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30 minute cutoff



 
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xyzzy
magicJack Apprentice


Joined: 13 Nov 2007
Posts: 20

PostPosted: Mon Dec 22, 2008 2:33 pm    Post subject: 30 minute cutoff Reply with quote

As of this morning, every phone call is terminated after 30 minutes. Never had this happen before the latest upgrade.
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Racerbob
magicJack Apprentice


Joined: 23 Nov 2008
Posts: 16

PostPosted: Mon Dec 22, 2008 2:37 pm    Post subject: Re: 30 minute cutoff Reply with quote

xyzzy wrote:
As of this morning, every phone call is terminated after 30 minutes. Never had this happen before the latest upgrade.


How many 30 minute plus calls have you tried to make this morning to really verify that this is true ? I have no new update. Did yours update automatically ? I was just wondering because I was on one call this morning for 2 hours and 25 minutes trying to talk a friend through a computer problem. And there was no interruption. I have not received the update yet.
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xyzzy
magicJack Apprentice


Joined: 13 Nov 2007
Posts: 20

PostPosted: Mon Dec 22, 2008 3:02 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I made three consecutive calls to my mother this morning and am now on my third consecutive call to my brother. Total of six calls.

EDIT:
I have made nine 30 minute truncated calls today, each of which displays in the call log as 30:00 or 30:01. The first connected call of the day was cut off at 30 minutes.

My total phone usage for the last month is 960 minutes, including today.


The limit to 30 minutes per call seems unrelated to excess usage, unless 30 minutes per day is considered excessive.
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DrPacman
magicJack Apprentice


Joined: 11 Mar 2008
Posts: 26

PostPosted: Tue Dec 23, 2008 12:09 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

xyzzy wrote:
I made three consecutive calls to my mother this morning and am now on my third consecutive call to my brother. Total of six calls.

EDIT:
I have made nine 30 minute truncated calls today, each of which displays in the call log as 30:00 or 30:01. The first connected call of the day was cut off at 30 minutes.

My total phone usage for the last month is 960 minutes, including today.


The limit to 30 minutes per call seems unrelated to excess usage, unless 30 minutes per day is considered excessive.


Seems to be something to all this, I as well just had a call terminate at exactly 30:00 minutes. As well I could not redial any number until I rebooted the system and start the magicjack system again� I back to the old software version until this bug is worked out� Evil or Very Mad
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Darkman90808
Dan Should Pay Me


Joined: 27 Feb 2008
Posts: 701

PostPosted: Tue Dec 23, 2008 1:02 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Glad I only signed up for a year at a time....
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cdwhit
MagicJack User


Joined: 21 May 2008
Posts: 30

PostPosted: Tue Dec 23, 2008 1:17 am    Post subject: Dropped with Charter ? Reply with quote

I too have just experienced 30 min. dropped calls, 4 this evening. However, I seem to get dropped often by Charter, whether I'm on the phone or not. Anyone else have trouble with Charter, whether on the magicjack or just surfing ?
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tloe
MagicJack Contributor


Joined: 03 Jun 2008
Posts: 63

PostPosted: Tue Dec 23, 2008 1:21 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

I just tested this and confirmed there is now a 30 minute limit on calls. I can live with the limitation, but feel that this will draw a lot of ire from users, many of whom are already annoyed with their ambiguous policies.

UPDATE

I just chatted with support, they claim it's a system problem and will be fixed within the next few days. Here's the transcript:

Chat InformationPlease wait for a site operator to respond.

Chat InformationYou are now chatting with 'Kate'

Kate: Hello, how may I help you?

T: I'd like to know why a 30 minute time limit has been put into place.

Kate: Could you please explain?

T: The new "upgrade" from yesterday has caused calls to be automatically dropped after 30 minutes.

Kate: Yes,thats right.

T: There was no notification of this, there is no info about it on the site.

Kate: Where did you get this info?

T: I own one

Kate: Thank you for your patience. I will transfer you to a higher level of support. Please hold while I transfer you.

T: Rather hard not to notice a dropped call.

Chat InformationPlease wait while I transfer the chat to the best suited site operator.

Chat InformationYou are now chatting with 'Cherry'

T: I'd like some sort of explanation if possible

Cherry: You need to have a good connection speed to prevent your calls to be disconnected

T: That has nothing to do with it. I'm not the only one who has noticed this.

Cherry: That is the reason behind that

T: The call is automatically dropped after exactlly 30 minutes

Cherry: Please visit the site below and click on the yellow pyramid then take note and provide me your upload and download speed.

Cherry: http://www.speedtest.net

T: 1.5m/896k

T: Look. this limit didn't exist 2 days ago

Cherry: Please wait while I check that for you

T: and now suddenly people's calls are cutoff after 30 minutes

Cherry: I do apologize for that

T: I'd just like some sort of explanation

T: rampant abuse?

Cherry: There is an existing system lapse here on our end as of the moment because our engineers are fixing our serves that affecting your calls

T: It's not just my calls

T: or do you mean calls in general?

Cherry: i know

Cherry: i mean in general

T: So what you're saying is that this is not normal, and is because of some system problem?

Cherry: Yes

Cherry: But please do not worry as this is currently worked on as of the moment

T: Ok.. do you have any idea when it will revert back to normal?

