Modem Thing - Hacking a $20 4G hotspot into a texting device
Show HN: Hacking a $20 4G wireless hotspot into a texting device
Modem Thing transforms a cheap $20 4G wireless hotspot into a dedicated messaging device by combining it with a Clicks Keyboard and a Sharp Memory Display. The project involves flashing Linux via the OpenStick project, trimming the modem's PCB to fit an iPhone-sized enclosure, and designing a custom adapter PCB for USB host mode, power management, and display level shifting. The result is a minimalist, high-contrast texting gadget that repurposes off-the-shelf hardware into a unique, functional device.
Due to the mysterious laws of supply and demand, and the magic of supply chains - somehow you can get a 4G modem with WiFi, bluetooth, a display, fully battery powered and completely unlocked - for less than $20 shipped.
- walrus01
Based on the work the person has done, if they wanted to make something with an exceedingly long battery life, and the battery setup there already seems to be basically a 1S li ion, they could graft in a back side battery holder for two high quality 18650 cells in parallel. It would probably last weeks.
- notpushkin
This is really nice! It so happens that I’ve just bought a $10 4G dongle [1], guess I’ll have to check what’s inside now :-)
[1]: like this: https://img.joomcdn.net/ea91b4418997d83d802339fad0bbcf878b9d...
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Aside, but it appears some MSM8916-based dongles run Android UI despite having no display: https://github.com/u0d7i/uz801#screenshots
- harhargange
I often ditch my phone and carry my hotspot device for my internet. The only drawback is that for viewing my texts and OTPs i end up putting the sim in my phone or opening up the web interface on my laptop. This seems to work very well as a dumbphone per se.
- xx_ns
This is a really cool project! A mini cyberdeck that doesn't seem too impractical to use. Repurposing the Clicks keyboard is a genius idea.
- VinnyBarreca
It would be pretty cool to put Hermes Agent or some agent system on that thing, assuming the OpenStick build has enough RAM/storage. That would be fire.