The real-life Metal Gear Solid Codec is not a smartwatch or a covert digital communicator. It is a pair of custom 3D-printed, wrist-mounted walkie-talkies enhanced with an LCD interface, keypad, motion sensor, and game-inspired graphics. A separate infrared accessory creates a convincing “jammed” state by telling the firmware to disable the prop’s transmit control.
That distinction is what makes the project useful to copy. The radio handles voice communication; a Waveshare RP2040-Zero handles the theatrical interface and interaction. The result is a functional cosplay prop—not an exact, screen-accurate reconstruction of official Konami hardware.
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What the Codec is—and what this replica changes
In the original Metal Gear Solid, the Codec is primarily presented as a communications interface. Players interact with it through the game’s display, while its complete physical construction is left largely to the imagination. That gives a real-world maker room to design a plausible wrist-mounted version rather than copy a fully documented canonical device.
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The 3DSage project turns that idea into a two-unit communicator. Each unit combines inexpensive walkie-talkie electronics with a small computer, screen, keypad, motion sensing, and a custom enclosure. The appearance draws on the game’s tactical aesthetic, but its proportions, controls, and internal arrangement are practical design decisions.
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It should therefore be described as a Codec-inspired wearable prop, not the first or official “real Codec watch,” and not a device that works exactly like the game.
What the finished prop can do
- Transmit and receive voice between two nearby units using walkie-talkie hardware.
- Display green, tactical-style Codec graphics on a small LCD.
- Accept local input from a numerical keypad.
- Show simulated static, signal noise, caller information, signal indicators, maps, and tracker-style graphics.
- React to movement or tilt through an IMU such as the MPU6050.
- Use a separate infrared accessory to trigger a simulated jammer state.
- Fit into a custom, military-radio-inspired wrist enclosure.
The keypad is primarily theatrical. Based on the available reporting, it changes the local interface but does not transmit numerical Codec data or encrypted commands. Likewise, the jammer does not block a radio carrier. It sends modulated infrared light, which the Codec firmware recognizes as a reason to reject or disable transmission.
System architecture
The cleanest way to understand the build is to separate the radio path from the interface path:
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1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute[Walkie-talkie radio board]
│
speaker/microphone
│
[RP2040-Zero]
├── LCD display
├── keypad
├── IMU
├── IR receiver
├── transmit-enable lockout
└── status LEDs / sound effectsTwo completed units communicate through their donor radios:
Codec A walkie-talkie ⇄ Codec B walkie-talkie
│ │
RP2040 A RP2040 B
│ │
LCD/keypad/IMU LCD/keypad/IMU
▲
│ infrared control signal
│
JammerThe walkie-talkie remains responsible for audio and radio transmission. The RP2040 does not replace the radio; it controls the display, reads the inputs, generates visual effects, and manages the prop’s state. The infrared jammer is a control signal for the firmware, not an RF interference device.
Parts required
For each Codec unit
- An inexpensive DIY or children’s walkie-talkie, or a suitable low-cost radio kit.
- One Waveshare RP2040-Zero.
- A small LCD, reported in secondary coverage as approximately 1.8 inches.
- An MPU6050-family IMU or comparable accelerometer/gyroscope breakout, such as the Adafruit MPU6050 breakout.
- A numerical keypad or compact button matrix.
- The donor radio’s speaker and microphone wiring; an upgraded microphone may improve poor donor audio.
- An IR receiver.
- Status LEDs and suitable resistors.
- A rechargeable battery system and appropriate USB charging/protection hardware.
- Point-to-point wiring or a custom PCB, connectors, insulation, and strain relief.
- A 3D-printed case, bezel, buttons, clips, wrist strap, and mounting hardware.
- Screws, heat-set inserts, internal standoffs, solder, and workshop tools.
Coverage of the original project identifies the RP2040-Zero, MPU6050-style motion sensing, LCD, keypad, donor walkie-talkie, microphone improvement, rechargeable 9V-form-factor battery, and custom printed housing. The exact radio model, LCD model, battery capacity, wiring, GPIO assignments, firmware repository, and print-file license have not been established in the available sources.
For the separate jammer
- An IR LED or other IR transmitter.
- A current-limiting resistor.
- A transistor or driver stage if the microcontroller cannot supply the required LED current.
- A push button.
- A small controller or simple timing circuit.
- A battery.
- An IR receiver on each Codec unit.
- A separate printed enclosure.
The transmitter should use a modulated signal rather than an always-on IR light. Modulation allows the receiver firmware to distinguish the jammer from sunlight, lamps, and unrelated infrared sources.
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Do not begin by squeezing every board into the printed case. The donor radio is the hardest part of the integration, and each subsystem should work independently before the enclosure fixes its position.
1. Characterize the donor radio
- Confirm that the two unmodified radios communicate reliably.
