magicJack and magicJack Plus Support, Reviews, FAQs and Tricks

Alpman wrote:I actually have enough parts to put together a couple dozen units, including a few $55 pre-paid orders that dropped out, however I am traveling on business right now and will return on or about Jan 12. Please be patient, I will post an update when they are available again. Thanks...Greg

May I ask, why do you remove RDP from your units only to replace it with an alternate remote control app?

1. Are your Thin Clients capable of running MJMD5?
2. Are your Thin Clients capable of running Sip Sorcery?
3. Can your Thin Clients be set up to turn on and off at preset times?
4. What is the average power consumption of one of your Thin Clients?

Thanks,
macman4hire

I just got my TC from Alpman running.
is it normal to have to restart everything after a power outage?My power has been flickering on and off for a hour.It is now stable again but i had to turn off the TC and reboot it and then restart MJ.
Is this normal?
Thanks

It should restart on its own. Try disconnecting the power supply and then reconnect. It should restart.

I've had my TC from Alpman for a couple weeks now, so I thought I would post a mini-review of it. I picked up the $66 Neoware e100/CA10 VIA 800Mhz CPU, 128mb RAM (upgradable to 1GB) 6GB MicroDrive with XPe SP2 model. I wanted a low-cost, low-power solution to run my magicJack 24/7 without being on my normal PCs.

Initial Impressions:
Machine was exactly as advertised. I plugged it in, hooking up a monitor, mouse and keyboard for the initial setup. Then plugged in the magicJack. Within a couple minutes, the MJ software was installed and I was placing my first call. I then tried using the TeamView software to remote into the unit from another machine on my network. I got it to work, but didn't care too much for that particular remote software package. I've used VNC before, so I installed tightVNC instead. I did notice a very very tiny bit of lag when I started using the machine to install/uninstall software, and web browsing. I figured it was due to 128MB of RAM, so I picked up another 512MB (for around $10) and popped it in. That did the trick for me. Once booted, everything runs relly well. Though I must note that I never had any problems whatsoever with the MJ not working well because of any memory contraints. This was just my personal preference and overall pickyness.

Pros:
- Alpman shiped it crazy fast. I think I had barely finished paying and he was sending shipping info. Kudos!
- Everything worked (literally) right-out-of-the-box. Just plugged in the MJ and started calling.
- Keeps the MJ and it's goofy software off of my regular PCs.
- Expandable memory.
- Works fine with the MagicFeatures plugin I purchased.
- For what it's worth, I have my MJ hooked into my whole house wiring, and it is powering a cordless-phone system, a corded phone, and 2 Dish Network DVRs. I get caller-id on all so far without problems. And with the MagicFeatures plugin, it's callerid with name.

Cons:
- I couldn't plug the MJ into the back USB slot of the unit, because it sits so close to the ethernet network jack. So I ended up just plugging in the MJ dongle into the front of the TC. Oh well, not a big deal.
- Some things I'm used to in regular Windows XP are not available (by default) in the stripped down XPe. This won't be an issue for most folks, but I like to tweak things on my machines, such as the network machine name. But I can't figure out how to do it on this install. Not a big deal though.

Overall, I completely recommend using a TC for magicJack, and would definitely recommend ordering from Alpman.

I have the same machine and it works great. I too added 512 mb ram I had laying idle (can't help tinkering with stuff). I also put in a full copy of windows xp and stopped alot of the unnecessary services and deleted any unused programs. I also set Windows for best performance as opposed to best appearance. Since I now have plenty of ram, i set paging to zero. I works flawlessly along with teamviewer and a small program to do an automatic reboot once a week called Poweroff. I too recommend Greg for Thin Clients that run out of the box the right way, but again, I like to tinker and can't leave well enough alone.

UPDATE - Sorry for the slow response time, I'm still out of town on business. I should be home on Sunday the 17th. I'll catch up on replies and get a few ready to ship for y'all then...thanks!

I'm interested in one..........I've sent you an email...........

I'm back, finally!! Thank you for all your comments and requests. I'll be playing catch-up on messages and emails for the next couple of days, so please be patient. I should have some tc's available later today. I'll keep you posted...

