Path: utzoo!utgpu!jarvis.csri.toronto.edu!rutgers!sun-barr!texsun!texbell!vector!telecom-gateway From: mit-amt!rdsnyder%mit-amt.media.mit.edu@eecs.nwu.edu (Ross D. Snyder) Newsgroups: comp.dcom.telecom Subject: Re: PhoneMate Answering Machine Problem Message-ID: Date: 15 May 89 02:46:33 GMT Sender: news@vector.Dallas.TX.US Organization: MIT Media Lab, Cambridge, MA Lines: 27 Approved: telecom-request@vector.dallas.tx.us X-Submissions-To: telecom@eecs.nwu.edu X-Administrivia-To: telecom-request@vector.dallas.tx.us X-TELECOM-Digest: volume 9, issue 163, message 3 of 9 I also own a PhoneMate 9750 answering machine, which I have used for the last three years. Its behavior over that time has been peculiar in a number of ways. For the first six to twelve months, the VOX circuit seemed deaf and impatient, but that problem "healed" over time. While it was a problem, I just instructed the people who usually called me to speak loudly and quickly, which got around the problem. The other problem I have had is DTMF deafness, but it seems to vary over time. Sometimes it is quite sensitive, but other times (often only a few seconds later) it's completely deaf. I used to think it was the telco trunks, but after MIT's cutover to our new 5ESS (with completely new cable plant) last fall, I ruled that out. I opened up the PhoneMate and found four trimpots on the board. I tried adjusting them, but it did not seem to have any effect. I never use the built-in handset. In fact, I have kept always kept the PhoneMate in a clear plastic bag to keep it looking new and operate it through the bag. (I use only a 1970's vintage WECO 2500 set or my 1960's vintage WECO 3B speakerphone when I want to talk on the phone.) I've always wondered why PhoneMate used those expensive 6V photoflash batteries for backup. The batteries cost ~$12, and I only paid $60 for the machine. I overcame the problem by wiring up an external 8 AA-cell alkaline pack. Overall, I have been very pleased with the PhoneMate. Sure a few analog levels aren't quite right, but the uP software is good, as are the front panel controls. The thing I like most about the PhoneMate is that it either does exactly what you want or (if it's deaf) does nothing (and retains all messages). I've never lost a message with it. I also believe Code-A-Phone makes good machines, but not as good as they used to (e.g. Ford Industries Code-A-Phone Model 200: the "Chrysler" of answering machines). -Ross