Cherry: It shall be fixed within the next few days

T: Thanks for your help.
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JohnnyFreightTRAIN
Dan isn't smart enough to hire me


Joined: 08 Aug 2008
Posts: 313

PostPosted: Tue Dec 23, 2008 2:33 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

From what I have seen it only limits outbound calls. Inbound calls to your magicjack continue past the 30 minute mark. Can anyone else verify this? DonMan mentioned that the *67 fix also does not work with the new upgrade.
I do not like this new upgrade at all.

I was trying to downgrade for quite a while, but every time I went back to the old version it would force me to upgrade again. I knew I had to edit my hosts file to stop it from automatically upgrading every time, but I couldn't remember where I found the information on how to do that...

Finally I found it:
Click Here if you are in the same situation that I was. Stewart's post describes how to stop your magicjack from automatically upgrading. This worked great for me, and I have now rolled back to the older software.

Cutting off the phone call after 30 minutes of conversation is a deal breaker for me. Plus, I also use the *67 fix for some numbers that I call (otherwize the call does not complete) so I need it to work. Until they fix these bugs I will not be using the new upgrade if I can help it.

PS- I do like the slightly new look they gave it, though.
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Gregg
MagicJack User


Joined: 15 Nov 2007
Posts: 32
Location: New Mexico

PostPosted: Tue Dec 23, 2008 9:19 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

From the new magicjack.exe:
Code:
function CallDurationControl.NewParameters_( Params )
  local DefaultParams = {
    MaxOutboundCallDuration = 1800,--1800,
    ForceHangupToneDurationMs = 4000,--4000,
    RedialRestrictionDuration = 60,--60,
    RedialRestrictionToneDurationMs = 4000,--4000,
  }


MaxOutboundCallDuration 1800 seconds? WTF?
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Rickiev
Dan isn't smart enough to hire me


Joined: 15 Nov 2008
Posts: 121
Location: Woodside, NY

PostPosted: Tue Dec 23, 2008 9:41 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Gregg wrote:
From the new magicjack.exe:
Code:
function CallDurationControl.NewParameters_( Params )
  local DefaultParams = {
    MaxOutboundCallDuration = 1800,--1800,
    ForceHangupToneDurationMs = 4000,--4000,
    RedialRestrictionDuration = 60,--60,
    RedialRestrictionToneDurationMs = 4000,--4000,
  }


MaxOutboundCallDuration 1800 seconds? WTF?


this will be per call right, and not for the duration of the day ? or month ? I hope not.
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hsweiss
Dan Should Pay Me


Joined: 28 Mar 2008
Posts: 563
Location: Maryland

PostPosted: Tue Dec 23, 2008 10:47 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Gregg wrote:
From the new magicjack.exe:
Code:
function CallDurationControl.NewParameters_( Params )
  local DefaultParams = {
    MaxOutboundCallDuration = 1800,--1800,
    ForceHangupToneDurationMs = 4000,--4000,
    RedialRestrictionDuration = 60,--60,
    RedialRestrictionToneDurationMs = 4000,--4000,
  }


MaxOutboundCallDuration 1800 seconds? WTF?


So as usual Tech Support lied (or to give them the benefit of the doubt, just made up a story when they had no clue!). Ok, for $20/year I shouldn't expect much more but they can at least be informed by the core engineers or if they don't know, be truthful and offer to send email when they find out?
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emiliomcol
MagicJack Expert


Joined: 05 Dec 2008
Posts: 77

PostPosted: Tue Dec 23, 2008 10:59 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

rickiev wrote:
Gregg wrote:
From the new magicjack.exe:
Code:
function CallDurationControl.NewParameters_( Params )
  local DefaultParams = {
    MaxOutboundCallDuration = 1800,--1800,
    ForceHangupToneDurationMs = 4000,--4000,
    RedialRestrictionDuration = 60,--60,
    RedialRestrictionToneDurationMs = 4000,--4000,
  }


MaxOutboundCallDuration 1800 seconds? WTF?


this will be per call right, and not for the duration of the day ? or month ? I hope not.


that limit most be per call because 1800 seconds is 30 min and thats the limit im experienced too and after my calls drop i have to reboot MJ for using it againg, and about the *67 trick if i tried to used *67 and the first number it dosnt work but if i used in this way for example 3*05-555-5555 work perfectly well making the echo go away Cool
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Rickiev
Dan isn't smart enough to hire me


Joined: 15 Nov 2008
Posts: 121
Location: Woodside, NY

PostPosted: Tue Dec 23, 2008 11:21 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

xyzzy wrote:
I made three consecutive calls to my mother this morning and am now on my third consecutive call to my brother. Total of six calls.

EDIT:
I have made nine 30 minute truncated calls today, each of which displays in the call log as 30:00 or 30:01. The first connected call of the day was cut off at 30 minutes.

My total phone usage for the last month is 960 minutes, including today.


The limit to 30 minutes per call seems unrelated to excess usage, unless 30 minutes per day is considered excessive.


Hmm, okay, Did you guys purchase any international minutes on your accounts? I currently have minutes purchase to call Colombia and tested the 30 min cut off by calling my mother locally here in New York area code 718 to area code 212, and we spoke for 40 minutes.

