Hey electronic wizzes ...

[Freds]

I called Radio Hack and they said they didn't have an answer to my question, so I'd like to give it a shot here....

What I'm looking for is a phone answering device that can be placed inline, ahead of all phones, and be able to take a message when turned on without allowing any phones to ring. When turned off it would allow the calls to go through to the phones on that line.
Do they make such a thing?

Thanks

 

[slowrev]

I believe it is available on regular phone lines as Voice mail with Do Not Disturb feature.

Ben

 

[Jagmandave]

Or just setting the answer machine to pick up on the first ring?
Unless you're trying to let the baby sleep or something?

 

[MossRoad]

Yes... It is called an A/B switch.

 

[Jagmandave]

Oh yeah, that'll work too!

 

[TonyV]

Take a look at this:
A/B Switch

(click on the 'switch box' link when you go there.)

...Tony

 

[MossRoad]

That's one of those D-LUX a/b/c switches. Perty fancy! /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

 

[Freds]

Thank you Tony! /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

It's on its way and when it gets here I'll hook it up where my phone line enters the building and run one side to an answering machine for when I'm closed and flip the switch depending on whether I want that machine to pick up or the phones to ring.
Perfect!

 

[MossRoad]

With the A-B-C switch you could wire it for answering machine only, phones only, or both phones and answering machine. That way, if, for some unforeseen circumstance, no one can answere the phone after a few rings, the machine will still pick up. Always good to have a backup just in case. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

That's the beauty of all the electronic gizmos we have today. You can really do some nice things with a little planning and reading. There are so many unused features on the devices we have just because we either didn't know about them or didn't want to take the time to read the manual.

 

[Freds]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( There are so many unused features on the devices we have just because we either didn't know about them or didn't want to take the time to read the manual. )</font>

Hah, ain't that the truth!
I just found out the other day that my new Pacifica has a theft alarm on it. /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif The first day I had it I called the dealer from the vehicle using my cell phone and asked why I couldn't get the radio to turn off when the key was removed. It turns out that the electronics will continue to work for 1-1/2 minutes or until the door is opened.

I remember a time when I used to read the manual cover to cover.