telecom@ucbvax.UUCP (02/07/86)
A previous posting described a device called "FoneAlone" which disconnects one telephone device when another device on the same line is picked up. It is especially handy for interrupting an answering machine when you want to actually *talk* to the person calling. Well, I wrote for information and later ordered one. It arrived promptly, and does exactly what it is supposed to. I connected it to my answering machine, which is set to answer on two rings. When someone calls and gets the machine, picking up a telephone causes the machine to be disconnected immediately, and allows the machine to complete its cycle and reset for the next call. This is much more convenient than dashing off to the room where the machine is, turning it off, and then having to remember to turn it back on and let it cycle through. The device costs $29.95, and can be ordered from Sparrevohn Engineering, 143 Nieto Ave., Long Beach, CA 90803 (213) 443-7240. Of course, I have nothing to do with this firm except as a customer. It seems to be such a useful device, I'm really suprised that no one else has marketed one! Sparrevohn also has a portable autodialer with a built-in clock and calculator for about $35 or so. Looked pretty nice if you need something like that. -Brian Smithson ucbvax!calma!smithson
telecom@ucbvax.UUCP (02/12/86)
One of the mod.telecom readers discovered that the phone number I had posted was incorrect. The correct phone number for Sparrevohn Engineering (Long Beach, CA) is (213)433-7240.