View Full Version : Convert an Old TELSKOM PHONE FOR VOIP?
Simple Twist Of Fate
22-06-2005, 08:30 PM
Gurus electronic wizards out there,
is it possible to do a DIY conversion to be able to use a standard plain old telephone for voip?
ye and straight off my thoughts are well a headset is just as easy with skype/firefly........... but a hardware phone, linked with voip would be cool
there are some sites where you can buy an adapter for a few 100$ but although i would love a skype phone i dont have funds atm.
So i was thinking ... i have a few old phones in the garage, the mic and earpiece part seems simple enough to do but how to dial ?
is it possible to dial direct to another user?
can i install a pci modem card and use hypertrminal ?
or plug the rj-11 into an rj-45 nic?
i see thaT ome routers come with phone ports, but will this only work on a telkom adsl line?
feed back would be APPRECIATED
erm, can't you just buy a VoIP phone? USB mefinks. Just ask around at the local pc shops. They ain't that bad on the pocket AFAIK.
WickedWeasel
22-06-2005, 08:45 PM
Hi,
Have a look here.
http://www.voipforum.co.za/viewtopic.php?p=432#432
bb_matt
22-06-2005, 08:49 PM
Hmm - interesting.
Should be pretty easy to rewire a phone to jack plugs.
You could do a really neat job of it - take all the inner workings out and find out where the wires from the speaker and headphone are inside the casing of the phone. Pull the female jack plug out of the back of the phone and run a cable with 4 wires through that hole, hook up to the relevant speaker/mic cables inside the phone and on the other end, put your 2.5mm jack plugs.
Or, buy a USB phone :D
DaveBuchanan1337
22-06-2005, 08:53 PM
POTS telephones are OLD tech... google for this, there are many excellent resources available.
I saw one guy converted a huge old red handset into a loopback/handsfree for his nokia cell phone.
here is an easy solution (no soldering required)
1. take 1 old computer mike, 1 mono headphone.
2. put mike and headphone into the appropriate places in teh handset
3. run the two cables from the phone to your pc. done.
not very elegant though.
if you google around some more, there should be the specifications available for the actual speaker and reciever of the handset - then just wire and solder the thing correctly (easier said than done).
good luck.
Simple Twist Of Fate
22-06-2005, 08:53 PM
Hmm - interesting.
Should be pretty easy to rewire a phone to jack plugs.
You could do a really neat job of it - take all the inner workings out and find out where the wires from the speaker and headphone are inside the casing of the phone. Pull the female jack plug out of the back of the phone and run a cable with 4 wires through that hole, hook up to the relevant speaker/mic cables inside the phone and on the other end, put your 2.5mm jack plugs.
Or, buy a USB phone :D
yE that will work for the audio, but the nut to crack is how to get it to dial a number ?
bb_matt
22-06-2005, 08:55 PM
:D
hehe - buy a USB phone ... ROFL.
WickedWeasel
22-06-2005, 09:10 PM
just use xlite and tell it your using your mic and headset which is actaully you telephone
bb_matt
22-06-2005, 09:19 PM
I know where Simple Twist Of Fate is coming from - using a standard PC headphone and mic gizmo is irritating and clumsy.
I think your stuck with having to dial on your keyboard, or ... wait for it ...
buy a USB phone ! :D
Simple Twist Of Fate
22-06-2005, 09:23 PM
lol my point
i have used skype with standard headset and mic very succesfullly for 1 hour on several occasions pc to pc to UK eeven tho capped at 64KB/S NO problems clear as crystal and hardley any lag.
its just the challenge to use an old pots phone :) i like fiddling around with soldering irons,
Probably more of a software job than soldering :)
bb_matt
22-06-2005, 09:31 PM
Well, I tell you what you would need - an old PS2 keyboard and :-
Take it to pieces and find a way to mount the number pad onto something, or better still, take the membrane out of the keyboard, keeping intact with all it's wiring and it's little circuit board and see if you can't line it up with the relevant numbers on the phone keypad.
then roll the larger excess portion of the membranet up inside the phone housing and take the keyboard cable out the same slot as your headphone/mic.
Then, you either find a way to hook the keyboard cable up to the spare mouse PS2 port, unless you have a USB keyboard on your computer.
Simple Twist Of Fate
22-06-2005, 09:39 PM
sounds like it would work, but the phone has a kboard. doesnt it use pulse and digital dialling , on a selector swich?
so if i separate the wires for the mic and earpeice connect those to mic in and speaker out on pc with 2.5mm jack , then the remaining wires i cinnect with a usb plug to the pc box?
so will it be picked up as a hid ?
human interface device? er drivers?
lol,,,,,,,,,, maybe we way off ???
skype has a dial pad so do netmeeting and firefly but willl the now usb converted kpad dial?
alternatively you could build a USB phone into the old phone casing...or something :P
(damn I think I should invest in one of those buggers, mic/hp setup is getting to me)
;)
bb_matt
22-06-2005, 09:43 PM
What I mean is that you take apart the Telephone Keyboard and wedge the membrane inbetween, seeing if you can line it up. I don't have a spare phone hanging about to see how the mechanism works.
