[floepie]

Hi, I have an ATA186 now with Broadvoice and only one of the 2 ports functional. Can I use a regular splitter from the ATA into the analog handset and into the FXS port of the Fx200 and the FXO connected to POTS?

This way if someone rings my POTS line my phone will ring, right? But, then again, if I pick up my handset, which will be used - the Voip or the PTSN?

Thanks...


IOW,

ATA186 (port 1)---splitter----------Fx200----------POTS
----------------------- |
------------------------|_______Handset

[mberlant]

What you depict will work just fine. With the splitter placed where you have it you will be using the BV line for both incoming and outgoing calls. If you put a splitter in between the FX-200 and the POTS line you will make and take calls via POTS. If you do both, and have separate phones or a two-line phone, you will have the best of both worlds.

[floepie]

Thanks for your reply.....If I keep it as above, would I be able make a POTS call from the handset using a special prefix, or would I absolutely have to insert the handset line between the fx200 and POTS?

[sipcpe]

Yes you would have to insert the handset line between the FX200 and POTS, since in your depiction above the splitter is only one way. i.e. to the ATA 186

[floepie]

Wait...So, a splitter is a directional device? I didn't know this... I've heard of a "T connector" type thing which I'm guessing would alleviate the directionality of the splitter. Do you think that would work to allow me to make a POTS call without having buy a 2-line telephone?

TIA>

[mberlant]

The splitter is not directional. The problem is that you need to access the PSTN Dial Tone to make a POTS call. There is no way to reach through the FX-200 from the ATA side to the POTS side, since you the way you wake up the FX-200 is to ring it.

You need to have splitters on each leg so as to pick up the two different Dial Tones, using the one you wish each time you want to make a call.

[floepie]

K thanks...That makes sense. I just wish there were a device like the fx-200 that would listen to commands like prefix dialing that would sort of transform my setup to a SPA3000...Oh well.


ATA186 (port 1)----splitter--------Fx200-----splitter-------POTS
----------------------- |
------------------------|_______Handset______|

Sorry, one last question...I don't think this is possible, but to throw it out there...On an incoming POTS call and w/ Transit In turned on (no call forwarding), is it possible for the handset's answering machine to take the call and *then* have the Fx200 take the call while the outgoing message is played on the answering machine? I would like to have a setup where those w/ my POTS number can call and leave a message on my machine, but also I can call my POTS to transfer to VoIP when away from home. Thanks...

[sipcpe]

Sorry no this is not possible. Once the answering machine graps the call it can not be switched to the FX-200. But one trick you may try is to set the FX-200 to do a auto call forwarding to a FWD other free voice mail acct reachable by your Broadvoice service. This voice mail acct does not need to be online (or if you auto call forwarded calls to your own Broadvoice number it may go directly to voice mail)

Then when you are the one calling in you can at anytime interupt the call forwarding by pressing ## and get voip dialtone to make a two stage call over your Broadvoice service. You can also set a ## password.

All other callers get your voip voice mail when no answer. You then can junk your answering machine and check your messages online which is better when traveling anyway.