# Project: Flamingo (2025)

As Branden became interested in radio in 2024 he decided to try to implement an idea he’d been toying with for a few years - creating a safety callbox based on cheap consumer two-way radios. The result is Project Flamingo - a collection of custom 3D printed parts, electronics, and software that can turn a Baofeng UV-5R radio into a waterproof radio callbox that can operate for multiple weeks on a single charge.

Prototypes were tested in 2024, and in 2025 Branden learned enough KiCAD to design his first custom circuit board. The board is mounted to a 3D printed tray that slots into the radio where the battery usually lives. The board utilizes the low-power version of the ATTiny 85 microcontroller to handle switching and power management. The speaker, microphone, and Kenwood connector are all scavenged from a generic shoulder mic. The radio remains completely unmodified and can be removed and used as normal.