idea

[geno]

I was just looking at my old cell phone and I came up with an interesting idea.

When its set in vibrate mode, it will dance right off the table. Im assuming the vibration comes from an imbalanced motor.

The phone has an extendable antenna that can be screwed off the phone.

I was thinking that if I could isolate the part of the phone where the antenna screws in, and then connect the motor housing to the threaded insert via a small rod, all the vibration would transfer.

Then I could make up a few picks that would screw right into the threaded antenna hole.

With cell phone use being so normal now a days, it would certainly be inconspicuous.

Do you think there would be enough vibration to make it effective?


I have never used an electric pick so I am not familiar with the amount of vibration needed.

[helix]

it would certainly be inconspicuous.

[pretender]

I think the vibration would be inadequate to a large degree.

You need some major percussive force to knock those top pins past the shear line...and while cellphones usually have decent little motors in 'em, I doubt it'd be enough.

[vector40]

Agreed. Remember, you're not pushing the pins above the shearline, you're bouncing them up; it takes some real force to impart enough kinetic energy that they'll do that swoop thang.

[Shrub]

Dont even attempt it,

Depending on the phone you will have the motor as a surface mounted item on the circuit board or it will be in a specific houseing moulding, in any instance it will be isolated form the important electronics of the phone, by attaching an external object to the internal structure could quite possably damage the electronics in the phone,

I had thought about it though,

If its a damaged phone then be the first to experiment but as already suggested i dont think there will be enough power,

Try somthing like a joypad though if you want to experiment, some of them things rattle like hell

[geno]

it would certainly be inconspicuous.

That did sound rather shady, didn't it? I can assure you that I have nothing but good intentions.

Dont even attempt it,

Depending on the phone you will have the motor as a surface mounted item on the circuit board or it will be in a specific houseing moulding, in any instance it will be isolated form the important electronics of the phone, by attaching an external object to the internal structure could quite possably damage the electronics in the phone,

I had thought about it though,

If its a damaged phone then be the first to experiment but as already suggested i dont think there will be enough power,

Try somthing like a joypad though if you want to experiment, some of them things rattle like

I had no plans of still using the phone as a phone.

I was thinking I would gut it (save for the screen) and mount a micro switch behind one of the buttons to operate the motor.

I also figured I would hinge the case so I could store some pick ends inside.

[cracksman]

It did sound a bit shady, but I think you have developed enough good karma on the site to take you at your word. I think your cell motor is a reach though. Is it possible to solder some extra weight to your motor to create a greater vibration? I can see it now....

The Nokia Ninja:

Real time web/e-mail
In-phone camera
Download all your favorite games
Custom rings
Vibrating antenna/lockpick

[geno]

It did sound a bit shady, but I think you have developed enough good karma on the site to take you at your word. I think your cell motor is a reach though. Is it possible to solder some extra weight to your motor to create a greater vibration? I can see it now....

The Nokia Ninja:

Real time web/e-mail
In-phone camera
Download all your favorite games
Custom rings
Vibrating antenna/lockpick

I could always find something that will apply more force to the pick and ditch the phone motor.

For you guys who thought ill of my words...

What would you rather have in your toolbox

A cell phone or a long vibrating cylinder.

[pretender]

Well, I reckon the unorthodox alternate purposes of the cylinder might endear my hobby to the g/f more...

[Chrispy]

Well, I reckon the unorthodox alternate purposes of the cylinder might endear my hobby to the g/f more...

[Shrub]

Fair enough,

Yes a 57 post count does give you some credit,

Ok,

I dont think the phone motor will have enough power or structual integrity (brushes, magnets etc) to take a big weight, try it first,

I think you would be better off finding a differant motor,

Have a think and look round, do you have any young children in the house? maybe there is a disused toy car or somthing that you can chop for the motor,

The other consideration is that the batterys for the phone wont take the draw of a big motor,

If you have a look at my screwdriver thread, i made that as close to a gun as possable and it still isnt perfect! i think you may struggle,

Saying that have a go, ill help you if you want.

[helix]

You could use one of the real old phones that have a hammer between two bells? Maybe pull the shell off it, lengthen the hammer and call yourself?

Maybe you could use a wind up alarm clock with those same bells.
At least you can see how long it takes?

[Shrub]

You could use one of the real old phones that have a hammer between two bells? Maybe pull the shell off it, lengthen the hammer and call yourself?

Maybe you could use a wind up alarm clock with those same bells.
At least you can see how long it takes?

See if you can open the lock before the alarm goes off

The old phone idea isnt too off the mark, ive made one from an old door beel whilst experimenting,

The electromagnet style will work but noisey as hell

[geno]

Fair enough,

Yes a 57 post count does give you some credit,

Ok,

I dont think the phone motor will have enough power or structual integrity (brushes, magnets etc) to take a big weight, try it first,

I think you would be better off finding a differant motor,

Have a think and look round, do you have any young children in the house? maybe there is a disused toy car or somthing that you can chop for the motor,

The other consideration is that the batterys for the phone wont take the draw of a big motor,

If you have a look at my screwdriver thread, i made that as close to a gun as possable and it still isnt perfect! i think you may struggle,

Saying that have a go, ill help you if you want.

If I ever come across a small vibrating motor i'll pick it up. I have no intention of using the phone battery. Its shot (the reason I retired the phone). Hopefully a 9v battery will fit once the phone is gutted. Its a slim phone so i'm not sure it will.

The more thought I give this idea, the more I want to design it to be easily replicated.

Perhaps i'll ditch the phone idea and go with something more conventional.....

[Shrub]

If you have the parts anyway give it a go even if only to say your the one who made a phone into an electric pick