Using MJ w/ xLINK cell ph dockng station. Fix for REN limit?

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trailblazer
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Using MJ w/ xLINK cell ph dockng station. Fix for REN limit?

Post by trailblazer »

I'm considering purchasing an XLink ITC-BTTN cell phone docking station (http://www.xlinkgateway.com/bttn.html) to use with my MagicJack and cellphones. It allows you to use your regular analog phones to dial out through your cell phone. The "BTTN" model also lets you connect to a POTS line (landline). I, of course, plan on connecting it to a MagicJack instead of a POTS line.

Assuming everyting else works, the question I have is, will this configuration be a possible workaround to the limited REN power of the MagicJack (MJ's limited ability to ring multiple phones connected to it)?

The specs for the XLink ITC-BTTN says it produces a REN value of 5.0, but I'm wondering what the device uses to ring your analog phones when the call is coming from the MagicJack. Is it simply passing through the ringing power from the MagicJack, or is it using it's own power to ring the phones like it does when you get a call on your cell phone?

Any ideas? Anyone ever use a MagicJack with an XLink ITC-BTTN cell phone docking station?
EagleBoy
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Post by EagleBoy »

I'm doing exactly what you are planning to. Using my cellphone AND the magicjack thru the XLink device. To answer your question, the ring voltage isn't a passthru. The XLink plugs into your AC power and uses that for ring voltage. It works, actually, quite well. The only issue I have with the XLink over MagicJack is DTMF touch tones. Many times they don't pass thru very well after a call is connected. If I'm calling a number that I know I'll need to hit touch tones (like voicemail at the office, etc), then I use the numbers on the softphone. It always seems to work well that way.

Cheers
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trailblazer
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Post by trailblazer »

Thanks EagleBoy! It's great how I can get an answer to such a specific question in so little time!!

I'm also wondering....

How "smart" is the xLink regarding the line for the MJ and it's ability to determine if that line is available to use or not.

It's my understading that if the xLink is connected to my MJ and cellphone #1, outgoing calls will default to the MJ.
What happens if my computer is off or in standby mode, or my Internet connection is down. I pick up one of my phones, will the xLink attempt to use the MJ (thus the call failing), or is it smart enough to default to my cell phone?
In other words, does the xLink know if the "phone line" connected to it's "TELEPHONE SERVICE" jack is active or not?
EagleBoy
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Post by EagleBoy »

trailblazer wrote:Thanks EagleBoy! It's great how I can get an answer to such a specific question in so little time!!

I'm also wondering....

How "smart" is the xLink regarding the line for the MJ and it's ability to determine if that line is available to use or not.

It's my understading that if the xLink is connected to my MJ and cellphone #1, outgoing calls will default to the MJ.
What happens if my computer is off or in standby mode, or my Internet connection is down. I pick up one of my phones, will the xLink attempt to use the MJ (thus the call failing), or is it smart enough to default to my cell phone?
In other words, does the xLink know if the "phone line" connected to it's "TELEPHONE SERVICE" jack is active or not?
Amazingly, it does know. If I turn off my PC, then pick up my cordless phone, the XLink will dial out via the cell phone instead. If I then turn on the computer, it will default to using the MagicJack. So, the 'hardwired' phone line (which is magicjack) is the default line. It will try to use it first. If it isn't there, the cell becomes the default line.

Of course, you can dial Flash 1 to dial out the cell line at any time, even if MagicJack is on.

It really is a neat solution.

-Eagle
VaHam
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Post by VaHam »

It looks like this thing would be great for DIY security systems also. If the PSTN line is cut or out of service then out going calls from the alarm system would revert to cell.
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trailblazer
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Post by trailblazer »

I finally got my Xlink device and I highly recommend it!!!

For what it's worth, I just wanted to add this post to this topic...

Before using my Xlink, I was one of the many who could not get my caller ID (CID) to display on my cordless phone. I used the fix from another topic where you place a 100k resistor across the 2 phone line wires. When I first tried to use my Xlink with my MJ, Xlink did not recognize the MJ line as being "active". I removed the 100k resistor from the line and my Xlink began recognizing the MJ line as being active. And best of all, caller ID is displayed on the MJ line!
vinoy
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Post by vinoy »

Any recommendations to buy XLink ITC-BTTN from?
EagleBoy
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Post by EagleBoy »

vinoy wrote:Any recommendations to buy XLink ITC-BTTN from?
Amazon.com sells them. Pretty decent price as well.
vinoy
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Post by vinoy »

Appreciated
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trailblazer
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Post by trailblazer »

I purchased mine from MTNStore.com. Total with shipping was $150.24. It took them awhile to ship it, however.
vinoy
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Post by vinoy »

I ordered one, can't wait to get it.
Thanks for the site info.
MJ on HPT5710 1G/1G
MJ on PC as service
aaronwt
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Post by aaronwt »

$132 from ANTonline
slceso
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Post by slceso »

I also have this setup and it works great. Buy direct at myxlink.com or on ebay. search online for a 10 dollar coupon off the -BTTN from xlink ($115 shipped).

make sure you update it with their update tool. it also gives you a way to configure the box.

this was the solution for me since I have trouble calling home sometimes to my MJ number.

so, all in for my setup:
$40 MJ
$55 Alpman TC
$10 Majicfeatures
$74 Xlink-BTTN shipped (Ebay)
--------
$179 total..

$30/month old 'digital' cable phone from Mediacomm. I'll be at break even after 6 months.. I don't know how to put a price on the hair I've lost, though..
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