Reviving Vintage Intercoms: Transforming Them into a Modern AI Assistant

Reviving Vintage Intercoms: Transforming Them into a Modern AI Assistant

Table of Contents:

  1. Introduction
  2. The Initial Idea
  3. Disassembling the Intercom
  4. Choosing the Components
  5. Mounting the Microphone and Speaker
  6. Working with the Buttons and Dials
  7. Gluing the Components in Place
  8. Installing LEDs for Visual Feedback
  9. Developing the Software
  10. Integrating with Shortwave AI
  11. Final Demo and Impressions

Turning Old Intercoms into a Modern AI Assistant: A DIY Project 💡

Introduction

Have you ever come across some old electronics and wondered if they could be repurposed into something cool and modern? In this DIY project, we'll explore how to transform vintage intercoms from the 1980s into a modern AI assistant. From disassembling the intercoms to integrating with cutting-edge AI technology, we'll cover every step required to bring this idea to life. So, let's dive in!

The Initial Idea

It all started with a purchase on an internet auction site. The author stumbled upon a manual for some 1980s intercoms, which came with the actual intercoms themselves. Intrigued by their retro design, the author planned to repurpose these intercoms into something more exciting. The idea was to create a modern AI assistant that could interact with users and perform various tasks.

Disassembling the Intercom

The first step in this project was to disassemble the intercoms and understand their internal components. The author found a few major pieces, including the microphone, speaker, buttons, main PCB, and the bottom case. By examining these parts, they were able to gain insight into how the intercoms worked and how they could be modified.

Choosing the Components

To turn the vintage intercoms into a modern AI assistant, the author needed to select the right components for the project. They opted for a Raspberry Pi, but after conducting tests, they realized it wouldn't be fast enough for audio transcoding. As an alternative, they decided to use the intercoms as a USB peripheral, with audio transcoding handled by their desktop computer.

Mounting the Microphone and Speaker

One of the challenges was finding suitable locations for the microphone and speaker. The author purchased a conference room microphone that could capture audio from a few feet away. By aligning it with the existing holes in the intercoms, they were able to ensure effective communication. They also installed a small red speaker, creating a deliberate vintage sound aesthetic.

Working with the Buttons and Dials

To retain the functionality of the original intercom buttons, the author carefully reinstalled them. Underneath each button, they added micro switches that connected to an Arduino. These switches allowed the intercom to detect button presses and trigger specific actions. Additionally, the volume dial was kept intact, reminding users of the intercoms' nostalgic Charm.

Gluing the Components in Place

Although the author preferred not to use excessive hot glue, they needed a secure way to attach the components. The microphone, speaker, buttons, and PCB were all carefully glued into their respective positions. Despite using hot glue, the author acknowledged their preference for more professional brackets, which were not available at the time.

Installing LEDs for Visual Feedback

Visual feedback is essential for user interaction. The author decided to install LED matrixes to provide informative visuals. By gluing them into place and connecting them to an Arduino, they were able to create eye-catching displays. Although the LEDs were initially upside down, it added to the overall vintage aesthetic of the project.

Developing the Software

The software side of the project consisted of two parts. First, a browser script was used to interact with the Shortwave AI assistant, as it lacked a dedicated API. This script allowed the intercom to communicate with Shortwave's AI assistant by sending and receiving data from a web browser. The Second script facilitated audio Recording and Transcription by utilizing Whisper, an open ai Speech-to-Text model.

Integrating with Shortwave AI

Shortwave AI, built by ex-Google Engineers, provided the perfect solution for this DIY project. By integrating the intercom with Shortwave, the author achieved natural and intelligent interactions. Shortwave's contextual understanding, based on the user's email history, allowed for more personalized responses. The author also emphasized their investment in Shortwave and praised its revolutionary email client features.

Final Demo and Impressions

In the final demonstration, the author showcased the functionalities of the transformed intercoms. They tested voice commands, inquiring about the schedule of a specific video and receiving personalized responses. The intercom successfully interacted with the Shortwave AI assistant, demonstrating the potential of repurposed vintage electronics in the modern era.

Conclusion

Repurposing old intercoms into a modern AI assistant proved to be an exciting and innovative project. By disassembling the intercoms, selecting the right components, and gluing everything together, the author created a unique device with a vintage aesthetic. Integrating with Shortwave AI enhanced the interactive experience, making the intercom both functional and nostalgic. This DIY project serves as a testament to the endless possibilities of repurposing old electronics.

Pros:

  • Nostalgic and unique aesthetic
  • Integration with Shortwave AI for personalized responses
  • Repurposes old electronics effectively

Cons:

  • Reliance on a browser script for AI integration
  • Limited availability of professional brackets for component mounting

Highlights:

  • Transforming vintage intercoms from the 1980s into a modern AI assistant
  • Disassembling the intercoms to uncover their internal components
  • Selecting the right components, including a Raspberry Pi and microphones
  • Carefully mounting the microphone and speaker for effective communication
  • Retaining the functionality of the original buttons and dials
  • Gluing the components in place to ensure a secure fit
  • Installing LED matrixes for visual feedback and aesthetics
  • Developing the software to interact with the Shortwave AI assistant
  • Integrating with Shortwave AI for personalized and intelligent responses
  • Final demo showcasing the transformed intercoms and their functionalities

FAQ

Q: Can I use a different AI assistant instead of Shortwave? A: Yes, you can use other AI assistants like normal chat GPT, but Shortwave offers contextual understanding based on email history, providing more personalized responses.

Q: Is there a risk of damaging the intercoms during the disassembly process? A: Yes, there is always a risk of damaging components during disassembly. It is important to handle the intercoms with care and use proper tools.

Q: Can I use this project with different vintage electronics? A: Yes, the concept can be applied to other vintage electronics. However, the specific steps may vary depending on the device.

Q: Does the project require extensive coding knowledge? A: Some basic coding knowledge is required to develop the software for integrating with the AI assistant. However, detailed instructions and resources are available to guide you through the process.

Q: Is Shortwave AI available for commercial use? A: Shortwave AI is a commercial product that offers advanced email client features and AI integration. It is recommended to refer to Shortwave's official website for information on licensing and pricing.


Resources:

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