Build Instructions

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• 1

  Introduction

  Just the other day, I was in the middle of a very important phone call when my banana phone stopped working! I was so frustrated. That’s the last time I miss a call because of that stupid phone! (In hindsight, I may have gotten a little too angry in the moment, see pics)

  It was time for an upgrade. Enter the wireless tin-can telephone! The all new and improved gag phone, for all my fake communication needs!

  Note: (This project does actually work)

  Here’s how I built it!

• 2

  Tools and Materials

  For this project, you’re going to need quite a few electronics, and a couple tools.

  I'd like to disclose that this project was sponsored by DFRobot. All of the parts were provided by them, and some of the links provided are affiliate links to DFRobot. Feel free to use them if you would like to support Facio Ergo Sum! Off-brand parts work as well. Thanks to DFRobot for making this project possible!

  Tools -

  • Drill (w/ Bits)
  • Tin Snips
  • Hot Glue Gun (Careful: Very Hot)
  • Needle Nose Pliers
  • Ball-peen Hammer

  Materials - (Two of all of These)

  • DFduino Uno R3
  • Gravity IO Expansion Shield(Optional)
  • Analog Sound Sensor(Microphone)
  • 386AMP Audio Amplifier(Speaker)
  • 6AA Battery Holder w/ DC Barrel Jack(and 6x AA)
  • NRF24L01+PA+LNA With Antenna
  • Tactile Button(I used an arcade button)
  • Aluminum Coffee Can (You can find these easily on Craigslist/Facebook Marketplace)
  • Jumper Wires
• 3

  Prepping the Cans

  Before we can wire up the electronics, we’ll need to prep the cans. To do this, we will be drilling two holes, one for the antenna, and one for the button.
  

  I started with the antenna hole. First, I placed the antenna board inside the tin can, to measure how far from the side the hole would need to be. Then, using my finger to note the ridge, I marked the hole with an Whiteboard marker, so that I could wipe them off later. Then, using a tap, I put a small indentation where I was going to drill. This will help guide the drill in the next step.

  Depending on the antenna you use, you may need a smaller/larger hole. So what I did to find the right size, was compared the threads on the antenna to the drill bit sizes.

  Note: (Mine ended up being 7/32)

  Alright, SAFETY GLASSES ON!

  Once you’ve picked a size and marked out the hole, drill into the can, go at a high speed, but don’t push too hard. Because of how flimsy the tin can is, it will usually shear, so watch for sharp metal. Use tins nips and pliers to clean up this edge.

  Then it’s time for the button hole. This one’s a little different.

  Note: I’m working with what I have, so I decided to attempt it using the drill and tin-snips again. A Forstner bit might work much better. Here’s how I did it.

  First, I unscrewed the plastic “nut” from the button. Then I placed the nut onto the location I wanted the hole, and marked the inside diameter. Then I drilled five holes, and used tin snips to clean the material out and form it into a circle. Mark the hole, tap it, and drill.

  STOP! It's HAMMERTIME!

  After this, I used a hammer and pliers to knock in the metal tabs and bend them down. Please refer to the images for a better idea of how I did this. I’ve provided a series of shoddy diagrams that should be able to help you out:

  Note: I suggest using a ball-peen hammer. I used a regular hammer because that’s all I had.

  Once that’s done, you can screw in the antenna and the button. Again, be careful of any sharp metal bits!

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