For those of you that are receiving "memory could not be read" errors that the recent update appears to have caused, try setting the date to say 2008. I'm not quite sure why, but it seems to work, at least until a more permanent solution is found. Read more about this temporary solution here:

http://www.phoneservicesupport.com/memo ... t8202.html

Looks like I'm going to have three $55 TC's available. They will also be updated to XPe SP3 to work with the most recent mJ update. PM me for payment details. Thanks.

I also have five $66 and six $77 units available. They are not currently listed on ebay, but you can send payment via PayPal to the email in my signature and I will ship usually the next day. All configurations have now been updated to XPe SP3. Thanks.

What is a microdrive? Is it a tiny hard drive, or is it flash meory that acts like a hard drive?

It is a 1" hard drive utilizing the Compact Flash+ form factor. It is not flash based and therefore does not have limitations on the number of write cycles, so EWF can be disabled with no ill affects. Pagefile can also be enabled, allowing for stable performance with reduced physical RAM requirements.

My XPe SP3 image is now complete!! If you purchased a MicroDrive based TC from me and are currently plagued with the dreaded "memory could not be read" issue I will upgrade your MicroDrive to SP3 at no charge. PM me for instructions. If you purchased a Flash disk based TC from me and are unable to take the recent mJ update, you may need an upgrade kit. See the following announcement...

I am now offering DIY kits to upgrade your TC to my custom built XPe SP3 image.

It will support the following models: HP 5125, 5135, 5145, 5520, and 5530 as well as most Neoware, TermTek, MaxSpeed/MaxTerm, VXL and WYSE TC's based on VIA chipsets with a minimum requirement of 400Mhz CPU and 128mb RAM. It does NOT support Transmeta, National Semiconductor or AMD based chipsets.

Most TermTek, MaxSpeed/MaxTerm, and VXL TC's use a CF Flash card and will only require you to replace the CF Flash with the MicroDrive. All other models will require an IDE to CF adapter and a 44 to 40 pin cable adapter.

I can offer a 6GB MicroDrive pre-loaded with my image for $25 shipped or the full kit (MicroDrive, CF adapter and cable pre-assembled) for $35 shipped. PM me with your TC make/model number and PayPal email address for payment instructions.

Basic instructions for the upgrade kit are quite simple. Disconnect power and open the case. Remove the Flash disk, plug in the 44 pin cable from the pre-assembled kit and route the cable to a suitable mounting location for the CF adapter/MicroDrive. TermTek, MaxSpeed/MaxTerm and VXL models that use a CF card should only require you to replace the CF card with the MicroDrive, so you can skip the whole mounting step. Replace the case and power the unit up without your mJ connected. The first boot will load the required drivers for your model and create a unique TeamViewer ID with a default Password of 123456. Double click the TeamViewer icon in the system tray to retrieve the ID and write it down for future reference. Reboot with your mJ connected and you'll be up & running once again!!!

I'm down to my last two $55 units. PM me if you are interested.

I also have my last two each of the $66 and $77 units listed on ebay. Click the WWW link below my signature for all of my current listings.

I will be receiving a small shipment on TermTek 3370's in this week as well. I'll let you know when they are ready...thanks.

All Neoware models are sold out. I still have two HP t5520's left for $55 ea. The TermTek's should be here this week as well. Thanks for all the support...

Only one t5520 left...who will be the lucky one?

The TermTek's have not arrived yet and it may take a few days to get them up & running. I'll keep you posted. Thanks...

One HP t5520 left for $55 Shipped

One HP t5530 (similar specs to 5520, better on-board video, smaller case plus hidden USB compartment great for WiFi adapter, six USB ports total) for $66 Shipped

Two TermTek 3370/1G's - 1Ghz VIA CPU, 256mb memory (upgradable to 512), four USB ports (two front/two rear), front mounted PS/2 and audio, very small form factor measure approx 2"X8"X9" - for $77 Shipped

These will go fast...more are on the way, but I'll be waiting for parts from China once again...thanks.

Only on TermTek left now...

Alpman, any more TCs coming I would like one.

