Episode 240 - Xlink Cell Gateway, Callpod Chargepod
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XLink ITC-BTTN Links Bluetooth-enabled cell phone(s) to a home phone line
Chargepod starter pack for all Motorola / Blackberry / Apple devices
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I have several ordinary phones on the disconnected "landline wiring" in my RV and in my house. Xlink brings them all to life via iPhone. 'sWonderful.
Visitors can't believe they're hearing dial tone with no landline connections.
And yes, fax does work.
Thanks for your great show.
In order to get a good connection so the XLink will work reliably you may need to install an outside antenna for the cell phone. I'm only a mile or less from all the cell towers but I still can't get a strong enough signal inside the house for the phone to work so I put a little cellular whip antenna on the roof. You can find them at most stores for only about $10-$15. The ones that look like a little whip antenna with a magnetic base are the most common but almost any kind will work. Then you need a pigtail cable with a connector on one end to match the cell phone and one on the other end to connect with the antenna. Those are available on ebay.
The antenna needs to be close to where you will be putting the phone though because you can't make the cable very long. The limit is around 30'-50' otherwise there will be so much loss in the cable that you won't get any signal at the phone.
But you still have to give away your cell #.
I have Vonage on a similar 3 phone set up. The XLink may be expensive depending on who you call and your cell phone package.
Scott