Maybe if there's money on the account, then, those 30 mins cut off does not apply ?? Maybe ?
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tloe
MagicJack Contributor


Joined: 03 Jun 2008
Posts: 63

PostPosted: Tue Dec 23, 2008 11:46 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

How did you roll back to the previous version? I didn't see a more updated download link for the previous software.
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robatino
MagicJack Expert


Joined: 29 Aug 2008
Posts: 97

PostPosted: Tue Dec 23, 2008 11:58 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Gregg wrote:
From the new magicjack.exe:
Code:
function CallDurationControl.NewParameters_( Params )
  local DefaultParams = {
    MaxOutboundCallDuration = 1800,--1800,
    ForceHangupToneDurationMs = 4000,--4000,
    RedialRestrictionDuration = 60,--60,
    RedialRestrictionToneDurationMs = 4000,--4000,
  }


MaxOutboundCallDuration 1800 seconds? WTF?


What was the limit for the older version (or was there no limit)?
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DonMan
MagicJack Newbie


Joined: 07 Aug 2008
Posts: 9

PostPosted: Wed Dec 24, 2008 3:47 am    Post subject: Support Chat doesn't think the 30 minute limit's intentional Reply with quote

Here's another transcript on the 30 minute limit issue:

Please wait for a site operator to respond.

You are now chatting with 'Roxy'

Roxy: Hello, how may I help you?
DonMan: Are you aware that the latest soft phone update terminates a call after 30 minutes?
Roxy: How are you DonMan?
DonMan: Fine. Please answer previous question.
Roxy: Sure, may I know since when did your issue start?
DonMan: When the soft phone was upgraded. DUH!
Please wait while I transfer the chat to the best suited site operator.

You are now chatting with 'Janna'

