Recently, I was gifted a T65 rotary telephone, a standard communication tool in The Netherlands during the seventies and eighties. This phone operates on pulse dialing, contrasting with the modern DTMF systems, rendering it incompatible with contemporary equipment like the VoIP server in my FritzBox router. However, through a hardware converter, transforming pulse tone dialing to DTMF, one can revive the rotary phone for modern use. This article delves into such converters, namely the DialGizmo and the GrandStream HT502, alongside a homebrew option.
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This is what the T65 phone looks like:
Image via Wikimedia Commons
My VoIP Setup Journey
I utilized the GrandStream HT502 with a DialGizmo to make the T65 functional. Initially, I paired a FritzBox with DialGizmo, but the HT502 came into play when the rotary phone moved to an area with only wired network availability. The HT502 supports pulse tone dialing and offers remote syslog, allowing my ElasticSearch/Logstash/Kibana (ELK) stack to notify me of missed calls.
GrandStream HT502:
The HT502’s SIP stack sends messages to syslog, including all levels of logs, which is vital for monitoring incoming and outgoing calls.
Exploring the Fritz!Box Router
My home setup involves a Fritz!Box from AVM; I transitioned from an old model (7360) to a newer Fritz!Box 4040. Both models, with a DialGizmo in between, enabled my T65 phone to function seamlessly. The Fritz!Box's easy-to-navigate web interface facilitated VoIP configuration effectively.
A Quick Rant About Android:
IPSEC VPN setups became restrictive in Android 12, impacting connectivity. However, the Fritz!Box 4040 supports WireGuard VPN, bringing resilience to legacy systems.
The DialGizmo Converter Insight
The DialGizmo is an impressive gadget converting pulse tone to DTMF, eliminating the need for external power. It offers features like redialing the last number and supports symbols (*) and (#). It retailed at USD 39.95, including shipping, and the setup was simple and quick.
Customer Support:
I reached out to their support team and received prompt, helpful responses within a day.
GrandStream HT502 Deep Dive
Acquired from a Belgian seller for EUR 30, the HT502, although not explicitly advertising pulse tone support, worked perfectly. Its web interface may seem ancient and intricate, packed with over 9000 configurable options, yet it provides comprehensive control over telephony settings.
Firmware Observations:
Factory firmware versions out of the box are upgradable, as GrandStream maintains an active update server even for outdated devices like the HT502.
Homebrew PicBasic Pulse to Tone Converter
I considered a more DIY approach with the PicBasic 141101 converter – a small PCB to be installed inside the T65 handset. Priced between EUR 20 to 30, it offers the same functionality as the DialGizmo. However, the need to tinker with the phone’s internals deterred me from using it.
Archived Resources:
I archived essential pages using SingleFile Firefox extension due to the PicBasic website’s annoying redirects.
Remember these 3 key ideas for your startup:
Adapt Retro Tech for Modern Use: Utilizing hardware converters like DialGizmo or HT502 allows vintage technologies to integrate into modern systems effectively.
Leverage Simplified Tools: Devices such as the Fritz!Box offer user-friendly interfaces for VoIP configuration, making them suitable even for those with minimal tech expertise.
Plan for Comprehensive Monitoring: Implementing solutions that support remote syslog like HT502 enhances operational monitoring and real-time alerts, ensuring seamless communication and quick issue resolution.
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By blending the nostalgic appeal of the T65 rotary phone with modern VoIP technology, startups and SMEs can create unique, efficient communication solutions, merging the charm of the past with the efficiency of the present.
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