Phone Jack No-Call Module

[Chip Fossa]

Now that we all know state and federal NO-CALL programs are far from fool-proof, especially for nontelemarketers, who are just as annoying, is there some type of device that could be plugged into your phonejack that could block out any undesirable calls?

It would work manually with your answering machine. When you get a call you want to zap, you push some button as the message is being played back and this sends a signal to the NO-Call module/device. It's stored, and when the number tries to enter again, it's refused. Could also be setup to identify anonymous or unlisted number calls, too.

I know some people get huge amounts of calls daily. I don't. So working it manually wouldn't be much of a chore for me. I don't see how you could do it automatically. But, once you went through your long list of calls one-time, then that would take care of it.

Is there already such a device? Someone oughta start making these, if not. I know they would sell.

[Jack Stoner]

I have a "call zapper" built into a telephone. When either I answer the phone or the answering machine answers the phone, a tone is sent out on the telephone line. This tone tells automated calling devices (computers) that the line is "not in service" and the computer will automatically hang up and mark that telephone number as not in service and that computer will not dial the line again.

This probably isn't exactly what you are looking for, but the only thing I know of.

[Chip Fossa]

Jack,

What you have set up sounds like you got the "ugly" calls under raps. But, also, it sounds like your PC is definitely involved in the process.

Once again, many of us aren't that computer savvy.

But doesn't it seem like a cool simple device? Of course it would have computer chips in it. Everything today has some kind of PC chip in it.

I think, optimally, it would & should be a passive/owner device. Plug & Play if you will.

On last Monday, I was at a friends dinner party and met his daughters boyfriend. He was kind of stand-offish, but he and I finally found common ground. He's like definitely in the computer world. He's some kind of programmer. Young kid. Nice kid.

I ran this idea by him, and he got all excited about it. Started to tell me how to even get going and what was needed to put this device together. Smart kid, really. He's thinking about pursuing this.

I told him I only want 10%. Hey, I'm not greedy.

With my limited knowledge, but time put in, with computers, it seems like not too difficult of a task.

[Jack Stoner]

Chip, MY computer has nothing to do with it. I was referring to the computers that are used to make the calls.

HERE is the link to the Telezapper device, what I was referring to.

[Chip Fossa]

Sorry Jack,

I did misread you. I'll be going out later today when I get some time to check out your link.

Thanks a lot.

Chipper

[Jeff Agnew]

Telezappers work by sending the auto-dialer a SIT (Special Information Tone) that mimics the phone company's out-of-service sound you hear when you reach a number that's been disconnected. Theoretically, the telemarketer then deletes your number from their calling list. Zappers work with varying degrees of effectiveness since most modern auto-dialing systems ignore the SIT anyway. But it certainly won't hurt anything and might reduce your junk calls somewhat.

What you really want is one of these, which I've used on my land line for years. Unfortunately, after looking up that link I see it's been discontinued. Here is an apparently similar device. Can't vouch for that one and it looks like it's missing a feature or two mine has. You might check eBay or search the web to see if anyone has the original model left in stock.

These boxes work by controlling which calls get through and actually ring your phone. You can set different levels of screening, from blocking any call not already in your phone book (whitelisting) to blocking any anonymous calls (greylisting). You can also choose to route any call directly to an answering machine, or to ring through, or to another connected device (such as a Telezapper). On mine you can also program wildcard numbers which, like a computer search, block anything matching a certain pattern, such as 800-***-****, or 866-451-**** numbers, etc. That's helpful when a telemarketer uses an entire range of numbers and you don't want to manually block each one.

So, anonymous calls, robot calls, and those I've specifically blocked don't even ring my phone. That means I don't really care if a company obeys the national Do Not Call list because I've got my own version of it.

[Wiz Feinberg]

That's awesome Jeff! Let's try to find some of those in hiding somewhere, still for sale.

[Chip Fossa]

Thanks Jeff & Jack. I checked out all the sites.

Looks as though on one or two you gotta get the phone company involved with their caller ID (more cost for that option). I'm already trying to get rid of Verizon land phone.
They rap me $45+/mnth. Ten dollars of that is for a minimum long distance fee, whether you make a call or not. Give me a break; and they will NOT take it off. I don't even use the phone for local calls. It's only there because I can't afford to change my long-lasting phone number. I would go out of business in a very short time. That phone is strictly used now just as an answering service; or if I absolutely know who is calling, I'll pick up and answer.

But I have to wait for a rebate to come through from Verizon for going with their DSL. I don't want to screw that up. Once that's all set, then I'll probably go with Vonage.

I have 2 phone jacks in use, but the same phoneline. How do the devices work with 2 or more phone jacks? Do you need as many units as jacks?

They probably mentioned it on the sites, but I'm here typing now, so without going on a seek mission at the moment, I wanted to get this off.

I gotta do something. These rat calls just infuriate the h$## out of me.

Sorry for the expanded rant and explanation, but it just sets the record straight.

[Jack Stoner]

The Telezapper works just connected to any phone line. Whenever a telephone or answering device somewhere in the house is picked up the Telezapper sends the signal.

I have a cordless phone that the Telezapper is built into that phone. But, as noted any phone in the house that is picked up the Telezapper tone is sent out on the line.

Between the Telezapper and the do not call list, I get very few Telemarketing calls.

[Chip Fossa]

Thanks again, Jack.

Yeah, my problem is more with local yokels, like a duct-cleaning company is always looking to get my business.

They are not telemarketers. These are the birds I want to pop.

Plus, admittedly, I have had some bad past credit card problems, and those folks keep pestering me (collection dudes). Once again, not telemarketers.

If I think hard on this, my ratio of TMs to just other types of nuisance calls is maybe 10 to 1.

[Clyde Mattocks]

The local companies are easy. You can find out who the owner is and if you can get HIS number, call him at 3 A.M. and tell him you're trying to sell your
old refridgerater and thought he might be interested.
He gets really irate, but he gets the point, too!

[Chip Fossa]

Thank you, Clyde.

That's a point well-taken.

But, I'm usually fast asleep at 3:00AM.

Fighting someone on their terms is futile.

To beat them, you gotta hit em' where they least expect it.

Just like a good football game. Hit 'em where they ain't lookin'.

In football, I still believe, it's the DEFENSE that always wins the game; even with a great offense. You can win by only 3 points; a field goal. But if your team can't keep the opponents from scoring a TD, well, you've lost.

Tom Brady ain't gonna help the Patriots one bit this year; but the Pat's defensive line will. Just watch it go down. Those guys are primed; they know that the key to getting to the stupidbowl lies directly on their big shoulders.

It's gonna be a great show. Sit back and watch.

Sorry for straying off topic...