Janna: Hi, DonMan!
Janna: Please give me a minute to review your previous chat. thanks
Janna: Thanks for holding.
Janna: Did you plug in your magicjack now?
DonMan: Please lets skip the trivial ts stuff and answer my question.
DonMan: This is something that changed with the Dec. 17 update. My question is are you aware of it?
Janna: What update do you mean?
DonMan: Hold on I will give you the version.
DonMan: 1.80.4663.3272.
Janna: May I know where did you get the upgrade>
Janna: ?
DonMan: This is now the latest version available for download. It's dated December 17th.
Janna: or update?
DonMan: Your site.
DonMan: Under www.magicjack.com/magicfix. It was also pushed to me via automatic update.
Janna: Okay.
Janna: Okay.
Janna: Can you log in on the site and check for the latest update again?
DonMan: Downloading now.
Janna: okay, thanks.
Janna: Are you downloading the new update?
DonMan: It's still version 1.80.4663.3272.
Janna: yes, that is the new version, right?
DonMan: Digital Signature Date: Wednesday, December 17, 2008 10:40:03 AM
DonMan: Yes.
Janna: Is this what you see on the site " IMPORTANT: For the latest upgrades, please "?
DonMan: Yes.
Janna: Okay, that is just the upgrade for the magicjack since before.
Janna: That is the upgrade if you will encounter problems with magicjack.
Janna: meaning that is the best magicjackfix for any magicjack technical issue.
DonMan: Let's backup a bit.
Janna: Okay.
DonMan: My statement is that this version automatically terminates a call after 30 minutes. Are you aware of this?
Janna: No, it will not terminate calls Don.
DonMan: Yes it does.
Janna: Does your calls get terminated?
Janna: Okay.
Janna: Please follow this.
DonMan: I read about it on a www.phoneservicesupport.com forum. Tested it myself and confirmed it's true.
Janna: On your magicJack, click menu and volume/headset control. Can you toggle between telephone and headset there?
Janna: .
Janna: If using a phone, choose "Telephone"
Janna: If using a headset/speakers, choose "Headset"
DonMan: What the heck does that have to do with the issue that outgoing calls are terminated at exactly 30 minutes?
Janna: That will help.
Janna: Please do bear with the steps that I am going to give you.
DonMan: Okay what are you talking about? I use a telephone and telephone is selected.
Janna: okay.
Janna: Please go to menu on your magicJack, click headset/volume control and lower the volume for both microphone and speakers to about 1/3 of max.
Janna: ....
Janna: Please try to place a call and let me know if it will be terminated.
DonMan: Are you saying that if I have the speaker volume greater than 1/3 of max a call gets terminated at exactly 30 minutes?
Janna: That is in connection if you set it to telephone.
Janna: It needs to be 1/3 max.
DonMan: Why?
Janna: I know, It is a little far away from the calls that are terminated. I am just making sure that it should be set that way.
Janna: Did you run the upgrade from the website?
DonMan: I received an automatic update. I then downgraded. And then upgraded again. It is an issue with the software version.
DonMan: I can't imagine the volume setting having anything to do with this issue. Unless it's a know bug.
Janna: Okay, you should have run it.
Janna: I mean the upgrade.
Janna: That is the same with the upgrade before.
DonMan: I am on the latest version. I did run the upgrade.
Janna: Okay, great.
DonMan: This problem was introduced with the upgrade.
Janna: please try to place a call now and check if it will still be terminated,
Janna: Just to make sure.
Janna: I will wait for you here in chat,
DonMan: Can you wait 30 minutes? That's how long it will take.
Janna: Yes, I can.
Janna: Please do take your time.
DonMan: Very well I will call my home phone from my MagicJack and keep the line open.
DonMan: Call has been placed.
Janna: Sure, I will wait.
Janna: Okay, just take your time.
DonMan: Timer is ticking....
Janna: okay.
Janna: Just let me know when you are done.
DonMan: It will automatically hang up at exactly 30 minutes.
Janna: please just tell me if it will still hung up.
DonMan: Okay.
Janna: Thanks.
DonMan: Please see the following link while we wait:
DonMan: http://www.phoneservicesupport.com/30-minute-cutoff-t4000.html
Janna: Okay.
DonMan: Timer just past 20 minutes. 10 more to go.
Janna: Okay,
Janna: I am just waiting here.
DonMan: Did you have a chance to visit the link?
Janna: Yes,
Janna: I just visited it.
DonMan: The post from Gregg leads one to believe that the cutoff is intentional.
Janna: Okay.
Janna: Is it 30 minutes now?
DonMan: 26 minutes...
Janna: Okay.
DonMan: 29 minutes...
Janna: Okay.
DonMan: 10 more seconds
DonMan: Call automatically hung up.
Janna: Are you sure that it hung up?
DonMan: Absolutely.
Janna: okay, thanks for that information.
Janna: May I know when did this issue started?
DonMan: It started with the new update. Didn't you read the messages in the link?
Janna: Okay.
Janna: Please do not worry as that can still be fixed,
Janna: please follow this one.
Janna: Click on Start > RUN > type devmgmt.msc and press Enter.
DonMan: The device manager is up.
Janna: At Device Management window, click + to the left of Disk drives. (Do you see YMAX MagicJack USB Device?)
DonMan: What's it under?
Janna: Yes.
Janna: Do you see it there?
DonMan: Okay I see it under Disk drives.
Janna: Right click on YMAX MagicJack USB Device and select Uninstall.
DonMan: It's now uninstalled.
Janna: Click + to the left of CD / DVD drives. (Do you see YMAX MagicJack USB Device?)
DonMan: It's now gone.
Janna: Click + to the left of CD / DVD drives. (Do you see YMAX MagicJack USB Device?)
DonMan: Nevermind, I see it under DVD/CD too.
Janna: Right click on YMAX MagicJack USB Device and select Uninstall.
DonMan: It's now uninstalled there also.
Janna: Now, right click on any installed device under Disk Management and select "Scan for Hardware Changes".
DonMan: Disk Management?
Janna: Yes, right click on any installed drives that you see there.
DonMan: Did you mean Disk Drives?
Janna: Please look for any drives that you see there after you uninstalled the YMAX MagicJack USB Device . Just any drive.
Janna: Then right click on it.
Janna: and select "Scan for Hardware Changes".
DonMan: Done. The YMAX devices are now back in both places.
Janna: Okay, thanks.
Janna: .............
Janna: I need you to restart your computer to save all the changes that we did, DonMan.
Janna: You may also need to reboot your computer to refresh all its system connections. you might be experienceing a system block on your connection line. You do not have to worry, refreshing it will clear all connections on your computer.
Janna: .........
Janna: I also forwarded this concern to our Engineering department about the calls being terminated after 30 minutes. Please do not worry as they are now looking into this issue. Please do wait for at least 48-72 hours for improvements of this issue.
DonMan: Okay.
Janna: thanks.
DonMan: Do you really think a refresh of the devices will fix the issue?
Janna: Yes, and I also forwarded this concern to our engineers and they are now working on it now.
DonMan: I hope they really do work on it.
Janna: Yes, they will work on it.
Janna: Please do not worry about that.;
DonMan: That's usually the answer I get for any unresolved issue.
DonMan: But as far as you know the 30 minute limit is not intentional. Correct?
Janna: I understand your concern.
Janna: Yes.
Janna: I know that.
Janna: I do really apologize for such inconvenience. Anyway advanced Merry Christmas to you and have a wondrous New Year. Wish you all the best.
DonMan: Thanks for your help.
Janna: You are most welcome.
-------------------------------------------------------

I really doubt that the refresh will help as suggested, but this does show that Tech Chat is clueless on the 30 minute cutoff.
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grape8pe
MagicJack Newbie


Joined: 18 Mar 2008
Posts: 8
Location: Conyers, GA

PostPosted: Wed Dec 24, 2008 8:58 am    Post subject: Theory about 30 minutes. Reply with quote

Theory... Let's assume for a second that magicjack is doing this on purpose. What if they placed a 30 minute limit on all their devices assuming that nobody or at least a high percentage of the users would not notice? If some users do notice, they would send out updates to only the users that complain. The end goal of limiting bandwidth on their overstressed servers would still be met. I just find it hard to believe calls are being dropped after 30 minutes without someone planning it. What does everyone think?
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az2008
MagicJack Sensei


Joined: 20 Aug 2008
Posts: 1404
Location: Tempe, AZ

PostPosted: Wed Dec 24, 2008 11:07 am    Post subject: Re: Theory about 30 minutes. Reply with quote

grape8pe wrote:
1. What if they placed a 30-minute limit on all their devices assuming that nobody or at least a high percentage of the users would not notice? ...
2. I just find it hard to believe calls are being dropped after 30 minutes without someone planning it.


