AboutSpencer Holcombe Expertise Hi, thanks for checking me out, I have several years in the telecom industry, working for Pacific Telephone,American Bell,AT&T,AT&T Communications,AT&T Information Systems, and Pacific Bell-SBC. I can answer most questions regarding Telephones,wiring,jacks,PBX, Local and Long Distance,Billing,Custom calling services, Customer Service,and Fraud. I can`t answer Cellular questions.
Expert: Spencer Holcombe Date: 9/29/2000 Subject: person called gets an echo when they talk
Question Echo happens when I call from PC to telephone. I have Windows 95, PR266MHz MMX processor, 32MB RAM,32X max D ROM, 4.3GB hard drive, 56Kbps modem (sound blaster compatible) This happens when I use dialpad, net 2 phone, etc. Can you explain to me, in laymans terms, that a 74 year old can understand how I can eliminate the echo on the other end when I call someone. I also have a pair of headphones with attached mike. Thank you.
Answer Hi Mr. Duncan, I'll answer your question in two parts, one of which you will not be very happy with. Using todays pc to phone services, SOME echo is UNAVOIDABLE. The good part is as follows: Try to keep the mike pointed away from your headphones as much as possible, (you can improve this by just taping a small piece of paper to the backside of the mike so it forms a shield) also try turning down your speaker volume if you have the type that are still "live" when the headset is on/plugged in. These two "tricks" have helped quite a few of my friends with the same problem. Depending on the type of headset you use, you can also buy for very little cost, a plastic "cup" that slides over the mike and reduces the echo as well. Until pc-phone services get really in wide use, expect the echo to continue. What's happening is the person you are speaking withs voice is comming thru your headphones and being retransmitted thru your mike, but don't give up hope-Plantronics and other communication equipment providers are aware of the problem and new solutions should be out before you know it! Thanks for asking, Spentelco P.S. for 74 years you sure sound like you have alot on the ball! My grandmother just turned 104 and STILL refuses to let me get her a touchtone telephone, even though she worked for the phone co! (when she wants me at work, (I work for AT&T) she calls the long distance oper and after what must be 30 mins gets connected to my office in security, just 2 miles from her home)
