Path: utzoo!telecom-request Date: Tue, 9 Apr 91 22:02:52 -0700 From: Jeff Sicherman Newsgroups: comp.dcom.telecom Subject: Time Restricted Connection to Phone System Message-ID: Organization: Cal State Long Beach Sender: Telecom@eecs.nwu.edu Approved: Telecom@eecs.nwu.edu X-Submissions-To: telecom@eecs.nwu.edu X-Administrivia-To: telecom-request@eecs.nwu.edu X-Telecom-Digest: Volume 11, Issue 283, Message 2 of 8 Lines: 46 I'm not sure what kind of device to ask for, so maybe if I describe the problem/application: We have a PC power controller/protection device with the capability to power up on detection of ring signal on a phone line to which which it is is connected (via modular jack). The line is then chained to the modem. We have a four-line 1A2 phone system (no laughing !) and the modem is currently connected to the phone system through a (discontinued) Radio Shack box that allows one modular device to be connected to any one of five possible lines at a time through depressing any one of five buttons. This is fine for normal business hours - release all buttons to avoid modem interference with normal voice use of the phone line, or turn off the modem. However, we would like to use the remote power-up feature of the power controller to activate the system after hours. I know there is a straightforward manual solution: have someone set the adaptor switch appropriately before leaving for the day. However, some of the people involved are somewhat scatter-brained and forgetful and I would like a somewhat more foolproof approach. Another, dedicated phone line is also not an option at this time. What I would like is some kind of timer-driven setup that routes the phone line to the power-controller after hours and disables this connection when normal business hours resume. I have no idea what kind of equipment or kludge would do this. [ I know there is a software solution: leave the computer on and use a clock driven TSR (this is a PC) to adjust the modem to auto-answer or not, or alternatively, answer itself when ring is detected. This is NOT the desired solution at this point, however; we don't want the system left on all night, every night. ] Thanks for any sugggestions. Jeff Sicherman P.S. Looking for used, touch-tone, 1A2 phones and boxes in good working condition (for use, not resale). Will pay a nominal amount and any shipping for your obsolete junk gathering dust. Hey, what can I say, we're traditionalists.