Uses for Old Cell Phones

[mecovey]

I have a number of old cell phones (probably 3-5 years old) and I wondered if any of the technologicly savvy readers might know how to modify use them for use as "intercoms" on the layout.

I'd like to use them at phone boxes along the line for communication between the train crew and the dispatcher. Is it possible to modify them for this purpose? Even if they didn't operate as wireless cell phones, could they be hard wired into a network for closed circuit use?

[West Coast S]

I would drop the idea. The reuse of cell phones for any other purpose could land you a vist from the officials at the Department Of Homeland Security or other agencies into just what you intend to use them for. If you ever witnessed a remote bomb, activated by punching a few numbers on a cell phone , you'd understand the concearn.

Please no bashing, these cell phone devices have killed and injured thousands, hence the hightened scrunity.

There are corded phones, virtually unwanted by the masses that would suffice, you could wire own network and numbers, I read about wiring such a system years ago, was it MR or some other publication? I'm sure the technical savy members will weigh in.

Dave

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by West Coast S

I would drop the idea. The reuse of cell phones for any other purpose could land you a vist from the officials at the Department Of Homeland Security or other agencies into just what you intend to use them for. If you ever witnessed a remote bomb, activated by punching a few numbers on a cell phone , you'd understand the concearn.

Please no bashing, these cell phone devices have killed and injured thousands, hence the hightened scrunity.

There are corded phones, virtually unwanted by the masses that would suffice, you could wire own network and numbers, I read about wiring such a system years ago, was it MR or some other publication? I'm sure the technical savy members will weigh in.

Dave

[Anonymous]

Whoops, didn't mean to do that.

Was just going to add that, really, this is far more of an FCC issue. You could easily blow past the legal wattage for the transmitter, not to mention that Even given that, it's hardly worth the effort. Most cell phones are pretty well integrated, so going in and modifying them would be next to impossible. This is why electronics are rarely repaired anymore...once integrated, they're nigh unfixable.

Best bet is to get a bunch of walkie-talkies at the store, or maybe use some home intercoms if you're okay with something fixed. How big an area are we talking about? I have a really good lung-based intercome I like to use.

[cacole]

Here in Arizona there is a program where you can donate you old cell phones to local schools through police or fire departments. These phones are being programmed to allow only the dialing of "911" and are being placed into every school classroom for the teachers to use in case of emergency.

Check to see if your local school district, police, or fire department has a similar program. This is better than just throwing one away or leaving it sitting on a shelf.

[Javern]

here cell phones can be donated to a battered women shelter. Dont see how they could easily be used for intercoms

[Anonymous]

I thought all phones already have ability to dail 911.

I think what they actually mean is all other numbers disabled.

[rrinker]

Staples stores around here also have a bin to dump old unwanted cell phones which they collect and donate to similar projects.

There really isn't much you can do with an old cell phone withotu it being actually in service. Even with the full software I have for one of my old phones, I can't modify it in any way without service. The costs of doing any electronic modifications to enable such use would probably cost more than a set of nice FRS radios which are designed for such uses.

--Randy

[Anonymous]

Its a novel idea but an intercom system used to dispatch is a disaster, your better off just using radios.

[mecovey]

Thanks for the replies. I had planned to donate them but thought I'd pick the "brain trust" first. Looks Like I'll continue with my radio shack radios.

[tstage]

"Old" cell phones...Sounds like a "new" oxymoronism to me...

Tom

[Javern]

how about some string and tin cans?

[exPalaceDog]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Stuckarmchairing

Its a novel idea but an intercom system used to dispatch is a disaster, your better off just using radios.

Why?

It would seem to the Old Dog that an intercom system would duplicate the party line aspect of many old fashion phone circuits. If two parties try to talk at the same time, confusion would result, just as on the real railroad.

It would be similiar to a real radio net work. One must listen to insure that the frequency is clear before transmitting. One must identify who is sending and the intended recipient when sending a message.

Have fun