I've recently been browsing ebay looking for these devices, with a
vague idea of finding something that'll do for GSM calls what the
SPA3000 does for PSTN calls, ie integrate as a trunk on a PBX
(specifically Aterisk - Trixbox) for inward and outbound calls.
After some digging around, it seems that, like ATAs, there is quite a
lot of difference in what these devices can and can't do.... Prices
also seem to vary a lot.
paul123 submitted this idea :
> I've recently been browsing ebay looking for these devices, with a
> vague idea of finding something that'll do for GSM calls what the
> SPA3000 does for PSTN calls, ie integrate as a trunk on a PBX
> (specifically Aterisk - Trixbox) for inward and outbound calls.
>
> After some digging around, it seems that, like ATAs, there is quite a
> lot of difference in what these devices can and can't do.... Prices
> also seem to vary a lot.
>
> Anyone tried any of these things? Impressions?
>
> Here are a couple of links to one particular ebayer to give you an idea
> of what I'm going on about:
> http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.d...MEWA%3AIT&rd=1
> http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.d..._promot_widget
> http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Tri-Band-GSM-C...QQcmdZViewItem
Erm, I've can't see the ebay pages as I've got them blocked at the
firewall!
I'm using one of these <http://www.blueict.com/dockntalk.htm>,
connected to an SPA3000. Does the job effectively. Cost about £150 ish
Jono wrote:
> paul123 submitted this idea :
> > I've recently been browsing ebay looking for these devices, with a
> > vague idea of finding something that'll do for GSM calls what the
> > SPA3000 does for PSTN calls, ie integrate as a trunk on a PBX
> > (specifically Aterisk - Trixbox) for inward and outbound calls.
> >
> > After some digging around, it seems that, like ATAs, there is quite a
> > lot of difference in what these devices can and can't do.... Prices
> > also seem to vary a lot.
> >
> > Anyone tried any of these things? Impressions?
> >
> > Here are a couple of links to one particular ebayer to give you an idea
> > of what I'm going on about:
> > http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.d...MEWA%3AIT&rd=1
> > http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.d..._promot_widget
> > http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Tri-Band-GSM-C...QQcmdZViewItem
>
> Erm, I've can't see the ebay pages as I've got them blocked at the
> firewall!
>
> I'm using one of these <http://www.blueict.com/dockntalk.htm>,
> connected to an SPA3000. Does the job effectively. Cost about £150 ish
Cheers Jono, I've had a quick look at that page and now have more
questions.
How do you connect it to your spa3k? And when connected to the SPA is
it then like a normal trunk in and out? Can the spa3k still be used
with PSTN when the dockntalk is connected to it - or does one need a
spa3k for pstn and one for the dockntalk? Is it easy to setup?
"paul123" <paul@redy.net> wrote in message
news:1157182668.492588.209230@i3g2000cwc.googlegro ups.com...
> Cheers Jono, I've had a quick look at that page and now have more
> questions.
> How do you connect it to your spa3k?
RJ11 to RJ11
> And when connected to the SPA is
> it then like a normal trunk in and out?
Yes, it's just like a PSTN line, as far as the SPA3K's concerned.
> Can the spa3k still be used
> with PSTN when the dockntalk is connected to it - or does one need a
> spa3k for pstn and one for the dockntalk?
An SPA3K for each is required, unfortunately.
> Is it easy to setup?
Absolutely.....there's nothing to set up. As the d-n-t masquerades as a line
(it even provides dialtone) all you do is plug the SPA in to its line-out
socket & connect a mobile phone. If you have the cabled version, rather than
bluetooth, you get the advantage of the phone being charged as well
Jono wrote:
> "paul123" <paul@redy.net> wrote in message
> news:1157182668.492588.209230@i3g2000cwc.googlegro ups.com...
>
>
>
> > Cheers Jono, I've had a quick look at that page and now have more
> > questions.
>
> > How do you connect it to your spa3k?
>
> RJ11 to RJ11
>
> > And when connected to the SPA is
> > it then like a normal trunk in and out?
>
> Yes, it's just like a PSTN line, as far as the SPA3K's concerned.
