74066.2004@compuserve.com (Larry Rachman) (07/25/90)
I'm looking for a specific piece of telecom hardware, and I suspect that someone out there may have the answer readily available so I decided to post, rather than wading through reams of catalog and magazine back issues. What I'm trying to find is an IBM/clone-compatible PC card that can will perform the basic voice mail primative functions, such as record, playback, dial, off/on-hook control, etc. _under control of a user program_. There seem to be any number of boards out there that will transform a PC into an answering machine, but invariably, they must be run with the dedicated appication software they're shipped with. I'm currently sitting on a perfectly good WATSON board that comes with what must be the most bizzare developer's interface I've ever seen, involving a virtual deck of cards that one can 'jump' between or `search' for. What I'm after is a board that comes with a library of assembly or high-level language routines that perform the functions described above. Natural Microsystems will gladly sell me their 'value-added reseller's developer's kit for the WATSON for *BIG* bucks, but I've declined their offer since this is a strictly avocational project. Does anyone know of a reasonably priced card ($150-$250, or so) that includes rudimentary development software. Are there any third parties out there that provide it for the WATSON? Larry Rachman,WA2BUX - 74066,2004@compuserve.com, or 516-427-8705 via fax
"Craig R. Watkins" <CRW@icf.hrb.com> (08/01/90)
In article <10087@accuvax.nwu.edu>, 74066.2004@compuserve.com (Larry Rachman) writes: > What I'm trying to find is an IBM/clone-compatible PC card > I'm currently sitting on a perfectly good WATSON board that comes with > what must be the most bizzare developer's interface I've ever seen, > involving a virtual deck of cards that one can 'jump' between or > `search' for. I have a WATSON. It works but it is annoying to try to do some clever stuff with it (like implement some very common features of voice mail systems). I saw an add for another card from The Online Store (800)366-2439. I believe the card is around $199 and their programming packages are around $79. A friend looked into a little more than I did (also a WATSON owner) and thought the card looked reasonable. He also called the manufacturer (I forget who that is) and they seemed to imply that the Online Store had a very good price on the board. Never actually seen one or dealt with the Online Store, tho. Craig R. Watkins Internet: CRW@ICF.HRB.COM HRB Systems, Inc. Bitnet: CRW%HRB@PSUECL.Bitnet +1 814 238-4311 UUCP: ...!psuvax1!hrbicf!crw