- Identify power, ground, speaker, microphone, push-to-talk, and other user-control connections.
- Measure the radio’s supply voltage and observe its behavior during transmission.
- Photograph the original wiring before removing the board from its shell.
- Check that the radio still works outside its original enclosure.
- Determine how the antenna, channel controls, volume control, and transmit control will remain accessible.
Do not assume that similarly sized toy radios share the same pinout. Leave the RF circuitry intact wherever possible and interface only with low-voltage control and audio points that you have positively identified.
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2. Test the RP2040 and display
- Connect the RP2040-Zero over USB.
- Run a minimal display test before adding graphics.
- Verify the display’s voltage and logic-level requirements.
- Control the backlight separately so it can later be dimmed or disabled.
- Connect the keypad and verify every key.
- Add the IMU and confirm that readings change predictably when the board is tilted.
- Add the IR receiver only after the basic interface is stable.
Exact pin assignments should come from a verified schematic for your chosen display, keypad, and sensor. The available project coverage does not establish a complete original pinout, so reproducing one from guesswork is likely to damage hardware or create intermittent faults.
3. Use an explicit firmware state machine
IDLE
CALL_READY
TRANSMITTING
RECEIVING
JAMMED
LOW_BATTERY
ERRORA simplified control loop could look like this:
loop() {
read_keypad();
read_imu();
read_ir_receiver();
if (jammer_detected()) {
state = JAMMED;
disable_transmit_control();
}
if (state == JAMMED && jammer_timeout_expired()) {
state = IDLE;
enable_transmit_control();
}
update_tracker_graphics(imu_data);
update_codec_screen(state, keypad_input);
}This is pseudocode, not the original project’s firmware. Keep display drawing separate from input handling, debounce the keypad, low-pass-filter motion readings, and avoid long blocking delays. The jammer detector should require a valid modulation pattern and a minimum number of pulses rather than reacting to one isolated IR event.
A diagnostic screen showing battery status, IMU readings, IR detection, display status, and radio-control status can save considerable time during assembly. Include a watchdog or a clear power-cycle recovery path before sealing the case.
Make the display carry the illusion
The screen is what makes an ordinary radio recognizable as a Codec. A useful visual system might include:
- A green or monochrome tactical palette.
- Caller identification or an original character portrait.
- A channel or frequency-style readout.
- Animated static and signal noise.
- Signal bars and connection indicators.
- A map or tracker display.
- Keypad feedback.
- A tilt-reactive reticle, radar, or cursor.
- A prominent JAMMED screen.
For private cosplay, fans may be tempted to use extracted game artwork. A safer approach—especially if the prop might be sold or shown publicly—is to create original portraits, logos, and interface assets that evoke the period and mood without redistributing copyrighted game files or copying character art. Private use is not an automatic blanket license, and commercial copies create additional intellectual-property risk.
Design the enclosure around the hardware
The enclosure is an engineering problem, not just a cosmetic shell. The reported build was modeled from scratch, refined through breadboard and fit testing, and printed on a Bambu Lab P1S according to All3DP’s coverage.
Reserve space for the donor radio board, RP2040, display, keypad, battery, speaker, microphone, wiring, and antenna before refining the exterior. The display should sit behind a bezel with a light-blocking surround. The speaker and microphone need clear acoustic openings, while the antenna must not be trapped against components or metal hardware.
Design in:
- Internal standoffs that keep boards from touching the case or one another.
- Heat-set inserts rather than repeatedly driving screws into printed plastic.
- Strain relief for every wire that exits or moves near a hinge.
- USB charging access and a serviceable battery compartment.
- Alignment features for the keypad and buttons.
- Clearance around volume, channel, and push-to-talk controls.
- A wrist strap that supports the case without pressing on the display.
Print the bezel, button caps, clips, and wrist hardware as separate parts where possible. This makes repairs and cosmetic revisions easier than reprinting the entire body.
Power is a design constraint
The radio and RP2040 may require different voltage rails, and the LCD backlight can draw significant current. Radio transmission can also create short power-demand peaks that reset the display or microcontroller.
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The reported build used a rechargeable battery in a 9V-style form factor containing lithium-ion cells and USB-charging electronics. Treat that as a project-specific component choice, not a universal recommendation. A rechargeable “9V” battery is not necessarily electrically equivalent to a rectangular alkaline 9V battery: check chemistry, regulated output, protection, capacity, charging method, and peak current.
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Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Build the infrared lockout
Call this accessory a simulated jammer or infrared lockout, not a radio jammer. A true RF jammer would interfere with radio communications and could create serious legal and safety problems. This project’s accessory simply emits a coded optical signal. Each Codec recognizes that signal and changes its own firmware state to JAMMED.
A robust implementation should:
- Use a carrier frequency and pulse pattern that the firmware expects.
- Require several valid pulses within a defined time window.
- Ignore isolated pulses and ordinary remote-control signals.