>
> > Can the spa3k still be used
> > with PSTN when the dockntalk is connected to it - or does one need a
> > spa3k for pstn and one for the dockntalk?
>
> An SPA3K for each is required, unfortunately.
>
> > Is it easy to setup?
>
> Absolutely.....there's nothing to set up. As the d-n-t masquerades as a line
> (it even provides dialtone) all you do is plug the SPA in to its line-out
> socket & connect a mobile phone. If you have the cabled version, rather than
> bluetooth, you get the advantage of the phone being charged as well
Thanks for the info. Sounds great. Which one do you have - the cabled
or bluetooth version? And where did you get it?
Getting another spa3k to use it with makes it a bit pricey, but still
sounds like "must have". I can just imagine the question from my other
half "but do we really need it?" huh, boys and their toys eh?
Another thought. Rather than using another spa3k, I suppose it could
just connect to a x100p card on the asterisk box? That would be a bit
cheaper at least.
> Thanks for the info. Sounds great. Which one do you have - the cabled
> or bluetooth version? And where did you get it?
Cabled. I just leave an old 6310i permanently plugged in. I got it from
BlueICT. They even sent me it on approval! I must have a trustworthy
voice.
> Getting another spa3k to use it with makes it a bit pricey, but still
> sounds like "must have". I can just imagine the question from my other
> half "but do we really need it?" huh, boys and their toys eh?
I have a contract mobile permanently connected. Family members use the
Asterisk callback feature from their PAYG mobiles. Then asterisk calls
them back using the dockNtalk trunk, from my inclusive minutes. Makes
their credit last quite a while.
> Another thought. Rather than using another spa3k, I suppose it could
> just connect to a x100p card on the asterisk box? That would be a bit
> cheaper at least.
x100p would possibly work better than an SPA3K (clone card quality
excepted) as you wouldn't have the
double-send-dtmf-to-spa-then-to-dnt-delay.
The only potential issue is that of location, or wiring. If using an
x100p, the wire's got to run back to your server, whereas with an SPA,
you can connect it anywhere on your network, over the internet, or even
wirelessly.
paul123 wrote:
> I've recently been browsing ebay looking for these devices, with a
> vague idea of finding something that'll do for GSM calls what the
> SPA3000 does for PSTN calls, ie integrate as a trunk on a PBX
> (specifically Aterisk - Trixbox) for inward and outbound calls.
>
> After some digging around, it seems that, like ATAs, there is quite a
> lot of difference in what these devices can and can't do.... Prices
> also seem to vary a lot.
>
> Anyone tried any of these things? Impressions?
I'm being rather slow to understand the desired functions you are
looking into, and the subsequent discussion is certainly over my head,
but you might also look into something like Nokia Premicell, which is
used in for example offices to route outgoing calls on to either
landline or GSM networks, with SIM card(s?) installed.
It seems to me you were also thinking about incoming calls being routed
out again, or callback, but maybe you would be able to control this
from your Asterisk/ATA set-up; I don't know
andy wrote:
> paul123 wrote:
> > I've recently been browsing ebay looking for these devices, with a
> > vague idea of finding something that'll do for GSM calls what the
> > SPA3000 does for PSTN calls, ie integrate as a trunk on a PBX
> > (specifically Aterisk - Trixbox) for inward and outbound calls.
> >
> > After some digging around, it seems that, like ATAs, there is quite a
> > lot of difference in what these devices can and can't do.... Prices
> > also seem to vary a lot.
> >
> > Anyone tried any of these things? Impressions?
>
> I'm being rather slow to understand the desired functions you are
> looking into, and the subsequent discussion is certainly over my head,
> but you might also look into something like Nokia Premicell, which is
> used in for example offices to route outgoing calls on to either
> landline or GSM networks, with SIM card(s?) installed.
I don't exactly understand it all either Andy, but from what I gather,
if the device has a socket to attach a normal handset, then that port
could be used to attach the device to an Aterisk server. Having had a
quick look via google, it would seem that yes, the Premicell could
almost certainly do what I'm looking to do.
