# RotaryCell

> A portable, battery-powered cellular conversion for classic rotary telephones—fully reversible, with no modification to the original phone.

- **Website:** https://github.com/fregacmols/RotaryCell
- **Pricing:** open source
- **Categories:** Design, Developer Tools
- **Tags:** design, developer-tools, writing-content
- **Platforms:** Web, CLI
- **Last verified:** 2026-09-10
- **Canonical page:** https://linkrena.com/tools/rotarycell

## About

RotaryCell converts a traditional rotary telephone into a self-contained, battery-powered, portable cellular telephone without modifying the original telephone .

The design continues to use the original handset, rotary dial, switch-hook, mechanical ringer, network block, and existing jacks. The added electronics mount reversibly inside the case; no original telephone parts need to be drilled, cut, or permanently altered.

The working prototype can be carried and operated away from a fixed telephone connection, making the original desk telephone usable at meetings, demonstrations, or anywhere compatible cellular service is available.

This is a working engineering archive rather than a finished construction release. The hand-wired prototype operates, while the first integrated PCBs are currently awaiting assembly and validation.

Open or download the full-resolution printable PDF . It covers the LilyGO, protected 21700, passive audio components, AG1171, GPIO connections, and original Model 500 circuitry without using the new PCBs. A hand-wired installation fits inside the telephone, but arranging and insulating all of the loose components and wiring is challenging; expect repeated dry-fitting and careful routing.

The Audio and Reset A4 PCB was ordered from JLCPCB on August 27, 2026.

The AG1171 Carrier Through-Hole PCB was ordered from JLCPCB on August 28, 2026.

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