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From: dorl@vms.macc.wisc.edu (Michael (NMI))
Newsgroups: comp.dcom.telecom
Subject: Wanted: Home Phone System
Message-ID: <14080@accuvax.nwu.edu>
Date: 27 Oct 90 13:03:31 GMT
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X-Telecom-Digest: Volume 10, Issue 768, Message 6 of 11


I'm interested in updating my home phones.  I want something that can
handle at least two phone lines, six instruments, has hold, and
inter-instrument signaling (ringing), and intercomm.  I've seen some
ads for some two line phones that have some of these features but I
worry about continued availability of the instruments.

I wonder if anyone builds a centralized system.  I guess what I have
in mind is a black box that connects between the phone company lines
and the instruments in the house. It should provide the following...

  use standard single line instruments

  allow one to put a call on hold

  allow one to select a phone line

  allow one to ring another (or all) instrument

  allow one to specify default association between
  line and instrument.  Used for outgoing calls and
  for ringing.

Other nice things...

  connect multiple phone lines for party calls

  provide line in use and hold information
  relay outputs

  distinctive ring for inter-instrument signaling
  and to differentiate different incoming lines
  would be nice.

I'd be willing to bring all of the instruments into the system
separately.  The * and # touchtone keys could be used for control.

Anybody know of such a gadget?


Michael Dorl              (608) 262-0466  fax (608) 262-4679
dorl@vms.macc.wisc.edu    MACC / University of Wisconsin - Madison
dorl@wiscmacc.bitnet      1210 W. Dayton St. / Madison, WI 53706


[Moderator's Note: It sounds to me like a small residential PBX would
be what you need. A couple manufacturers which come to mind are Rolm
and Melco. The latter makes a unit which accomodates two central
office lines and up to twelve extensions. Single line phones are used,
and most things are controlled from the touchtones on the phone
including station to station dialing. There are other makers of
similar equipment.  PAT]