> It seems to me you were also thinking about incoming calls being routed
> out again, or callback, but maybe you would be able to control this
> from your Asterisk/ATA set-up; I don't know
Routing incoming calls into my asterisk box is the main need here.
Forwarding to other numbers or callbacks etc would be some of the
extras that can be added by Asterisk
> Apologies if this suggestion is hopelessly naive
Jono wrote:
> paul123 presented the following explanation :
<snip>
> I have a contract mobile permanently connected. Family members use the
> Asterisk callback feature from their PAYG mobiles. Then asterisk calls
> them back using the dockNtalk trunk, from my inclusive minutes. Makes
> their credit last quite a while.
Yes, that's a good idea. I could do something similar here in Spain,
and so do away with the 2nd contract on my wife's mobile by converting
it to a cheaper PAYG plan.
> > Another thought. Rather than using another spa3k, I suppose it could
> > just connect to a x100p card on the asterisk box? That would be a bit
> > cheaper at least.
>
> x100p would possibly work better than an SPA3K (clone card quality
> excepted) as you wouldn't have the
> double-send-dtmf-to-spa-then-to-dnt-delay.
Good point
> The only potential issue is that of location, or wiring. If using an
> x100p, the wire's got to run back to your server, whereas with an SPA,
> you can connect it anywhere on your network, over the internet, or even
> wirelessly.
Agreed, the SPA would be more versatile, but thinking out of the box -
why not just connect the landline via the x100p and use the SPA I
already have for the gsm gateway (and just accept the
double-send-dtmf-to-spa-then-to-dnt-delay)?
"andy" <andy.ggrps@googlemail.com> wrote in message
news:1157193289.006262.214410@m73g2000cwd.googlegr oups.com...
> I'm being rather slow to understand the desired functions you are
> looking into, and the subsequent discussion is certainly over my head,
> but you might also look into something like Nokia Premicell, which is
> used in for example offices to route outgoing calls on to either
> landline or GSM networks, with SIM card(s?) installed.
A premicell is identical in almost every respect to the dock-n-talk,
however, aren't they around £300 to buy new?
The main difference between the two - if paul123 was going to interface his
GSM when he is at home and take it with him when he goes out, then the
premicell would have to be opened up all the time to take the SIM card in
and out. However, if he's going to have a separate SIM card, the premicell
would also be just the ticket.
paul123 submitted this idea :
> Jono wrote:
>> paul123 presented the following explanation : <snip>
>> I have a contract mobile permanently connected. Family members use the
>> Asterisk callback feature from their PAYG mobiles. Then asterisk calls
>> them back using the dockNtalk trunk, from my inclusive minutes. Makes
>> their credit last quite a while.
>
> Yes, that's a good idea. I could do something similar here in Spain,
> and so do away with the 2nd contract on my wife's mobile by converting
> it to a cheaper PAYG plan.
>
>>> Another thought. Rather than using another spa3k, I suppose it could
>>> just connect to a x100p card on the asterisk box? That would be a bit
>>> cheaper at least.
>>
>> x100p would possibly work better than an SPA3K (clone card quality
>> excepted) as you wouldn't have the
>> double-send-dtmf-to-spa-then-to-dnt-delay.
>
> Good point
>
>> The only potential issue is that of location, or wiring. If using an
>> x100p, the wire's got to run back to your server, whereas with an SPA,
>> you can connect it anywhere on your network, over the internet, or even
>> wirelessly.
>
> Agreed, the SPA would be more versatile, but thinking out of the box -
> why not just connect the landline via the x100p and use the SPA I
> already have for the gsm gateway (and just accept the
> double-send-dtmf-to-spa-then-to-dnt-delay)?
Hehe. That's thinking "in the box".
Why did you get an SPA3K if you already have an x100p?
Jono wrote:
> paul123 submitted this idea :
> > Jono wrote:
> >> paul123 presented the following explanation : <snip>
> >> I have a contract mobile permanently connected. Family members use the
> >> Asterisk callback feature from their PAYG mobiles. Then asterisk calls
> >> them back using the dockNtalk trunk, from my inclusive minutes. Makes
> >> their credit last quite a while.
