RetroConnect

Introduction

Welcome to RetroConnect, a project born from my passion for IoT and telecommunication. Motivated by the evolving ways we stay connected, I repurposed an old telephone to connect to the internet. This creation explores the shift in technology over decades, merging the past with present WIFI capabilities. RetroConnect invites users to input URLs using the original telephone keypad, providing a unique internet experience with characters and beeps reflecting site delays. Join me on this journey of technological reflection, where an antique phone becomes a portal to the invisible data flows surrounding us. Let's bridge the past and present with RetroConnect.

Keywords: Speculative Design, Media Art, Internet of Things

Overview

Context

Quarter-long project for the class DXARTS 470: Sensing and Control Systems for Digital Arts

Time Frame

Sept. 2023 — Dec. 2023 (11 weeks)

Project Type

Individual Project

Platform

Arduino

Motivation

The inspiration for my final project sprouted from a deep-rooted fascination with IoT (Internet of Things) and telecommunication. Witnessing the dynamic evolution in the realm of connectivity, I aimed to provoke contemplation on the profound changes that have unfolded over the decades. To achieve this, I embarked on the ambitious journey of repurposing an archaic telephone, endowing it with the ability to connect to the internet. This venture presented an intriguing paradox—a device of yesteryear embracing the cutting-edge technology of today.

Project Objectives

The project seeks to explore two key concepts. Firstly, it explores the rapid evolution of technology, contrasting devices like the rotary dial phone, traditional telephone, and contemporary smart IoT devices that have permeated our lives over the years. Secondly, it inspects the emergence of wireless technology, a revolutionary force that sets itself apart by weaving invisible data flows into the fabric of our surroundings. Merging these concepts, RetroConnect stands as a retrofit telephone equipped with up-to-date WIFI technology, serving as both a portal to the internet and an interpreter of the intangible dataflow around us.

Design and Functionality

In the design and functionality of RetroConnect, I blend old and new tech. The phone, with its original keypad, talks to the internet using an ESP 8266 WIFI module and Arduino. A 1602 LCD screen displays characters from websites, making the interconnected world visible on an old-school device. Beeps and key input keep the nostalgic feel alive.

Using RetroConnect is a journey blending the past and today's tech. Following the instructions on screen, users can input website addresses using the original telephone keypad. The 1602 Serial enabled LCD screen displays characters from the accessed websites, and the speaker responds with distinctive beeps, each corresponding to the delay of the site. It's an immersive and reflective interaction, making technology's evolution tangible.

RetroConnect assembled, with original name 'W3Phone'

Technical Details

Materials Used

Arduino UNO
ESP8266-01 WiFi module
SparkFun SerLCD 1602
10‑pin female connector × 2
4‑pin male connector × 1
10 kΩ resistor × 2
220 Ω resistor × 1
Jumper wires
Prototype board / breadboard
RadioShack DUOFONE 210

Above are the main components of my project. Please note that I used the RadioShack DUOFONE 210 from eBay due to price and availability concerns. However, the telephone is not strictly limited, you can choose the phone you like as long as you know how to tinker it.

View Button Mapping (PDF) View Button Mapping (XLSX)

Connector plugged in phone, with correct color order

Wiring Diagrams

The two 10 pin connectors are the key connector from the telephone, the key mapping can be found above. Wires are in the same order in the breadboard graph and the actual connector, both from left to right. The 4 pin connector is the telephone's speaker & mic connector, also preserved the original color in the breadboard view.

Important Build Notes

Connect the ESP8266 WiFi module to the Arduino and run the ESP 8266 Setup.ino file once to set the default baud rate to 9600; 115200 is too fast for stable communication.
When developing, do not send too many commands at once to the ESP8266 — add delays between commands.
The lcd.clear() function in the SerLCD library is not working properly, so print spaces (" ") to clear the screen.
Be careful with the external reset button, especially when the PCB is flipped; ensure the Arduino is not resetting repeatedly.