Converting a $20 4G wireless hotspot into a texting device

A DIY project converts a cheap $20 4G wireless hotspot (an unlocked openstick-compatible modem) into a dedicated texting device by flashing mainline Linux, reverse-engineering the Qualcomm device tree, wiring a custom sharp DRM display driver, integrating a Clicks mechanical keyboard, and designing a custom PCB to handle USB and power. The writeup covers cutting down the modem PCB and keyboard case to fit a 3D-printed enclosure, debugging SPI/CS quirks in the Qualcomm SPI driver, fixing a display driver memory leak, and open remaining issues like sleep support and battery percentage reporting. All files and driver patches are published on GitHub.

Source: https://bkovac.github.io/modem-thing. 8 Sync News only summarizes and links out; content copyright belongs to the authors and original sources.