...two t5520's, one t5530 and two TK3370's available right now. It looks like I'll be waiting for parts from China again, so these will be the last available until my shipment comes in about two weeks. Thanks.

The Neoware model e100 TC works fine. I connected a KB and mouse, and the ethernet cable to my gateway, then booted it up and loaded Teamviewer. Then I downloaded and ran the Teamviewer client on my main machine and logged into the e100 remotely. Finally, I plugged in the Majicjack and let it install itself. At first it didn't want to do its "update" and refused to run. I rebooted the TC and reconnected the MJ, and this time it worked. Presto, dialtone.

The Neoware is a tad slow for browsing the internet or doing email, but it runs the MJ fine. I plan to stick some more memory in it, which might speed it up a bit. I noticed in device manager that there were 3 unknown devices detected. I don't know what those are, but it does not seem to need them. Now I wish I'd waited on a Termtek, since they are smaller, but I'm pleased with the e100 and would recommend any of Alpman's products. They are a steal.

...one t5520 and one t5530 still left and down to the last TK3370 also. PM me for payment details.

rwhubert -
Yes, more memory will speed it up a bit. There are two DDR slots on the mb. The three unknown devices should disappear after the next reboot. They are residuals of the mJ drivers that were loaded. Thanks for the vote of confidence...

Thanks for the quick shipping and high quality product Alpman. Very fast TC and well setup. Any chance to get a backup microdrive?

mjb65 -

Page 4 of this thread will detail your MicroDrive backup options...available now.

All -

The TermTek's are sold out for now. The t5530 is now gone and only one t5520 remains. More to come as soon as I receive my parts shipment, but right now this is the only thin client I have available...PM or email me to confirm availability before sending payment, thanks.

Some of my parts shipment came in today from China, finally. So it looks like I'm back in business, at least for now...

I have five TermTek TK3370/1G's available for $77 ea including shipping and two HP t5520's available for $55 ea including shipping.

I also have two EBC3610 Single Board Computer thin clients for $99 shipped. They are configured with a VIA 667Mhz CPU, 256mb PC133 SODIMM memory (upgradable to 512) and a very quiet WD Scorpio 40GB 2.5" ATA100 laptop HDD running XPe SP3.

These are the smallest thin clients I have ever used. Measurements are approx 2-1/4"X5"X6-3/4". They are also easily overclockable to over 1Ghz in the BIOS, making them the fastest TC's I've ever used. They are extremely responsive even at stock speeds.

They also have an on-board CFII slot and a second ethernet port hidden beneath the back panel, making them very versatile for other projects such as a media/print server or a firewall.

This is the very first model mJ TC I ever built and sold and has been my favorite by far. They are very unique and almost impossible to come by. I've seen them listed on ebay, unmodified, no HDD and only 128mb of RAM selling for $150+.

I personally have run two of these TC's on my own mJ's and never had even a hiccup. This is by far the best buy of the lot and there are only two available, so get them while you can...

Only the TK3370's will be listed on ebay, so PM or email me for payment instructions on the other models...thanks!!

I'm down to two T3370's left. Still have two t5520's and two EBC3610's available as well. Thanks...

Only one TK3370 left. Still have two t5520's and two EBC3610's. Get them while you can...

Next week I should have some TC3350's available. They are similar to the 3370's, but use a VIA 533Mhz CPU. I've used these in the past and they make for great stand alone mJ thin clients. They will be configured with 128mb ram and two front USB ports for $55 shipped and 256mb ram with two front and one rear USB port for $66 shipped. The $66 units will be available on eBay, but the $55 units will only be sold thru the forum, so PM me for details and pre-orders.

For very budjet minded individuals who don't mind a few cosmetics blemishes on their TC, I am now offering five HP t5520's for just $45 ea including shipping...yes, I said $45!! These are in good working condition but are scratch & dent units. All are the missing front trim bezel and some are missing the side trim bezels. They are configured and will perform the same as my other t5520's. A perfect solution if plan on stashing the TC where it is not visible. These units are available now and only to forum members. Order yours today, they won't last long. PM or email me for payment instructions...thanks!!

I've also posted the $45 t5520's in a seperate thread, but there are only five available total, not ten.

