[Deke40]

I have tried Catch-a-Call and got to many false rings. Has anybody used Emerson Switchboard? I haven't tried Call Wave because you have to add Call Forwarding Busy to all the other junk you have to pay for.

[IRailroad]

Sorry, the switchboard does not allow outgoing calls, Im even having problems with incoming calls!

I know you dont want to spend more money, but you can order a separate phone line or DSL/cable.

Now I think DSL is your best choice!

IRailroad

[Gary16735]

I have Call Wave and I DO NOT have call forwarding. It works just fine. I also personalized by Call Wave by calling 1-877-854-2861. Your personalized message is very short but people can hear your voice and name. Try it. Gary

[brendandonhu]

We had a discussion about this in another thread, ill try to find that. The length of time the different products can split a phone signal varies from phone company. Some people need call waiting and forwarding for it to work and some dont. I have seen the commercials for the Switchboard and its more expensive than the ones you find in a computer store.

[Slvr]

Hi,

I have been seeing an add on TV for $40. for Emerson Switchboard. It sounds like just what I need. I don't want the expense of a second line every month. If I could get calls while online that would be great.

Has anyone used it? I thought I saw a post that mentioned that there is another product that works the same in the computer stores that is cheaper...can anyone give me more details?

Thanks,
Slvr

[brendandonhu]

I posted a whicle ago that the ones in the computer stores cost MUCH less sometimes. Around $20.00 and do the same thing. Some people have problems with them but they usually work OK. There is a free software solution called CallWave. THe free version is probably loaded with ads or spyware, but its free.

[Slvr]

Thanks for that information!

Slvr

[omyn]

Hi: I have had Call Wave for about 3 years now and love it.

When I signed up I had to get call waiting from the phone co.

it was and still is for me $1.25 per mo, don't know what it is now for anyone else.

There is a small banner they place on the top of your screen, it is about 6" X 1", fits in the space not being used.

When you are on line and get a call, the computer rings like a telephone, and the incoming msg is recorded (30 sec msg) and then plays through your speakers-- crystal clear, you keep on surfing or what ever.

I highly recommend it...........Take care.......Gene

[brendandonhu]

Sounds like a good solution, but here its $5.00 for call waiting.

[ulTRAX]

I bought the Emerson Switchboard last night for $30 at a local wholesale club. I have to say I'm very disappointed in it. Despite all the marketing hype all it does is allow you to hear the incoming call ring so you can answer the phone. I lose my internet connection in about 5-10 seconds after picking up the phone. The ads imply you can have magically have your phone lines split... and that's just bull. That's why they talk of "taking a quick call" etc. Ya... in my case a 5 second call.

What REALLY bothers me is that when there's an incoming ring... it's NOT your phone... it's the Switchboard... and the tone is way too soft and NOT adjustable. Leave the room and chances are you'll never know you got a call. The lack of thought that went into this product is beyond belief.

I'm not sure I'll keep it. I may just keep my CallWave.

I once owned a WebTV and it had a feature that let Call Waiting calls though. That should be a standard feature on all modems.

[brendandonhu]

In new modem standards that is becoming common. I belive V.92 modems have something like this. But very few ISPs support V.92 as 99% of computers are shipped with a V.90. Neither AOL or Earthlink use that standard.

[Deke40]

ulTRAX- Thanks for the info.

[ulTRAX]

I have to add on more complaint about the Emerson Switchboard. When I do take an incoming call there's an annoying buzz on the phone. It does NOT happen if the PC is off-line and I just try to make a call.

I think this piece of crap is going back. If there's a new modem standard I'll look into that. If lowly WebTV could have a call-waiting disconnect feature back in 96 back when modems were 33k, the rest of the world may finally realize the benefits of such a feature.

[ulTRAX]

Here's somethig from http://www.v92.com

Modem-on-Hold

What will Modem-on-Hold do for me?
Many households use the same phone line for both voice calls and data (Internet), so when the user is browsing the Internet, an incoming call cannot get through. Modem-on-Hold allows you to receive an incoming call and stay connected to the Internet (Call-Waiting service from your phone company is all that is required). It also works in reverse; you can initiate a voice call while connected and keep the modem connection.

How much time will I have if I choose to take an incoming call?
The "hold" time is defined by your ISP. The V.92 specification allows for hold times to be anywhere from 10 seconds to infinite.

Do I have to redial to get back to the Internet?
No. When you hang up the phone you can resume browsing.

Can I stay on the Internet and make a phone call?
Yes. Initiating calls is easy with Modem-on-Hold. First, a Modem-on-Hold application is executed. This program suspends the data connection between your modem and the ISP so you can pick up your phone and make an outgoing call in the usual way. The application puts the modem "on-hold", flashes the hook, and a dial tone appears on the extension handset so you can make a call. When your call is complete, the modem will detect an extension on hook, flash the hook twice, and return to the data (Internet) connection.

How long will I have before the Internet connection is dropped?
Again, the hold time is determined by your ISP. For example, the Modem-on-Hold application can display the time allotted and also display a countdown so you will know how much time you have left for the phone call.

[kndclark]

I just purchased the emerson switchboard and just had call waiting put on, but the switchboard does not flash any of it's lights or make any sound when a call comes in while online. I have tested it by using instant messenger from work to my wife and it simply doesn't seem to work. Is there more than one call waiting service or do I just have a bad unit? Any guesses or advice would be appreciated.