> >
> > Yes, that's a good idea. I could do something similar here in Spain,
> > and so do away with the 2nd contract on my wife's mobile by converting
> > it to a cheaper PAYG plan.
> >
> >>> Another thought. Rather than using another spa3k, I suppose it could
> >>> just connect to a x100p card on the asterisk box? That would be a bit
> >>> cheaper at least.
> >>
> >> x100p would possibly work better than an SPA3K (clone card quality
> >> excepted) as you wouldn't have the
> >> double-send-dtmf-to-spa-then-to-dnt-delay.
> >
> > Good point
> >
> >> The only potential issue is that of location, or wiring. If using an
> >> x100p, the wire's got to run back to your server, whereas with an SPA,
> >> you can connect it anywhere on your network, over the internet, or even
> >> wirelessly.
> >
> > Agreed, the SPA would be more versatile, but thinking out of the box -
> > why not just connect the landline via the x100p and use the SPA I
> > already have for the gsm gateway (and just accept the
> > double-send-dtmf-to-spa-then-to-dnt-delay)?
>
> Hehe. That's thinking "in the box".
>
> Why did you get an SPA3K if you already have an x100p?
I had originally bought a cheapy clone (about $12 with delivery) that
I'd had problems with - like it just wouldn't work on my Asterisk box.
I then got the SPA3k.
As I'll be over to the UK next weekend for 10 days, I could get one of
these dock-and-talks delivered to my Dad's. It does sound tempting...
If I do get one, I'd probably get myself a genuine x100p for the
landline and use the SPA for the dnt.
Presumably the basic spa config for the landline would work for the dnt
without any changes (on the SPA)?
>
> Presumably the basic spa config for the landline would work for the dnt
> without any changes (on the SPA)?
I have exactly the same settings in my dnt-SPA as I do in my PSTN-SPA.
The only difference between the two are the extension numbers assigned
by asterisk
Jono wrote:
> paul123 presented the following explanation :
>
> >
> > Presumably the basic spa config for the landline would work for the dnt
> > without any changes (on the SPA)?
>
> I have exactly the same settings in my dnt-SPA as I do in my PSTN-SPA.
> The only difference between the two are the extension numbers assigned
> by asterisk
Crackin'! I'll bell them on Monday - if I can save the postage, I can
pop in on them.
Jono wrote:
> "andy" <andy.ggrps@googlemail.com> wrote in message
> news:1157193289.006262.214410@m73g2000cwd.googlegr oups.com...
>
> > I'm being rather slow to understand the desired functions you are
> > looking into, and the subsequent discussion is certainly over my head,
> > but you might also look into something like Nokia Premicell, which is
> > used in for example offices to route outgoing calls on to either
> > landline or GSM networks, with SIM card(s?) installed.
>
> A premicell is identical in almost every respect to the dock-n-talk,
> however, aren't they around £300 to buy new?
>
> The main difference between the two - if paul123 was going to interface his
> GSM when he is at home and take it with him when he goes out, then the
> premicell would have to be opened up all the time to take the SIM card in
> and out. However, if he's going to have a separate SIM card, the premicell
> would also be just the ticket.
paul123 formulated the question :
> Jono wrote:
>> paul123 presented the following explanation :
>>
>>>
>>> Presumably the basic spa config for the landline would work for the dnt
>>> without any changes (on the SPA)?
>>
>> I have exactly the same settings in my dnt-SPA as I do in my PSTN-SPA.
>> The only difference between the two are the extension numbers assigned
>> by asterisk
>
> Crackin'! I'll bell them on Monday - if I can save the postage, I can
> pop in on them.
Is your email address valid?
I have a mobile number for him/them?....if your thinking of BlueICT.
paul123 wrote:
> Jono wrote:
> > "andy" <andy.ggrps@googlemail.com> wrote in message
> > news:1157193289.006262.214410@m73g2000cwd.googlegr oups.com...
> >
> > > I'm being rather slow to understand the desired functions you are
> > > looking into, and the subsequent discussion is certainly over my head,
> > > but you might also look into something like Nokia Premicell, which is
> > > used in for example offices to route outgoing calls on to either
> > > landline or GSM networks, with SIM card(s?) installed.