1. MJ wouldn't assume what the percentage of users are who make 30-minute calls. If they're able to identify "excessive use" users and terminate them (late October), they'd be able to create a bell curve of typical usage patterns.

2. I've theorized elsewhere that this 30-minute thing was intended to be the new "excessive use" response. MJ caused an uproar when it began terminating users late Oct. It seems to have stopped just as abruptly. It may have been justified to keep the rest of our prices low. But, the way they handled it was horrible. No warning. No explanation. A phone number to call that nobody answered. A couple people finally got through to someone, only to find that they could continue making outbound calls at $0.01 per minute if they pre-purchased international minutes.

I suspect MJ still wants to deal with "excessive use" users, but in a more graceful way. My theory is that they intend to set a flag in their server to signal someone's been classified such, after they've been warned. But, something went wrong with the upgrade, and it's treating everyone as an "excessive use" user.

That's my theory. It's hard to believe Dan would throttle all users like this. It would be a first in the VOIP industry. I think it has to be a mistake.

Mark
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Darkman90808
Dan Should Pay Me


Joined: 27 Feb 2008
Posts: 701

PostPosted: Wed Dec 24, 2008 11:42 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Quote:
That's my theory. It's hard to believe Dan would throttle all users like this. It would be a first in the VOIP industry. I think it has to be a mistake.

It's a deal breaker for me, if they keep it.

One of my pet peeves is changing the rules during the game. If this had been announced beforehand, maybe... but to arbitrarily implement such a low limit will cause me to look elsewhere. Especially now, since I've become aware of the possibilities.
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chip33az
MagicJack Newbie


Joined: 29 Apr 2008
Posts: 1

PostPosted: Wed Dec 24, 2008 11:44 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Could it be to help MJ from overloading during the Christmas holiday? Perhaps they felt that too many people would be on for a long period of time and didn't want to affect their system.

The timing seems odd.
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az2008
MagicJack Sensei


Joined: 20 Aug 2008
Posts: 1404
Location: Tempe, AZ

PostPosted: Wed Dec 24, 2008 11:49 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

chip33az wrote:
Could it be to help MJ from overloading during the Christmas holiday? Perhaps they felt that too many people would be on for a long period of time and didn't want to affect their system.

The timing seems odd.


Could be. But, I agree with Darkman. Dan's bed-side manner is like a bull in a china shop. If there was a reason to impose a 30-minute limit, it would have been respectful to his *customers* to announce it via the softphone ads. Something like "Important Announcement: Temporary holiday calling restrictions. Click here for details."

I could understand if there was a need for it, and it was explained to customers (as if Dan cares about his customers).

This is the kind of drama that makes it impossible for me to recommend MJ to people. Dan's creating his own reputation and it's not good. He's alienating his most strident supporters, who simply don't feel it's worth it anymore to defend Dan, make excuses, etc.

Mark
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ret27m
Dan isn't smart enough to hire me


Joined: 03 Nov 2008
Posts: 170
Location: Pensacola Fl

PostPosted: Wed Dec 24, 2008 12:05 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I dont understand this 30 min thing, im in pensacola fl and no limit, my sister in columbus ohio has no limit and friends in kentucky and oklahoma have no limits, could it be affecting only certain area codes....this is very strange.

We all did get the script error but the posted fix stopped it.
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az2008
MagicJack Sensei


Joined: 20 Aug 2008
Posts: 1404
Location: Tempe, AZ

PostPosted: Wed Dec 24, 2008 12:12 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

ret27m wrote:
We all did get the script error but the posted fix stopped it.


What's sad about the script error is that, after everyone blocks the URL feeding the ads, they won't see any more ads.

I'm serious about Dan being his own worst enemy. He doesn't test these things adequately. He doesn't use a few volunteer customers to be testers before releasing to the wider customer base. (Heck, he had volunteer customers on his original web site and he ran them off. That's why this web site exists.).

It seemed to me like the script error began with the ad imploring customers to "accept the upgrade." I got the impression Dan threw something together in haste. And now his customers are just going to block all ads.

Dumb.

Mark
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ret27m
Dan isn't smart enough to hire me


Joined: 03 Nov 2008
Posts: 170
Location: Pensacola Fl

PostPosted: Wed Dec 24, 2008 12:22 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I took the upgrade today and then re-did the script fix again, still no 30 min time limit, I wonder if todays update fixed the 30 min problem some of the folks were having, thank goodness I never had the problem.
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Gregg
MagicJack User


Joined: 15 Nov 2007
Posts: 32
Location: New Mexico

PostPosted: Wed Dec 24, 2008 12:22 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

az2008 wrote:

I'm serious about Dan being his own worst enemy. He doesn't test these things adequately. He doesn't use a few volunteer customers to be testers before releasing to the wider customer base. (Heck, he had volunteer customers on his original web site and he ran them off. That's why this web site exists.).

It seemed to me like the script error began with the ad imploring customers to "accept the upgrade." I got the impression Dan threw something together in haste. And now his customers are just going to block all ads.

Dumb.

Mark

I agree completely.

