AboutEric Miller Expertise I have over 10 years worth of experience in the telecommunications industry. I can give helpful information on virtually all aspects of telecommunications from residential installations to full size commercial installations. I have extensive experience in working with telecom media from CAT3 cable to fiberoptic cable. Be forewarned, hardware and software is not my thing, but I will give it my best to answer your questions.
Experience I have over 10 years worth of telephony experience, most of it in installation. I have extensive experience working with dial tone. I also have extensive knowledge in the installation/termination of all low-voltage cables, from CAT3 voice grade cable, to outside plant cable, to fiberoptic cable. I have used all types of test equipment ranging from CAT5 cable testers to OTDR's. I have experience in working with digital keys systems and PBX's.
Education/Credentials I have been BICSI certified. I have held certifications in digital key systems, voicemail, and other external equipment. I have held numerous certifications covering the installation of low voltage cable, including fiberoptic cable.
Expert: Eric Miller Date: 7/21/2007 Subject: Standalone answer machine
Question I realised that in the past you've dealt with an issue similar to one I am about discuss with you and thought maybe you could assist here.
I recently signed up for cablevision's Optimum online, voice and cable. And since the setup my standalone PhoneMate 9300 digital answering machine would not pick up incoming calls. In other words, the machine never get activated.
What seem to be the problem?
I woulld appreciate your expert advice.
Thanks.
Isaac
Answer Hi Issac. For an answering machine to work, it needs to see "ringing voltage" from the service provider (i.e. BellSouth, Time Warner, etc.). When someone calls you on a traditional telephone, it's the "ringing voltage" that makes the ringer inside the telephone activate. Most ringers are activated by the 48 volts DC sent downstream by the service provider. All answering machines, analog and digital, need to see ringing voltage. Online service does not carry ringing voltage. Since the service comes from a cable operator, they can't produce ringing voltage. To my knowledge, a true broadband-capable answering machine hasn't hit the market yet. Your best option is to sign up for Cablevision's voicemail service that should come with your broadband service. I'm not familiar with Cablevision and what they offer, but the voicemail service should be of no charge to you. I hope I have answered your question. If I can help in any other way, please let me know. Thanks for your question!
