DIY Raspberry Pi Phone Project Guide
Overview
This guide shows you how to build a basic phone using a Raspberry Pi. It includes calling, SMS, touch
screen UI, and optional AI features. Ideal for learning embedded systems, IoT, and networking.
Required Components
- Raspberry Pi 4 or 3B+
- SIM800L or 4G HAT (SIM7600)
- 3.5" or 5" TFT LCD Touch Screen
- Microphone and Speaker (USB or GPIO)
- 5V/2A Power Bank or Li-ion Battery
- microSD Card (16GB+)
- USB Sound Card (optional)
Step 1: Raspberry Pi Setup
- Install Raspberry Pi OS on SD card
- Boot and update system:
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade
- Enable serial, I2C, SPI:
sudo raspi-config
Step 2: Connect GSM Module
- Connect SIM800L or 4G HAT to Pi GPIO (TX/RX)
- Insert SIM card (no PIN lock)
- Use minicom to test:
DIY Raspberry Pi Phone Project Guide
sudo apt install minicom
minicom -b 9600 -o -D /dev/serial0
- Test AT commands like: ATD+959xxxxxxxx;
Step 3: Audio Setup
- Use USB Sound Card for easier mic/speaker
- Test with arecord / aplay:
arecord -l
aplay -l
Step 4: Build Touch UI
- Install Kivy or Pygame:
pip install kivy
- Build a GUI dialer and SMS screen
Step 5: Make Calls & Send SMS (Python)
Example code to send SMS:
import serial
gsm = serial.Serial("/dev/serial0", 9600, timeout=1)
gsm.write(b'AT+CMGF=1\r')
gsm.write(b'AT+CMGS="+959xxxxxxxx"\r')
gsm.write(b'Hello from Pi\x1A')
Optional: Add AI Features
DIY Raspberry Pi Phone Project Guide
- Use Google Speech API for voice
- Integrate OpenAI chatbot for assistant
- Use OpenCV for face unlock
Tips & Warnings
- Use good power supply (at least 5V 2A)
- Check serial communication voltage (3.3V vs 5V)
- GSM antenna must be properly attached for signal
- Always test modules separately first
End Note
Build smart, learn deep - and create your own tech. This DIY phone project helps you start your journey as an
embedded system or network engineer.