Hi, new here and just want confirmation this project is possible.
I want an old candle stick phone to automatically play mp3s when the ear peice is lifted of its cradle.
I found this website with complete instructions and a video at the bottom and I think this is just the thing I need with a bit of tweaking.
So first I opened up the cradle bit and this is the inside
The black button is not like a normal button, with the clicks, it seem it is spring loaded to be On unless the cradle is pushing it to the Off position. Can I get it to work with this type of switch?
Secondly this is the inside of the base and was asking for opinions if it is feasible I could get an Uno, SD/Micro SD card reader, battery and everything in there.
Lastly can the existing connection of the handsset plug into the original socket? The grey bit on the right of the above photo.
mr0800p:
The black button is not like a normal button, with the clicks, it seem it is spring loaded to be On unless the cradle is pushing it to the Off position. Can I get it to work with this type of switch?
Should be no trouble at all. Your description sounds like a normally closed (NC) switch rather than the more common normally open (NO) switch. It really makes no big difference. Your Arduino code will be triggered by the change in state of an input pin. Whether that change is from HIGH to LOW or LOW to HIGH doesn't matter.
mr0800p:
Secondly this is the inside of the base and was asking for opinions if it is feasible I could get an Uno, SD/Micro SD card reader, battery and everything in there.
If space is tight you might consider using an Arduino Nano instead of the Uno. It's functionally the same thing, but in a smaller form factor.
mr0800p:
Lastly can the existing connection of the handsset plug into the original socket? The grey bit on the right of the above photo.
It's not clear what you're asking but I'll guess yes.
pert:
It's not clear what you're asking but I'll guess yes.
Can I wire the Arduino Nano to the old stlye phone socket in the bottom of the base (grey bit in 2nd photo with green, yellow, red wires) so the handset with the old connection plugs in that so Im using the cable and speaker already in the ear piece? Or should I replace the speaker?
Built one a few years ago for an Escape Room. It is not hard to do. It was fun because solving one puzzle made the phone ring then answering it offered another voice clue. (ring requires separate 90v circuit). Add a small SPI SD card reader and play specific file. Some people use the make/break count of the dial to select a specific code for what to play.
This UNO Project is similar to what you want to do. If you want to actually play MP3 formatted files you might want a separate MP3 Player card for that. It is possible to build a box separate from the phone that has all the technology. Sense the current flow through the line when the receiver is lifted, and drive a varying current through the line to power the speaker. Then you can just plug the phone into the box. Not sure of your level of electronics knowledge. Most of those old candle phone bases don't allow a lot of room for extra parts, power supply, etc. Other good links.. Rotary Phone Interface to Arduino and How Telephones Work
If I use the Nano, can I still follow the instructions on the website I posted on my first post and use the same hardware listed? Because that was for the Uno.
Im sorry but this is all new to me.
@wzaggle, was the escape room in Nottingham? The toy shop?
As I said before, the Nano is functionally the same thing as the Uno, only in a smaller form factor. The same parts that work for the Uno should work fine with the Nano. The primary difference is a "shield" that plugs directly on top of an Uno will not plug into a Nano like that because the Nano is a different size. But shields tend to larger than otherwise necessary so with a space constrained project you're better off using modules or your own custom circuit boards rather than a shield anyway. Of course you can wire shields to a Nano but at that point the space savings of the Nano will be lost.
You could possibly just use a DFPlayer Mini board in standalone fashion... (I dont use them as such myself.. but I know they can be used as a standalone audio device)..
Its roughly the same size as a Pro-Mini board...
Or use in conjunction with a Nano.... pretty decent audio volume form the on-board amp.
I cant comment on any of the 'ringer' stuff.. if that is what you still want to use..etc.. (I dont do much HV stuff)
I cannot really see why you need an Arduino. There must be MP3 players which simply play when power is switched on.
The hook switch is always spring loaded but what you illustrate is a DPDT switch which switches two circuits and is neither "on" nor "off" as it has alternate contacts for each circuit. In a telephone, the speaking circuit is "on" when it is "off hook" and the ringing circuit is connected when it is "on hook" so something is "on" in either case. You only want your circuit to operate when it is "off hook".
The earpiece is designed to provide enough sound when you hold it up to your ear - you might require a better speaker - and an amplifier - if you expect it to play to the whole room.
What you have is not an "old candle stick phone", it is a (very) recent imitation of one.
Paul__B:
I cannot really see why you need an Arduino. There must be MP3 players which simply play when power is switched on.
That was my first thought, to mod a mp3 player but I told someone my plan and they suggested using Arduino, and it seems the better option, more control.
Paul__B:
What you have is not an "old candle stick phone", it is a (very) recent imitation of one.
Not surprised with what I paid, just wanted something to look the part.
Had a quick look at a video for DF player and it seems the way forward.
