SYSDEB@ukcc.bitnet (Hisle, Debra) (07/28/89)
I've been following the queries about the device to cut off an answering machine with much amusement. I actually have and use one, and they are very simple. I got mine at K-MART or Target, in the telephone/electronics area. These thingies look just like a simple modular jack splitter, with a red LED over one side, and a green LED over the other. One side is labeled "TEL" and one is labeled "ANS." If a device is plugged into the "TEL" side, it will cut off ALL OTHER EXTENSIONS, when off-hook. If a device is plugged into the "ANS" side, it will be cut off BY ANY OTHER EXTENSION going off-hook. I found that plugging my cordless phone into the TEL side was a bad idea. It seems to disable other phones regardless. But the ANS side is quite handy for stopping the answering machine -- or the fax, if it's been left on accidentally. Why do people find these appealing? We have a 5000 square foot house, and even with the currently 8 (soon to be 12) phones punched down, I can't always reach the phone before the answering machine picks up (on the second ring, if there are already messages; fourth otherwise). And the fax machine doesn't wait at all, rude thing. Lifting the receiver now automatically takes the answering machine or fax off the line, and gives me a nice QUIET background to say I'm actually home. The smallish price (must have been less than $10; I don't recall) surely beats a $96 fax switch, if all you really want is to stop that awful screaming from the dummy box upstairs. :-) I don't use the "TEL" feature, but I see that it would be nice to assure uninterrupted modem or fax operation. I wrote because of the letter which implied that these splitters were necessary all over the house to provide the protection. NOT SO. ONE splitter will cut off all other extensions, if a device plugged into its TEL side goes off-hook. - Deb I just USE telephones -- it's my husband who makes a living telling people which ones to buy...