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Friday, June 11, 2010

Cheap headset + broken cellphone = "SkypeCell"

Cheap headset + broken cellphone = "SkypeCell"

introCheap headset + broken cellphone = "SkypeCell"

For this first Instructable, I'll show you a recent hack I made.

I had a cheap malfunctioning headset and a broken cellphone (cracked screen) and I needed a reliable solution to make calls with Skype... so I combined two ready-for-trash items in a good SkypeCell!
Cheap headset + broken cellphone = "SkypeCell"
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step 1What you need
A) If you are wealthy: -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-- A brand new cellphone with cool "calling" features: MP3, video, internet, etc. - A brand new well-performing headset - Some basic tools (small screw drivers, knife, soldering station, etc.) And you will end up with a so-so quality PC phone... A) If you are !wealthy: -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-- An old and/or broken cellphone (L…

step 2Disassembling the phone and the headset
You'll need to completely dismount the cellphone. I used a small knife to pry the cover and to remove the small rubbers. With a Philips screw driver, I removed all the small screws. Then I forced the opening of the case with a small knife. What you will do depends a lot on the brand and the model of your phone. For the headset, it's really simple: just cut the two …

step 3Find the microphone and the speaker
First, you need to find the speaker in the phone. It's usually located near where you place your ear (what a coincidence!). Then you will find its 2 connections to the PC board. Second, you need to find the microphone in the phone. It's usually located near where you place your mouth (another coincidence!). Then you will find its 2 connections to the PC board. Now…

step 4Connecting the speaker
I will assume that you now have a dismounted cellphone (PC boards exposed) and a green 3.5mm jack with 2 wires connected. Solder the 2 wires from the plug on the speaker's PCB connections. At this time, you can test this half-finished project by plugging in it in a PC. If you can listen phone-quality music by holding the speaker near your ear, it's good!

step 5Connecting the microphone
I will assume that you now have a dismounted cellphone (PC boards exposed) and a pink 3.5mm jack with 2 wires connected. Solder the 2 wires from the plug on the microphone's PCB connections, or directly on the mic. At this time, you can test this almost-finished project by plugging in it in a PC. I used the free Test Call from Skype to test it. If you're able to tal…

step 6Completion
You can secure the connections with some electrical tape. You then need to reassemble the phone. It sounds easy... now do it ;)

step 7Use it!
There is nothing more to say than: use it. You'll probably be pleased by the enhanced quality (in comparison to the original headset).


Go there...
http://www.instructables.com/id/Cheap-headset-broken-cellphone-quotSkypeCell/

Don

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