The alternative is trying to attach the keypad from a PC keyboard to the phone, which would probably be more difficult.
Then there's the issue of trying to get the connection to drop when you put the handset down ! :D
bb_matt
22-06-2005, 09:43 PM
alternatively you could build a USB phone into the old phone casing...or something :P
(damn I think I should invest in one of those buggers, mic/hp setup is getting to me)
;)
It's probably just me, but after 30 minutes wearing any type of headphones makes my ears sore - hmmm, definately just me :D
Simple Twist Of Fate
22-06-2005, 10:02 PM
It's probably just me, but after 30 minutes wearing any type of headphones makes my ears sore - hmmm, definately just me :D
Well head phones do keep yer ears warm. but i find i cant wear them for more tna an hour, i wear specs and the arms press against my head giving me a headache
bwana
22-06-2005, 11:24 PM
What I mean is that you take apart the Telephone Keyboard and wedge the membrane inbetween, seeing if you can line it up. I don't have a spare phone hanging about to see how the mechanism works.
The alternative is trying to attach the keypad from a PC keyboard to the phone, which would probably be more difficult.
Then there's the issue of trying to get the connection to drop when you put the handset down ! :D
You're going to have to do some mapping then - if you look at a num pad the 1 is on the bottom left - on a telephone its top left. only the 5 is in the right place as far as I can think.
Well head phones do keep yer ears warm. but i find i cant wear them for more tna an hour, i wear specs and the arms press against my head giving me a headacheIf you can get your hands on one of those PS2 SOCOM headsets they work really well and you can switch ears :) Trying to find one for my mum to use on her laptop when she travels but Amazon UK was out of stock. Found a hack to use her nokia BlueTooth headset with her iBook that should work though. The dLink dongle she has works with everything but headsets unless you change the firmware.
maybe you can use this, but not release yet
http://cellphones.engadget.com/entry/1234000953046659/
I can convert a standard Telkom handset into a VoIP unit you plug into an ethernet port or into your computer yes. Been working on it for over a year, on and off
But I will not divulge the detail here.
kilps
25-06-2005, 02:23 PM
So ;) - anyone know how to get one of those old 'round; dialpad telephones to work :D
lilgindauk
25-06-2005, 03:19 PM
I suppose when you wind the dial the number you stop at, make a temporary circuit.
that circuit is remebered in a capicator and the no is dialled
i think...;)
bwana
25-06-2005, 04:18 PM
The rotary phone works by the use of a speed governed wheel that opens and closes a switch which is then recognized by the telephone network. If you dialed a 5 - it would be the same as tapping the hook switch 5 times in correct time period. Pretty simple system that still works today.
bb_matt
25-06-2005, 04:44 PM
I can convert a standard Telkom handset into a VoIP unit you plug into an ethernet port or into your computer yes. Been working on it for over a year, on and off
But I will not divulge the detail here.
And why would that be ?
bwana
25-06-2005, 10:53 PM
This sounds interesting - http://www.linksys.com/products/product.asp?prid=651&scid=38
connected to your router you get 2 analogue lines over voip - phone and or fax.
AcidRaZor
26-06-2005, 10:29 AM
And why would that be ?
He's afraid he'll eat away at Telkom's profits....
bwana
26-06-2005, 05:05 PM
He's afraid he'll eat away at Telkom's profits....Nah - probably been reverse engineered from someone else's work :p
bwana
26-06-2005, 05:30 PM
Er - might want to munch on a chill pill or two - as for who you are or what you have designed might I remind you of http://www.mybroadband.co.za/vb/showpost.php?p=223004&postcount=22
reverse engineering with the purpose not to copy but to make a product that is compatible with competitor products... very much illegal in the USA and it is the prime reason why my company does not sell to the USA!
That, and the fact that Americans can sue you for everything under the sun! I was just busting your chops so relax. You're almost sounding like your vision of an American.
AcidRaZor
26-06-2005, 11:13 PM
would be cool for kei to release the plans on the internet as an open source thing. we could get both myadsl and hellkom punting the website or whatever, and then make telkom (and any type of VAN) sweat because now the ordinary joe can build his very own VOIP phone that plugs into his ethernet port...
bb_matt
26-06-2005, 11:33 PM
would be cool for kei to release the plans on the internet as an open source thing. we could get both myadsl and hellkom punting the website or whatever, and then make telkom (and any type of VAN) sweat because now the ordinary joe can build his very own VOIP phone that plugs into his ethernet port...
Aparently Kei is a remarkably brilliant person and also really community driven, as one can see. He's really put a lot into this thread and STF's quest to build a VOIP handset from a normal phone.
All round nice guy - never swears at anyone, great sense of humour, always willing to share ideas, never boasts about his abilities and if he does ever let slip how fantastic he is, he always backs it up with evidence.
What a guy, WHAT a guy ! ;)
bwana
27-06-2005, 12:03 AM
I believe **** stands for French Connection United Kingdom. Its a clothing and apparel brand. Surely you've seen the t-shirts?