- Test detection at different angles and distances.
- Provide a timeout or power-cycle recovery path.
- Disable the transmit action in firmware while jammed.
Because the lockout is local, the accessory does not reduce radio range, overload the walkie-talkie, or prevent unrelated radios from operating.
Test the finished units systematically
Bench acceptance checklist
- The RP2040 boots consistently from a cold start.
- The LCD initializes reliably and the backlight behaves as intended.
- Each keypad key registers once, without repeats.
- IMU readings remain stable while stationary.
- The IR receiver ignores sunlight and ordinary environmental light.
- The jammer is detected at practical angles.
- Audio works before and after installation in the enclosure.
- The battery charges without excessive heat.
- The transmit control cannot activate while the unit is jammed.
Radio and mechanical tests
- Test communication indoors with the units worn on opposite wrists.
- Use the final antenna orientation and strap position.
- Check whether the enclosure reduces range or changes audio quality.
- Confirm that buttons are not pressed accidentally by the wrist.
- Inspect wires for pinching when the case is closed.
- Test both units transmitting and receiving in sequence.
Recovery tests
- Remove the jammer signal and verify timeout recovery.
- Power-cycle a jammed unit.
- Disconnect and reconnect the battery.
- Enter invalid keypad input.
- Test low battery during transmission.
- Confirm that a display fault does not create an unsafe radio-control condition.
What it can and cannot do
| Feature | Replica behavior |
|---|---|
| Voice communication | Yes, through the donor walkie-talkie hardware |
| Animated Codec interface | Yes |
| Keypad input | Yes, as local interface interaction |
| Actual numeric data transmission | No, according to the available reporting |
| Motion-reactive display | Yes |
| Infrared jammer effect | Yes, as a firmware lockout |
| Long-range encrypted communication | No |
| Official Konami hardware | No |
Choose the right version for your skill level
- Display-only prop: Use the RP2040, LCD, keypad, IMU, and printed housing. This is the best starting point for beginners and avoids radio integration entirely.
- Functional communicator: Add two donor walkie-talkies once the interface is reliable. This delivers real voice communication with relatively little networking software.
- Full replica-style build: Add custom audio wiring, a microphone upgrade, battery integration, custom PCB work, motion graphics, and the infrared lockout.
For a different architecture, a Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W paired with a documented audio interface such as the Raspberry Pi Codec Zero can support richer graphics, networking, audio recording, and actual software-defined data. It is not a drop-in replacement: it is larger, more power-hungry, and dependent on a much more complex software stack. The Codec Zero is designed for Raspberry Pi systems and includes digital audio, microphone and speaker support, LEDs, and a button; it does not recreate the simple RP2040-plus-donor-radio architecture.
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Radio, battery, and legal considerations
A toy walkie-talkie is not automatically safe or legal to modify merely because it is inexpensive. Before operating the finished prop, identify the donor radio’s operating band, approval status, antenna arrangement, output stage, and intended operating conditions. Check applicable local rules for unlicensed transmitters; U.S. readers can begin with the FCC’s wireless-device guidance, but that page is not a substitute for checking the rules that apply to the specific radio.
The conservative approach is to leave the RF circuitry and antenna system intact and connect only to verified low-voltage controls, microphone, speaker, and user-interface signals. Do not claim that a modified radio remains compliant without confirming its design and local regulations. Also avoid placing metal hardware or wiring near the antenna without testing the final assembly.
Why the donor radio is the difficult part
The animated interface is the visible achievement, but the radio integration sets the project’s practical limits. The board may have undocumented connections, the push-to-talk control may be difficult to reproduce, and the speaker and microphone need both electrical and acoustic solutions. The battery must handle transmit peaks without disturbing the RP2040 or LCD. Finally, the antenna has to remain usable inside a case that was designed for appearance.
That is why a smaller enclosure is not achieved simply by scaling the CAD model. The donor board, antenna, speaker, battery, and controls establish a hard minimum volume. If the result is too large for the wrist, consider a pocket radio with a wrist-mounted display, fewer controls, or a completely digital communication architecture.
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Bottom line
3DSage’s project succeeds because it divides the fantasy into achievable engineering problems. A cheap radio supplies the real voice link, an RP2040 supplies the responsive Codec interface, an IMU adds movement to the graphics, and an infrared accessory creates the jammer effect without interfering with radio frequencies. Build the electronics in stages, design the enclosure around serviceability, and treat power and radio compliance as first-class requirements. The result will not be a covert Metal Gear communications network—but it can be a remarkably convincing, genuinely functional wearable prop.
Quick Recap
Sources
- Hackster: Building a Real-Life Metal Gear Solid Codec Watch
- Hackaday: Making The Codec Communicator From Metal Gear Solid
- All3DP: From PlayStation to Reality: How to 3D Print the Metal Gear Solid Codec
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