TK3370's are sold out...thanks! All other quantities remain as above.

Just received my TK3370 in the mail today. Working great so far, thanks Alpman!

I just received my newest shipment of TC3350's. See the descriptions two posts above. I have seventeen total, nine $55 units and eight $66 units. The $66 units are currently listed on ebay. PM or email me for payment instructions on the $55 units. Thanks!

Just wanted to let anyone considering a TC know this is who I would buy from. I just installed his XPE SP 3 kit in my TC and I had an unusual setup with an added usb pci card and wanting to block an overloaded proxy and he was right there to help with getting working.

Thanks Don, very glad to help. I'm glad we were able to get it working for your application.

VoipDude-
Keep working on her. I'd love to set you up with one...

i have been have bandwidth issues with mj, do you think that the thin client will fix it? my ports are forwarded btw,

A TC is not going to fix underlying issues as with your ISP or router configuration, however if your "bandwidth issues" are caused by other programs on your system taking bandwidth priority, such as torrent programs, then yes, a TC will resolve the issues. They also greatly improve SQ for most users simply because it doesn't have to share resources with anything else if you are using it as a dedicated mJ machine. Hope this helps!!!

Hi

Does anyone know the approximate TC power consumption vs a standard laptop like an old Dell inspiron 4000

I'm wondering if the TC will use 25% less,50% less,75% less or will it use more power then a standard laptop configuration.

Any ideas ?

Please advise
Thanks

I'm not sure how much current your laptop draws, but most thin clients draw about 15-18W or less. I hope this helps.

Just an update on availability...

(6) HP t5520's Scratch n' Dent - $45ea
(5) HP t5520's - $55ea
(1) Neoware CA15 256mb/4GB MicroDrive, rear USB - $66ea
(2) EBC3610's 256mb/40Gb 2.5" IDE HDD - $99ea (First buyer gets free 512mb upgrade!!)

All models include a 6GB MicroDrive with my latest SP3 image unless otherwise stated. Also included: power supply or cord and Priority Mail shipping.

No eBay listings for TC's at this time. Click the "WWW" link below my signature for my other eBay listings. All models ordered thru PayPal directly. PM or email for order instructions...thanks!!

Greg

EDIT - Just received my parts shipment today. Refer to the list above for current availability.

WOW...nine TC3350/128's sold in two days!!! I'm now sold out of this model as well. Check above post for availability of other models. Thanks to everyone for their support. I'm out of town on business until Friday. I will be shipping on Saturday and Monday...

Greg

I'm back from my business trip and all pending orders have been shipped, thank you everyone. Only a few left and I'll be waiting for parts from China again. Get them while you can!!!

Alpman:

I just wanted to thank you again! After spending days reading through post about obtaining my SIP credentials and attempting to get my PAP2 to work with MJ, I stumbled upon your post for your thin clients. This was the best $55 I've spent in a while. I don't know anyone who has a quicker turn around than you. I ordered the TC on Wednesday and had it delivered on Friday!!! That's from CA to SC in 2 days!!! I had a few questions and you answered them quickly.

Plug the device in. Wait about 5 min or so and you're off. Thank you.

Thank you, I appreciate it. It was nice talking to you today. I'm glad I was able to answer all of your questions. Anything else, don't hesitate to call...

EDIT - Just received my parts shipment today. Please refer to the list on Pg.1 for current pricing and availability.

Hey just wondering are you all out again ?

I have about a dozen right now. Price and availability on all models are on the first post and will be updated regularly on that page. Thanks...

How would I go about purchasing one of these? I think I'm having issues with the Magic Jack and my router so I am looking at going this route so I can leave the router hooked up. Are you selling them through ebay or would we direct purchase them from you ?

Check my first post on the first page and you will find pricing/availability of models. I do not have any currently listed on eBay but I am accepting PayPal payments to the email in my signature. ust select the model you wish to purchase, send payment and I'll build, test and ship it usually the same day as payment. Thanks for your interest. If you have further questions you can PM or email me.

Only six TC's left!!! Check page 1 of this thread for pricing/availability and payment instructions. Thanks...

Five left and counting...