[Mac-telephony-list] newbie

[Martin Joseph via List]

On Feb 17, 2007, at 9:29 AM, Francis Augusto Medeiros via List wrote:

> On 12/25/06, Martin Joseph via List <mac-telephony- 
> list at mactelephony.net> wrote:
>> On Dec 24, 2006, at 12:39 PM, Francis Augusto Medeiros via List  
>> wrote:
>>
>>> Hello everyone!
>>>
>>> See, I've been trying to follow this pbx-on-computer trend for quite
>>> sometime, but never really needed to implement one.
>>>
>>> However, things are changing now, for one single reason: I got this
>>> phone (Nokia E61), and it supports SIP and VoIP. I'm loving it - it
>>> was easy to configure it to use it with FWD and Gizmo Project.
>> <SNIP>
>>
>> I am using the e60 myself, and it's clearly not ready for prime
>> time.  Although it works and sometimes is great, it's NOT reliable,
>> and sometimes locks up, or crashes. This seems to be completely
>> related to the SIP functions.
>>
>> I am running the latest firmware, but it still not quite there.
>>
>> Yes,  it's cool.  I have basically implemented what you suggested.  I
>> have an FXO at my home which allows me to complete local calls at no
>> cost (no additional cost).  I started using the Grandstream HT-488 as
>> an FXO which is garbage and unreliable.  I then sprang for the
>> wellgate 3701a which is more expensive ($200) and worked for 8
>> months.  I always had some issues with that gateway, but it did work
>> better then the grandstream.  Last week I bought a new gateway, the
>> Audiocodes MP 114 FXS_FXO (2 each).  This device is about $400, but I
>> am SO sick of trying to get the gateway to work right, that I decided
>> it's worth it if it works.
>
> Dear Martin et al,
>
> I am very happy with the E61. I'm using it with Pbxes, and, so far,  
> so good.
> I really want to evolve to my own server and using an FXO to get my
> landline connected. I can't just go for a voip phone number because I
> use DSL and can't buy it separetely from the landline.
>
Yes,  I am doing all that.  I do want to mention that I have gotten  
radically better reliability from the Nokia E60 by limiting the  
number of SIP profiles on the phone to 4.  Since doing this, the  
mysterious lock up and crashes have ceased.  So you are warned.   
Aside from that, E60 sound quality is quite good, and the only other  
warning is that you NEED to have EXCELLENT wifi signal/coverage.  The  
radio in the E60 doesn't work nearly as well as an ibook (for  
example) and the need for smooth connection is greater.

In my home which is about 2500 sq ft (I am in the US ;~) I have three  
Wifi bases in order to have good enough coverage to walk about while  
on the phone.
> Now, what do you guys think about the Sipura 3000? I really would like
> a cheap solution, as I'm already spending sometime to get a new
> motherboard for my Cube so I can use it as my 24/7 server.

I am using an old imac G3/400 with a blurry screen as my primary  
asterisk server (1.2.14) and have an ibook G3/500 (Asterisk 1.4branch) 
with no screen at a different location as a backup.  Both  of these  
are more then adequate for passing two or three calls at a time which  
is currently the most I have done.

I have gone through three FXO devices, and ended up with the  
expensive Audiocodes MP114 2FXS/2FXO (about US $400).  This seems  
very pricey when compared to the other FXOs I used (Handytone HT-488,  
Wellgate 3701a) but in my opinion is WELL worth it due to total  
reliability and much improved call quality when calls pass through  
the PSTN.

The amount of time I spent trying to get the other FXO's to work  
right would have payed for several of these.

I think the Sipura 3000 also works well for some people,  but I have  
a extremely long loop (over 23000 feet) and the SPA3000 is known to  
have echo issues in such cases.  Also,  I have had bad luck with  
Linksys lately and hate there "support" policy.

Anyhow,  just to let you know it's certainly possible, and it's fun too.

I have a local place (Lake forest park WA) that is kind of food court/ 
bookstore that is above a library and has excellent wifi.  It's very  
cool to go there with my daughter for lunch,  and have my home phone  
# ring at my cell.  Being able to travel and call through your home  
extension for "free" is nice too.

Marty