I just need to double check but I believe 4 stars (****) is an indication of superiority certain areas - hotels, restaurants, and such. 5 stars would have been better still.
bwana
27-06-2005, 03:19 PM
That's nice, thoughtful and articulate.
lilgindauk
27-06-2005, 03:26 PM
nice, your another bump in the road for s.a progress:)
If this was my forum you'd be banned to hell and gone!
bwana
27-06-2005, 03:55 PM
If this was your forum they'd be one and the same anyway.
peered95
27-06-2005, 07:54 PM
lol...this is SOOO classic
Soooo classic? In what sense?
bb_matt
27-06-2005, 09:16 PM
lol...this is SOOO classic
It's beyond pear shaped ! - I think possibly one could say :-
"It's all gone a bit Pete Tong"
bwana
27-06-2005, 10:11 PM
I prefer the CyberPhone K - apart from the rather bright orange LED.
But a pear shaped phone would be interesting too - had one in the shape and design of a budweiser can once.
peered95
28-06-2005, 01:10 AM
well...to me "thats so classic" means that its so funny that its like old..IE done before but its still funny :)
U catching my drift :p
werner
28-06-2005, 01:25 AM
not little kids overseas making comments here!
...and I thought the anti-wrinkle cream wasnt working for me....
thanks, you just made my day ;)
P.S. me learned friend, right now you got an ip address, and I have an ip address, and this site has an ip address so if you get with the program you will realise we are all in the same place. Being overseas just means I had some sense to buy an aeroplane ticket a few years ago and get on with my life and further my career. I consider your comment a compliment. :D
vhawk
28-06-2005, 06:48 AM
...and I thought the anti-wrinkle cream wasnt working for me....
thanks, you just made my day ;)
P.S. me learned friend, right now you got an ip address, and I have an ip address, and this site has an ip address so if you get with the program you will realise we are all in the same place. Being overseas just means I had some sense to buy an aeroplane ticket a few years ago and get on with my life and further my career. I consider your comment a compliment. :D
Ditto, as soon as I can get my parents to Canada, I'm going there too - at least there you are treated on merrit in your profession and not on the color of your skin - used to be called apartheid ....
One of the currently disadvantaged ....
Obelix
28-06-2005, 07:03 AM
umm, to be back on topic, skype has a lil box ( advertised on this site ) that you can plug a pots phone into to make & receive calls. I just dunno if it can handle a plusedial phone.
Obelix
AcidRaZor
28-06-2005, 07:42 AM
wtf still has pulse dial phones?
Pulse dial phones have long been obsolete... Telkom outsource the manufacture and servicing of telephones ages ago and that was when they introduced the venus telephone. All of those (not sure about the new ones tho) had a switch in the base to select between pulse and tone dialling. Pulse dialling is long gone in SA, although some of the digital exchanges will still accept pulse dialling, tone dialling is standard throughout SA (execpt probably the most rural parts). I know for a fact that the SA phone exchanges can be programmed to the port level to accept pulse or tone dialling.
My idea was to go one step further and develop a box that plugs into your LAN, and provides Skype or other VoIP telephony without the cost, expense and inconvenience of dedicating a whole computer to this task!
TheRoDent
28-06-2005, 11:32 AM
If this was my forum you'd be banned to hell and gone!
Fortunately, it isn't.
I'm just going to get my boet to buy me a couple of Skype cordless phones on his way back from the UK...no need to reinvent the wheel IMO.
Simple Twist Of Fate
28-06-2005, 04:31 PM
I believe **** stands for French Connection United Kingdom. Its a clothing and apparel brand. Surely you've seen the t-shirts?
I just need to double check but I believe 4 stars (****) is an indication of superiority certain areas - hotels, restaurants, and such. 5 stars would have been better still.
qUITE CORRECT ITS ALSO A FRAGRANCE AND AFTERSHAVE :)
bwana
28-06-2005, 04:32 PM
qUITE CORRECT ITS ALSO A FRAGRANCE AND AFTERSHAVE :)An excellent point.
I'm just going to get my boet to buy me a couple of Skype cordless phones on his way back from the UK...no need to reinvent the wheel IMO.Siemens does a nice add-on for some of their gigaset range that plugs into the usb port and adds VOIP. Saw it in a Makro flyer the other day. Will see if I can find more details if anyone is interested.
Gerry
04-07-2005, 07:59 PM
a Posting that makes me think. Fate - you want to put together the chips and burn/program the correct eeprom/flash mem.
a Standalone/Dect phone with a small pc board inside and a rj45 at the back (maybe twins for transparent bypass and static nat).
I assure I know about electronics as much as a ballerina from a diesel engine but, the following comes to mind :
1. The patented voice carrier codec
2. SHA1 handshake
I see the following chips :
1. Maxim, motorola, and some dsp related.
2. old faithfull realtek 3xxx series ethernet smc
Other :
1. dtmf to eeprom address decoder (eeprom/flash via usb/rs232 writing)
2 .a C/Vb app to access the phone usb/rs232 to eeprom/usb smc stick management
But this should be ideally be run on a small pc board that contains everything that buzzes controlled by linux and generic available small factor 386/486 intel board with a attractive touch screen tft.