Classic intercoms have been displaced by newer technologies, but they still serve specific purposes. If you come across an old unit gathering dust, you can reuse its casing to turn it into a device very similar to the popular Google Home, using a Raspberry Pi and the Voice Kit created by Mountain View.
I never had intercoms at home. For one thing, it's a very small place, and for another, my mother preferred shouting (significantly more effective). Even so, I won't deny they are very interesting devices. For many people, intercoms were the most common PTT (push-to-talk) experience, and their presence in luxurious residences was almost guaranteed. Technological advances have largely displaced household intercoms, but I understand there are very cheap wireless models, even compatible with TCP/IP. Now, what can we do with an old intercom? The first thing that comes to mind is taking some of its parts, but Martin Mander went much further and upgraded its insides with a Raspberry Pi.
Technically, the mini computer isn't alone in the project, and we see it accompanied by the VoiceHAT module that Google distributed in the Voice Kit pack. That pack is almost sold out (imagine there must be some stray copy of Mag Pi 57 left, not to mention the typical eBay hoarders), but beyond the difficulties in obtaining its components, it's necessary to highlight the work done on the device's exterior. The casing belongs to an old FM intercom from Radio Shack that Mander bought for less than five euros.
After several modifications inside, a couple of holes, and a coat of paint, the intercom looks like an official product from Mountain View (Google might abandon its "cylinders" and adopt a conventional design like this). Perhaps the most intimidating part of the project is the software, but Mander relied on IFTTT to achieve greater integration with the smart lights in his home. The full guide is found at the link below.
