S.D-REUBEN%KLA.WESLYN%Wesleyan.BITNET@WISCVM.WISC.EDU.UUCP (12/13/86)
In response to a question about building a $2-$4 Hold circuit to be placed on each extension, I would suggest that if you have many extensions, you may be interested in a "Tone-Hold" device. This is a small, cubelike box that you connect anywhere in the house, and responds to the * or # sign. If you want to place a call on hold, all you need to do is press the * or # key (depending on the brand) , and hang up. The Tone Hold holds the line until you pick up an extension. I've recently seen these available for around $49 dollars in many electronics stores and mail order catalogs. If anyone is interested in specifics, let me know and I'll see if I can dig up a few catalogs. Alternately, certain BOCs offer a hold service, which is similar to three-way calling. When you want to put a call on hold, you click the hookswitch, and hang up. You can then go to any extension and continue you call. This is done at the central office (I think), since no installation of any device is required in your home. Pac*Bell offers this service in most of their Northern California ESSs, and I would think that other BOCs either have or soon will have similar features. Also, add my vote to the "Boycott non-Bell Payphones" list -I've seen a few at a Sears on Long Island that actually charge $.45 for a local directory assistance call which is FREE at NY Tel payphones! -Doug Reuben@WESLYN.BITNET S.D-REUBEN%KLA.WESLYN@WESLEYAN.BITNET S.D-REUBEN%KLA.WESLYN%WESLEYAN.BITNET@WISCVM.ARPA -------