How could I hack a phone receiver to act as a PC audio device?

March 18, 2009 1:10 PM

Can I use the RJ11 (modem) port on a PC to plug in a phone handset and use it as an audio device? Trying to help a Skype user who has trouble with headsets but knows how to pick up a phone.

So I've got a relative who's had to cut out phone service and move to Skype for budget reasons. They love Skype, but find that when it rings, they just can't make it to the computer and get the headset on and activated in time to catch the call. They also don't like the speakers/mic option, since this makes every call a speakerphone call.

And we both know that there are purpose-built Skype phone devices out there, but they can't afford to buy any of them (and won't take one as a gift - stubborn SOB).
But they know how to pick up a phone and already own several.

So I'm thinking that perhaps there is some way to plug a plain ol' phone into their RJ11 modem port and somehow get the system to use the receiver as the speaker and mic. Skype rings, you pick up the phone, the sound comes out of the phone.

I know that they'll still have to use the computer to dial; I'm just trying to find a way to repurpose an old phone receiver as a PC headset alternative.

As another option, they also own a cellphone headset that they like, but it's got an 1/8" plug connector like most of them do; is there a dongle out there that would adapt that for USB? That would solve the problem too, and they'd probably believe me if I told them it only cost a few bucks - even if it didn't.

posted by bartleby to computers & internet (7 comments total)

Whoops - make that last part "...it's got a 2.5mm plug connector..." wrong spec. The one that looks like a standard heaphone jack but skinnier, used on most wired cellphone headsets.
posted by bartleby at 1:20 PM on March 18

Apparently this D-link adapter is only $20 at Amazon. You could say you got it at a surplus store though. Huh - $10 after a rebate at Amazon.
posted by GuyZero at 1:24 PM on March 18

If they have a voice modem apparently it will work. That FAQ suggests the Teleon driver, which is here but then they don't describe what you're describing - they describe using the PC as a Skype-PSTN bridge which is kind of out-of-date now that you can SkypeOut. Maybe it's to get free SkypeOut functionality. Anyway, they do have an eval version so maybe it's worth a try. $15 to purchase it seems.
posted by GuyZero at 1:31 PM on March 18

Im sure its technically possible, but Ive never heard of such a thing and Im sure writing the software would be non-trivial, thus probably non-free. Those skype adapters cost next to nothing. I think mine was 15 dollars with free shipping. Theyre cheap because theyre kinda buggy, but they work well enough.

hey also own a cellphone headset that they like, but it's got an 1/8" plug connector like most of them do; is there a dongle out there that would adapt that for USB?

Nope. USB and analog headsets are two very different beasts.

They also don't like the speakers/mic option, since this makes every call a speakerphone call.

You can replace their speaker setup with headphones. They can plug in the speakers when they need them or spend 5 dollars on a splitter.
posted by damn dirty ape at 1:34 PM on March 18

It is not technically possible to use the computer's RJ11 modem port to power a phone handset. The Faq that GuyZero linked to refers to connecting the RJ11 modem port to the telephone network, not to a handset.

One other point that they should be aware -- skype is not a full replacement for a real phone line -- there is no 911 service and other 'special' numbers may not be call-able.
posted by nielm at 1:59 PM on March 18

Yeah, AFAIK this isn't possible. You need more complex (and much more expensive) hardware on the PC than a modem, like one of those cards they make to run PC-based PBXs. Your best bet is the $10 USB adapter linked above, and it's probably cheap enough that they won't balk at the idea of it being bought for them.
posted by wsp at 3:22 PM on March 18

The D-link adapter looks cool, but has no Mac support. Anyone know of a similar device that's Mac friendly?
posted by now i'm piste at 6:21 AM on March 19