> >
> > A premicell is identical in almost every respect to the dock-n-talk,
> > however, aren't they around £300 to buy new?
> >
> > The main difference between the two - if paul123 was going to interfacehis
> > GSM when he is at home and take it with him when he goes out, then the
> > premicell would have to be opened up all the time to take the SIM card in
> > and out. However, if he's going to have a separate SIM card, the premicell
> > would also be just the ticket.
>
> Looked around a bit more and according to this page, the premicell has
> been superceeded:
> http://www.gsmsave.co.uk/Teltonika_T-Voice.htm
>
> and they can be had for around 165 squid + vat:
> http://www.discountphonesystems.co.u...M_Gateway.html
>
> I appreciate the input folks and am erring towards the dock-n-talk, but
> am open to alternatives.....
I hadn't known enough about them to know the cost, but wondered if they
came discounted with some contracts
Now I see why a search on a couple of sites had no results.
If you're intending mobile use in Spain and UK, will you end up
swapping SIMs anyway, or go for a global roaming one? (which use
callback anyway, but it's worth looking at separate tariffs for
outgoing calls) Off-topic a bit I suppose ...
andy wrote:
<snip>
> If you're intending mobile use in Spain and UK, will you end up
> swapping SIMs anyway, or go for a global roaming one? (which use
> callback anyway, but it's worth looking at separate tariffs for
> outgoing calls) Off-topic a bit I suppose ...
No, I'm only looking to use this type of device here in Spain. Whilst
in the UK I'll be using a Tesco value SIM. Roaming is out of the
question :)
paul123 wrote:
> DGB wrote:
>
> > >
> > > I appreciate the input folks and am erring towards the dock-n-talk,
> > > but am open to alternatives.....
> >
> > Have you seen the CellSocket - a US device similar to premicell retailing
> > from $80 up, which is a holster for a Motorolla phone (Google brought up
> > http://www.criterioncellular.com/cellsocket/index.html or
> > http://www.coolproductz.com/cellsocket.htm or
> > http://www.ctdi.com/cellsockets.htm or FAQs on
> > http://www.stsent.com/_banners/cellsocket_faqs.htm). I imported an earlier
> > model some time ago (for a Nokia 6310) which works well. When I arrive home
> > I just put the phone on the base unit to charge, and calls come in through
> > the PABX.
> >
> > There's also a selection of other similar devices on
> > http://www.voip-info.org/wiki/view/VOIP+GSM+Gateways
>
> Cheers Don, I hadn't seen the Cellsocket , but will now have a look at
> that bunch of links.
Seems that my Motorola v180 isn't compatible with either the CellSocket
nor the Dock-n-Talk.....
> As I'll be over to the UK next weekend for 10 days,
I bet the ten day weekend is something you really miss living in Spain.
--
<http://ale.cx/> (AIM:troffasky) (UnSoEsNpEaTm@ale.cx)
22:00:04 up 7 days, 6:04, 3 users, load average: 1.84, 0.97, 0.74
This is my BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOMSTICK
alexd wrote:
> paul123 wrote:
>
> > As I'll be over to the UK next weekend for 10 days,
>
> I bet the ten day weekend is something you really miss living in Spain.
lol alexd - I prefer the 15 dayers meself, but what the heck, I'll
settle for 10.
I've come across this item that seems quite a bit cheaper (about 50
quid on ebay), though it seems the power supply and antenna are extras.
it's one of thos "slip your SIM in" jobbies. http://www.siemens.com/Daten/siecom/...ngl_191201.pdf
> I've recently been browsing ebay looking for these devices, with a
> vague idea of finding something that'll do for GSM calls what the
> SPA3000 does for PSTN calls, ie integrate as a trunk on a PBX
> (specifically Aterisk - Trixbox) for inward and outbound calls.
>
> After some digging around, it seems that, like ATAs, there is quite a
> lot of difference in what these devices can and can't do.... Prices
> also seem to vary a lot.
>
> Anyone tried any of these things? Impressions?