Does pushing out a buggy revision of the softphone a few days before the holidays with a 30 minute call limit actually make any sense?

If magicJack is going to survive, they are going to need to do some serious testing of their products before pushing them out to the hundreds of thousands of customers.
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ret27m
Dan isn't smart enough to hire me


Joined: 03 Nov 2008
Posts: 170
Location: Pensacola Fl

PostPosted: Wed Dec 24, 2008 12:34 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I agree with ar2008 that the 30 min deal was a fluke because lots of people are not having the problem, I think it has to do with the excessive use deal and the update didnt work as it should have.
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SteveD
MagicJack Newbie


Joined: 24 Dec 2008
Posts: 1

PostPosted: Wed Dec 24, 2008 12:34 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Quote:
Code:
function CallDurationControl.NewParameters_( Params )
local DefaultParams = {
MaxOutboundCallDuration = 1800,--1800,
ForceHangupToneDurationMs = 4000,--4000,
RedialRestrictionDuration = 60,--60,
RedialRestrictionToneDurationMs = 4000,--4000,
}


From looking at the code it looks like by default every call will terminae after 30 minutes. It doesn't matter how many times you re-boot, reload etc.

BUT, that's by default. The code does give them the option within it to override this. So for pre-paid international calls, the MaxOutboundCallDuration is probably set to the amount of cash you've prepaid by. It's a really easy fix for their engineers, just update the code! Which will take all of 30 seconds.

I assume they did this to stop system abuse, but 30 minutes is way too short.
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az2008
MagicJack Sensei


Joined: 20 Aug 2008
Posts: 1404
Location: Tempe, AZ

PostPosted: Wed Dec 24, 2008 12:36 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

ret27m wrote:
I wonder if today's update fixed the 30 min problem some of the folks were having, thank goodness I never had the problem.


What is today's update? Does anyone have a version number?

This is what I have from 12/21:

magicJack.dll: 1.80.466.3
magicjack.exe: 1.80.466.3
magicjackloader.exe: 1.80.4663.3272

Registry: 20081217000002

The file versions are obtained by finding the files in the mjusbsp, right click, properties, version tab.

The registry version is found using these instructions:
http://www.phoneservicesupport.com/post24793.html#24793

Mark
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az2008
MagicJack Sensei


Joined: 20 Aug 2008
Posts: 1404
Location: Tempe, AZ

PostPosted: Wed Dec 24, 2008 12:44 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

SteveD wrote:
From looking at the code it looks like by default every call will terminae after 30 minutes. It doesn't matter how many times you re-boot, reload etc.

BUT, that's by default. The code does give them the option within it to override this.


That's what I'm thinking. The code is just the definition of a constant. We don't know how it was intended to be used. The softphone could have logic to receive a flag from the proxy server (or the provisioning server, prov1.talk4free.com) which would signal that the user meets the "excessive use" criteria and should be throttled.

I think that would be kinder and gentler than what started (and ended) abruptly the last week of October. But, if it really is intended to be for "excessive use" people, it's just as bad because Dan's not communicating it to customers or even the support group who receive questions about it.

I don't have any problem with imposing limits (whether it's "gentle" 30-minute caps, or complete termination). But, users should be notified that they're approaching that designation. And, they should know they've been designated. And the help desk should be trained on this, so they know how to respond.

Dan just heaps drama on his customers like we've got nothing better to do with our time than to sort out his continuous antics.

Mark
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az2008
MagicJack Sensei


Joined: 20 Aug 2008
Posts: 1404
Location: Tempe, AZ

PostPosted: Wed Dec 24, 2008 12:52 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Gregg wrote:
If magicJack is going to survive, they are going to need to do some serious testing of their products before pushing them out to the hundreds of thousands of customers.


The crazy thing is, Dan has passionate customers who could have been his most valuable asset. People who would have beta tested, or been "early adopters" (before a mass push of an upgrade).

People who would have suggested that policy changes (like terminating "excessive use" people) should be communicated *at least* to the help desk so they aren't caught flat-footed, and look stupider than they usually do.

But, instead of leveraging those resources, he banished them from his web site (when this support forum used to exist there).

I don't think it's just the quality problems that will hurt him. It's everything. The just plain dumb business practices that seem *designed* to alienate customers and generate a bad reputation. Things like terminating customers without warning, or even an explanation of what happened. That's low-hanging fruit (like using free resources via devoted customers). It's completely in his control. But, he acts like he thinks he can get away with anything. Like his customers have no sense of dignity or fair play.

That's the stuff that's going to kill him. $1.70 a month is great. But, with all the drama that goes with it, $10 a month starts to look cheap.

Mark
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HendersonMike
Dan isn't smart enough to hire me


Joined: 09 Apr 2008
Posts: 274
Location: Henderson, Nevada state, usA

PostPosted: Wed Dec 24, 2008 12:58 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

This is a question from a totally non-coding type person,
but,
if one can find that code and open it in notepad++, could not one then edit it to make the call duration to something like 5 hrs ?

Just curious about that.
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az2008
MagicJack Sensei


Joined: 20 Aug 2008
Posts: 1404
Location: Tempe, AZ

PostPosted: Wed Dec 24, 2008 1:16 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

HendersonMike wrote:
This is a question from a totally non-coding type person,
but,
if one can find that code and open it in notepad++, could not one then edit it to make the call duration to something like 5 hrs ?


