Path: utzoo!attcan!uunet!samsung!zaphod.mps.ohio-state.edu!wuarchive!umich!accuvax.nwu.edu!nucsrl!telecom-request
From: kddlab!foretune.co.jp!trebor@uunet.uu.net (Robert Trebor Woodhead)
Newsgroups: comp.dcom.telecom
Subject: Device Needed For Fax/Phone on One Line
Message-ID: <14111@accuvax.nwu.edu>
Date: 28 Oct 90 01:55:11 GMT
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X-Telecom-Digest: Volume 10, Issue 772, Message 2 of 8


I am looking for a device that will let me connect and use a fax
machine and a regular telephone/answering machine on the same line.
The catch is that I would like incoming callers to be able to leave
either a message or send a fax!

The main problem is that in order to send a fax, the receiving fax
machine (mine) must first send tones; this is normally done when the
fax detects a ring and picks up the phone.  However, in order to be
able to let people leave voice messages, it is the answering machine
that must pick up first.

Checking around at a phone store here in Japan (this is for a friend
of mine) revealed all sorts of wierd and complicated solutions that
involve boxes that listen for voices, and if they dont hear any,
timeout and connect the fax.  Yuck!  Expensive!  $300!

After a little thought, I feel that what is really needed is a simple
box that does the following+

1) When a call comes in, it is automatically routed to output #1 - the
Answering machine.  The message on the machine says "Leave a message
at the tone, or press <some key> for the fax machine."

2) If the box detects the right touchtone (switch settable) it
switches the call over to the fax machine (and may need to fake a
ring).

3) N seconds after the answering machine goes offhook (again, switch
settable), rerouting capability is disabled; or alternatively, if a
different touchtone is heard, the rerouting is turned off.  This
allows the caller to control an answering machine via touchtones
without the switchbox interfering.

Seems to me this is a couple of IC's, a dip switch, a relay and two
modular plugs!  Is there such a device?  Even with the usual huge
markups it shouldnt retail for more than $100.

If there isn't such a device, then perhaps one of the gentle readers
of comp.dcom.telecom would be interested in helping me develop and
patent one.  ;^)  Split the royalties after expense?


Robert Woodhead - trebor@biar.UUCP - ...!uunet!biar!trebor