Minimal. Experimental. It's up to you.
Join Us
DIY-Phone is a community project. We need people who:
- Want to build a phone and document the experience
- Can contribute code, hardware designs, or documentation
- Have ideas for modules and cases
- Simply want to follow along and support the project
Check out the Build Guide to start assembling your own, browse the Modules page for expansion ideas, or join the community to connect with fellow builders.
All design files are on GitHub. Star the repo, open issues, submit pull requests. This is your project too.
Let's build phones that respect our attention.
- The DIY-Phone Team