telecom@bu-cs.BU.EDU (Patrick Townson) (11/11/88)
I have here the instructions for a device called 'The Uncoin Phone' but not
a single reference to who manufactures it or its cost. It seems like a
fabulous device, but all I have is the little reference card listing the
commands, etc.
What it seems to do is function as a very sophisticated call extender/call
forwarding device, as you will note from the features available. The picture
of the device shows a box about the size of an answering machine, with a
regular telephone instrument sitting on top of it. On the back side are
several modular jacks labeled 'line 1', 'line 2', 'local 1' and 'local 2'.
We are told to bring one CO line into 1 and ; to plug the local phone into
local 1 and the answering machine into local 2. The power supply plugs in
back there, and there are dip switch settings for gain, auto time out and
other functions.
The device can be configured to forward a call out prior to answering an
incoming call, or conversely to answer either line and extend its own
internal 'dial tone' to the caller. In this second mode, the first order of
business is to enter a four digit security code. Having done so, the dial
tone is returned, and the following commands apply --
# at any time, to regain control of device. If a call is patched out over
the second line, put the call on hold. A second # entered disconnects the
outgoing call on the opposite line.
*1 Connect to opposite CO line (or reconnect to call left holding there.)
*2 Send ringing voltage out local 1; converse with local party.
*3 Send ringing voltage out local 2; trigger answering machine to respond.
*4 Until further notice send all incoming calls, either CO line to local 1.
*5 Until further notice send all incoming calls, either CO line to local 2.
*6 Until further notice send all incoming calls, either CO line out on
opposite CO line to number which follows, terminated by a # sign.
Example: *6 1-312-555-2368#
*7 Answer either CO line on nth ring.
Example: *7 1 5# would cause line 1 to answer on 5th ring.
*7 2 0# would cause line 2 to NEVER answer.
*7 3 cancels instructions; defaults both lines to answer 1st ring.
*8 Simulate a switch hook flash on line 1 or 2; Example *81 or *82, and
reconnect to that line, i.e. to set up three way calling.
*9 Change password from nnnn to yyyy. Use # as a delimiter between passwords.
*0 Call back on this CO line to number which follows, terminated by # sign.
Example: You are at a payphone where calls are timed, or a toll is
involved. UnCoin Phone will ring you back, ask for your password, and
permit you to continue your session.
You are cautioned against setting both lines to answer on zeroeth ring at
the same time, lest you lose control of the device until someone at the
base can reset it. It says to simulate a no-answer condition, set both lines to
answer on the 25th ring, or something equally ridiculous.
>From the local station, no password is required to use the device, and *9
connects the local phone to an outside line. The password is set with pinwheels
on the back of the unit. The password entered from remote only overrides the
pinwheel settings until the next power up restores all defaults.
<<< And that is all the information I have. I found this wallet size card in
the dumpster behind the IBM Plaza downtown. Obviously I did not find the
machine to go with it! Any idea who manufactures this, or the price, etc?
Patrick Townson