It should be possible. I've seen "how tos" to "poke" a memory address and change its value. I even recall doing this back in the '80s with DOS. I think it involved using the "debug" command.

Personally, I hate to recommend doing that. I respect MJ's rules. But, OTOH, if the 30-minute limit were important, you'd think they would have named the variables to something that wouldn't have been identifiable (via pmdump). The way they named them, it's like they want people to find their credentials (to use other devices) or alter values to make the MJ softphone behave differently.

Mark
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az2008
MagicJack Sensei


Joined: 20 Aug 2008
Posts: 1404
Location: Tempe, AZ

PostPosted: Wed Dec 24, 2008 2:07 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

ret27m wrote:
I think it has to do with the excessive use deal and the update didnt work as it should have.


I don't know how the forum's "poll" feature works, but it would be nice to have a poll asking:

=====

1. Have you been upgraded? (link to determine how to know, a screen shot highlighting the placement of the phone number)
Yes/No

If you haven't been upgraded, stop here.

2. If you have been upgraded, have you had a 30-minute call?
Yes/No

If you haven't had a 30-minute call, stop here.

3. If you have been upgraded, and had a 30-minute call, please choose your area code:

[Table of radio buttons to choose an area code]

4. If you have been upgraded, and had a 30-minute call, was the call terminated at 30 minutes?
Yes/No

If the 30-minute call wasn't terminated, stop here.

5. If you have been upgraded, and had a 30-minute call, and the call was terminated at 30 minutes, please estimate your average monthly usage:

0 to 1000 minutes
1000 to 2000 minutes
2000 to 3000 minutes
3000 or more minutes

Submit

=====

If that information could be captured and tallied, it would help identify if this is specific to certain proxy servers. Or, limited to heavier users.

Mark
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tloe
MagicJack Contributor


Joined: 03 Jun 2008
Posts: 63

PostPosted: Wed Dec 24, 2008 3:02 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I agree with the above, but feel we should just accept the new limit and move forward with finding workarounds; It's obvious the company doesn't care about its customers much and tech support is simply either ignorant, lying or just telling you what you want to hear. What hasn't been mentioned are the potential variables, because not everyone seems to be affected by the 30 min limit.

The idea behind this seems to be curbing usage or alleviating excessive server loads , because outgoing calls made to a cell or landline costs the company a small termination fee, but they receive a fee for incoming calls, which are not limited. A few users who have a prepaid international balance have said their calls are not limited, so that may potentially affect it. I'm not willing to spend $5 on minutes because I never call internationally. Total minute usage may not be as important to them as overall outgoing calls made, since it racks up those fees.

A possible solution would be to try using DukaDial to make calls that you know or feel will exceed the time limit, because it's an incoming call (AFAIK).
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kumar
Dan Should Pay Me


Joined: 15 Nov 2007
Posts: 806

PostPosted: Wed Dec 24, 2008 3:37 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

tloe wrote:
I agree with the above, but feel we should just accept the new limit and move forward with finding workarounds; It's obvious the company doesn't care about its customers much and tech support is simply either ignorant, lying or just telling you what you want to hear. What hasn't been mentioned are the potential variables, because not everyone seems to be affected by the 30 min limit.

The idea behind this seems to be curbing usage or alleviating excessive server loads , because outgoing calls made to a cell or landline costs the company a small termination fee, but they receive a fee for incoming calls, which are not limited. A few users who have a prepaid international balance have said their calls are not limited, so that may potentially affect it. I'm not willing to spend $5 on minutes because I never call internationally. Total minute usage may not be as important to them as overall outgoing calls made, since it racks up those fees.

A possible solution would be to try using DukaDial to make calls that you know or feel will exceed the time limit, because it's an incoming call (AFAIK).


I do not think anything should be blamed on the tech support. The tech support are the messengers and reading off the screen what they see. The higher level -us based people may not be telling the truth for sure but the low -standard-level people are just doing what they are told.

Also, for your 2nd paragraph I agree. If you paid money for international rates and you get cut off they should at least give you some type of refund.

3rd paragraph... Yeah it is an incomming call, but I think MJ will cut you off if you hit that certain limit even if you are receive calls, but I could be wrong. I am going to wait for a few days to see what happens until after the New Year...

Peace

Kumar
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Darkman90808
Dan Should Pay Me


Joined: 27 Feb 2008
Posts: 701

PostPosted: Wed Dec 24, 2008 4:52 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Quote:
The crazy thing is, Dan has passionate customers who could have been his most valuable asset. People who would have beta tested, or been "early adopters" (before a mass push of an upgrade).

Absolutely! I've been one of the biggest defenders of the MJ but the 30 minute cutoff tears it for me. Fun while it lasted... I wonder how many folks will sign up once they know of the 30 minute timeout or if most folks won't care. Shouldn't that be announced somewhere? Otherwise, what's to keep them from ratcheting down the minutes?
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Darkman90808
Dan Should Pay Me


Joined: 27 Feb 2008
Posts: 701

PostPosted: Wed Dec 24, 2008 5:12 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Whew! Well, I feel much better now. I just had an online chat with "Harry" in MJ Customer Support. When I told him I was being cut off after using my MJ for 30 minutes, he asked if I was using the USB extension provided with the dongle. I assured him I was.