It might be worth bearing in mind that some mobile network operators [eg
Orange] will give you an indirect access code so you can place calls over
your BT line as if your were calling from your SIM - so you can take
advantage of free calls to your closed user group for example. This would
probably be of most use if the amount of money you'd save on calls is less
than the cost of a Premicell-type device.
--
<http://ale.cx/> (AIM:troffasky) (UnSoEsNpEaTm@ale.cx)
17:51:55 up 9 days, 1:56, 1 user, load average: 0.20, 0.36, 0.51
This is my BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOMSTICK
alexd wrote:
> paul123 wrote:
>
> > I've recently been browsing ebay looking for these devices, with a
> > vague idea of finding something that'll do for GSM calls what the
> > SPA3000 does for PSTN calls, ie integrate as a trunk on a PBX
> > (specifically Aterisk - Trixbox) for inward and outbound calls.
> >
> > After some digging around, it seems that, like ATAs, there is quite a
> > lot of difference in what these devices can and can't do.... Prices
> > also seem to vary a lot.
> >
> > Anyone tried any of these things? Impressions?
>
> It might be worth bearing in mind that some mobile network operators [eg
> Orange] will give you an indirect access code so you can place calls over
> your BT line as if your were calling from your SIM - so you can take
> advantage of free calls to your closed user group for example. This would
> probably be of most use if the amount of money you'd save on calls is less
> than the cost of a Premicell-type device.
Cheers Alex, other questions spring to mind based on what you say.
Assuming this is possible through vodafone-es, in that scenario, could
you accept calls to your mobile number in through the landline as well
as send calls out? If so, would you know that it's your mobile number
being called? and be able to route it accordingly in Asterisk?
"paul123" <paul@redy.net> wrote in message
> Cheers Alex, other questions spring to mind based on what you say.
> Assuming this is possible through vodafone-es, in that scenario, could
> you accept calls to your mobile number in through the landline as well
> as send calls out? If so, would you know that it's your mobile number
> being called? and be able to route it accordingly in Asterisk?
You'd have to use call diversion for that. I know that Orange UK offer a
service called Everyphone that allows the free diversion of mobile calls to
a landline number. I have NO idea what's available in your place of
residence.
"alexd" <look@my.sig> wrote in message news:4960773.tLdY1nuJ3U@ale.cx...
> It might be worth bearing in mind that some mobile network operators [eg
> Orange] will give you an indirect access code so you can place calls over
> your BT line as if your were calling from your SIM - so you can take
> advantage of free calls to your closed user group for example. This would
> probably be of most use if the amount of money you'd save on calls is less
> than the cost of a Premicell-type device.
Jono wrote:
> "alexd" <look@my.sig> wrote in message news:4960773.tLdY1nuJ3U@ale.cx...
>
>> It might be worth bearing in mind that some mobile network operators [eg
>> Orange] will give you an indirect access code so you can place calls over
>> your BT line as if your were calling from your SIM - so you can take
>> advantage of free calls to your closed user group for example. This would
>> probably be of most use if the amount of money you'd save on calls is less
>> than the cost of a Premicell-type device.
>
> Can you expand on that?
>
> Any links available?
"Jono" <jono@NoThanksNeverBlueYonder.com> wrote in message
news:q%ZKg.13432$r61.13096@text.news.blueyonder.co .uk
> "paul123" <paul@redy.net> wrote in message
> > Cheers Alex, other questions spring to mind based on
> > what you say. Assuming this is possible through
> > vodafone-es, in that scenario, could you accept calls
> > to your mobile number in through the landline as well
> > as send calls out? If so, would you know that it's your
> > mobile number being called? and be able to route it
> > accordingly in Asterisk?
>
> You'd have to use call diversion for that. I know that
> Orange UK offer a service called Everyphone that allows
> the free diversion of mobile calls to a landline number.
> I have NO idea what's available in your place of
> residence.
Not any more they don't. It was chopped as part of France Telecom's
"simplification" of the Orange network last year. I believe it's still
available for high volume (50+ handsets) business contracts though, but
not sure, you'd have to ask on uk.telecom.mobile.
GSM gateways with SIP 
Linear Mode
