Retro Texting Smart Watch of the Future! -- Episode 390

Retro Texting Smart Watch of the Future!

element14 Presents | DJ Harrigan's VCP Profile | Project Videos

Apple watch, schmapple watch! Who wants a smartwatch that’s bloated with software that you don’t really need? Do you long for simple tech times when pagers were part of the daily gadget load out? Do you have a need for the retro flair of calculator watches? Join DJ as he builds his own watch capable of sending and receiving text messages that have a design flair from the ’80s.

Bill of Materials

Product Name	Manufacturer	Quantity	Buy Kit
Arduino MKR GSM 1400	ARDUINO	1	Buy Now
SMT Tactile Switch	MULTICOMP	16	Buy Now
LiPo Battery	ADAFRUIT	1	Buy Now
GSM Antenna	ADAFRUIT	1	Buy Now
3D Filament 3mm	Verbatim	1	Buy Now
Nokia LCD	ADAFRUIT	1	Buy Now
SPDT Slide Switch	NKK SWITCHES	1	Buy Now
30AWG Magnet Wire	BELDEN	1	Buy Now

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Top Comments

airbornesurfer over 6 years ago

T9 was and always will be the best texting format. I was forlorn at the advent of the integrated touchscreen keyboard because I couldn't touch type on a phone anymore!

This took me back to some good ol' days, but I have to admit that I was sad not to see you playing Snake
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davedarko over 6 years ago

At one point I want to see how you do all your metal work! Really digging the faceplate and how you (again) designed everything so you don't see the display bezel! I had my fair share of glue in mechanical parts with my handheld, when I was putting it in resin and can relate! I do enjoy your style on your projects
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DAB over 6 years ago

Nice project.

Well explained.

DAB
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kmschmi over 6 years ago

Nice project DJ, I still remember how proud my HS calculus teacher in '76 was of his calculator watch, which he manage to get for only $500.00
How stable is the unit on your wrist? Design changes you would make now?
For the battery close to the skin issue, have you considered using an insulator type material to give you more time to get it off before it melts into your arm?
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dougw over 6 years ago

Neat project. It looks like something people might want to duplicate. Will you be posting the firmware and stl files here?
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