(^32) The Official Raspberry Pi Projects Book raspberrypi.org/magpi
Projects SHOWCASE
Turning a Pi Zero
into a mobile phone
The display
resolution is
128×64
Currently, it
costs around
$50 in parts
It connects to
a 2G network
(a 3G model
is planned)
The OS is
based on
Raspbian Linux
There are plans
to crowdfund
the project
as a kit
Quick
Facts
ZEROPHONE
A SIM800 GPS module
and antenna are used to
connect to the mobile
phone network
ARSENIJS PIČUGINS
Arsenijs is an 18-year-old student from
Riga, Latvia. He’s a programmer and
hardware repair person who works
closely with Linux.
crimier.wordpress.com
eroPhone is an open-
source project to create
a mobile phone kit for
the Pi Zero.
Owners of ZeroPhone will be
able to make calls and send text
messages. It will also have basic
apps such as an alarm clock,
calendar, calculator, web browser,
and music player.
Behind the project is Arsenijs
Piĉcugins, an 180year0old student
from Riga, Latvia. He now has a
team of people helping him.
“It’s open-source, Linux-
powered, and you can make one
yourself for $50,” he says.
Arsenijs has been studying
mobile phones for a couple
of years. He hopes to sell a
commercial kit, while keeping
it all open-source for people to
build themselves.
“The phone hardware is at
‘alpha’ stage,” he tells us.
Arsenijs has designed the
first revision of PCBs +printed
circuit boards) and is developing
the software.
“The next revision will be
ready-to-assemble,” reveals
Arsenijs. Raspbian is being
customised to run on the
ZeroPhone. “It can be tailored
to suit our purpose very easily,”
explains Arsenijs.
“I’ve currently got a framework
I’m using for headless Pi
configuration,Ĥ he continues.
Python is being used to create
a user interface +UI,. Dn
Z
A small LCD screen
displays the operating
system (based on
Raspbian Linux)
Buttons are connected
to the PCB, and an
ATMega328P module
is used to convert
button pushes into
phone commands
WANT TO SEE HOW
FAR IT’S COME?
Visit: magpi.cc/rXgkZf