Path: utzoo!telecom-request Date: Thu, 11 Apr 91 13:01:37 PDT From: jartel!compsm!rlg@nosc.mil Newsgroups: comp.dcom.telecom Subject: Re: My New Toy: Call Forwarder From Radio Shack Message-ID: Organization: Computersmith, Los Angeles 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 286, Message 2 of 10 Lines: 73 In article TELECOM Moderator writes: > Over the weekend I bought a CPS-200 Call Forwarding System from Radio > Shack. At the local store here, they had one left, marked down to > $29.95, and I thought that price alone made it worthwhile. Definitely. (I assume this is really the CFS-200). ^ [Moderator's Note: You are right, it is the CFS-200. PAT] > This unit does require two actual phone lines; one to accept calls, > and the other to forward the call. Since I have 'genuine' call > forwarding from Illinois Bell, I won't need it a lot, but one good use > came to mind: I'll use it to remotely turn on call forwarding on my > main line! > ... [exotic method to remotely set up "1172" telco > call-forwarding has a problem with loss of remote control, followup > suggesting use of distinctive ringing to solve the problem.] I actually prefer the CFS-200's call forwarding to that provided by my telco (GTE). I just use the box as intended, without trying to make it set up telco call forwarding instead. When a call comes in on line 1, the box immediately calls out on line 2. When line 2 is answered, the box waits for someone to speak, then beeps to let the answering party know that this is a forwarded call. Only then is line 1 answered/supervised and bridged to line 2. This is so fast that the caller does not notice anything unusual. When working at a client's site, I can set it up to ring in on one of their unused rotary lines, if available. Otherwise, I just have it call their main number, the receptionist answers "Amalgamated Industries", hears a beep, then answers "Computersmith" because she knows its for me. Other benefits: - You can forward out on the line with all the discount calling programs. - You can have it follow you from place to place (even without distinctive ringing.) - If the forwarded call is not answered, an answering machine on line 1 can still take the call. I am surprised at how well it works, particularly for a Radio Shack product. Randy Gregor | Computersmith rlg@xenon.sr.com or uunet!paralogics!compsm!rlg | POB 25-D +1 213 477 4338 | Los Angeles, CA 90025 [Moderator's Note: The way you describe it is exactly how mine works. The problem I have is, I *forget* to turn on call-forwarding when I leave and I forget to turn it off when I return. If I can't remember to dial it on the phone, I probably would not remember to flip the little switch on the unit to turn it on when I left. That's why I though in my case it would be better as a to turn the telco version on from a distance. The ideal service for me would be 'transfer on busy/no answer', and it would automatically follow me. On my cell phone I have that feature and can program it on/off/where to forward from the cell phone. On my home line, IBT insists they only offer it programmed from the CO always on, with absolutely no way to change the destination, etc other than a $15 work order. PAT]