So, he then had me unplug my *little bundle of joy*, reinsert it after three minutes and make a call. I did as he instructed. Harry then assured me I would no longer have problems with the 30 minute cutoff.

I can sleep so much easier now.
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az2008
MagicJack Sensei


Joined: 20 Aug 2008
Posts: 1404
Location: Tempe, AZ

PostPosted: Wed Dec 24, 2008 5:24 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Darkman90808 wrote:
So, he then had me unplug my *little bundle of joy*, reinsert it after three minutes and make a call. I did as he instructed. Harry then assured me I would no longer have problems with the 30 minute cutoff.

I can sleep so much easier now.


I think that's sarcasm. But, have you tried a 30-minute call? (I have Holman's number if you need someone to call.).

Shutting down MJ for 15-30 minutes might be a good idea. I've read others say that this can fix strange problems. Something about MJ's server removing your profile after some amount of time. Then, when you reconnect, it fetches a fresh copy.

Mark
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HendersonMike
Dan isn't smart enough to hire me


Joined: 09 Apr 2008
Posts: 274
Location: Henderson, Nevada state, usA

PostPosted: Wed Dec 24, 2008 6:36 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

az2008 wrote:

But, have you tried a 30-minute call? (I have Holman's number if you need someone to call.).



Mark


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kumar
Dan Should Pay Me


Joined: 15 Nov 2007
Posts: 806

PostPosted: Wed Dec 24, 2008 6:44 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Hahha.. i LOled:p literally

Kumar
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Darkman90808
Dan Should Pay Me


Joined: 27 Feb 2008
Posts: 701

PostPosted: Wed Dec 24, 2008 7:34 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Quote:
But, have you tried a 30-minute call?

No, I haven't had a chance yet. But this morning, I was cut off at e-zackly 30 minutes and 08 seconds.
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isleblue65
MagicJack Contributor


Joined: 11 Nov 2008
Posts: 65
Location: Minneapolis

PostPosted: Thu Dec 25, 2008 12:55 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

It seems like there are three groups that came out of this latest MJ upgrade:

1. Those that are unaffected by the 30 minute limit, and some report improved sound quality.

2. Those that now have the 30 minute limit, and little else changed.

3. Those who no longer have use of their phone because they can not dial out.

I am unfortunately in group 3 and I wish I had the problem of a 30 minute call limit. This is certainly the most frustrating predicament to be in.

I am curious what differentiates the three groups. Is it geographical region? Is it Bandwidth (cable, dsl, ?)? Is it the Talk4Free port used?

If a survey is started, I would suggest adding an option to select "No Service after upgrade".

Craig
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tloe
MagicJack Contributor


Joined: 03 Jun 2008
Posts: 63

PostPosted: Thu Dec 25, 2008 1:28 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

I just tested it out and I'm now cutoff after an hour instead of 30 minutes. At least they seem to be moving in the right direction...
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az2008
MagicJack Sensei


Joined: 20 Aug 2008
Posts: 1404
Location: Tempe, AZ

PostPosted: Thu Dec 25, 2008 7:26 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

tloe wrote:
I just tested it out and I'm now cutoff after an hour instead of 30 minutes. At least they seem to be moving in the right direction...


How did you fix your problem, described here:

http://www.phoneservicesupport.com/post27121.html#27121

All I saw was that. And then, this posting saying it's working for you now?

Mark
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Trebuin
MagicJack Contributor


Joined: 21 May 2008
Posts: 53

PostPosted: Thu Dec 25, 2008 9:43 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

2 reasons for needing more than 30 mins:

1) I live in Japan and MJ is my lifeline back to family in the states. My wife tends to run into problems more than I.

2) If anything breaks (which happens more often that I thought) I end up on hold for about 20 mins to get it fixed, with enough time to describe the problem, be put on hold, then cut off at 30 mins.

I haven't had this happen yet, but there's potential.
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admin
MagicJack Contributor


Joined: 12 Nov 2007
Posts: 60

PostPosted: Wed Dec 31, 2008 3:22 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

emiliomcol wrote:
rickiev wrote:
Gregg wrote:
From the new magicjack.exe:
Code:
function CallDurationControl.NewParameters_( Params )
  local DefaultParams = {
    MaxOutboundCallDuration = 1800,--1800,
    ForceHangupToneDurationMs = 4000,--4000,
    RedialRestrictionDuration = 60,--60,
    RedialRestrictionToneDurationMs = 4000,--4000,
  }


MaxOutboundCallDuration 1800 seconds? WTF?


this will be per call right, and not for the duration of the day ? or month ? I hope not.


that limit most be per call because 1800 seconds is 30 min and thats the limit im experienced too and after my calls drop i have to reboot MJ for using it againg, and about the *67 trick if i tried to used *67 and the first number it dosnt work but if i used in this way for example 3*05-555-5555 work perfectly well making the echo go away Cool


Thanks for the post emiliomcol, you just won a Free MagicJack
http://www.phoneservicesupport.com/free-magicjack-giveaway-contest-announcement-t3474.html
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