[Iaind]

My current set of wireless DECT phones are starting to suffer from the dreaded power memory issue (i.e. the batteries are starting to lose their charge very quickly as they don't charge to 100%) and I was thinking of putting in a PBX system.

I have looked at the 3CX software and this seems to be quite good, even for the free edition - there are only two of us in the house so not really bothered about multiple lines/calls at the moment, although it might be useful for visitors etc - but lets crawl before we walk before we run. My landline is BT with Interweb from Orange and calls are routed through TalkTalk - all in all I am happy with my current arrangement - being a fuddy duddy I tend not to swap suppliers as often as the leaves fall off the trees.

Where I am getting confused is the link to the outside world. I am not convinced that I need to go down the line of Sipgate etc. I think I want hardware that will connect by Cat5 to the 3CX server and then by RJ45 to the POTs - the house phones would then connect via CAT5 to the 3CX server.

Could those in the know tell me if (a) this is correct/possible and if so (b) what kit I am likely to need? I have had a read through some of the posts on this forum as well as the VOIP-Info.org site along with the 3CX setup destructions, but have found the range of options and equipment there quite confusing.

This is a long term project, as well as having to convince herself of it - she has said 'I'm dialing 9 to get an outside line over my dead body', so there may be a bit of resistance here methinks!

Cheers,
Iain

[iPlod]

Well, maybe not what you want to hear, but....

When my DECT phones started losing charge rapidly, I just got a replacement set of rechargeable batteries, popped them in and everything's been as good as new since.

Will leave you lots of money left over for other kit/holidays etc!

[gblades]

I have an Asterisk system at home which is very similar to 3CX in that its a software system but it runs on Linux instead of Windows. I have it linked to my landline, voip account, and the office.

However for you I think you might want to have a look at the Siemens Gigaset C475IP (make sure its the IP varient) as I think it will do all that you want.
Its a DECT VOIP phone and the base unit just plugs into the phone line and network socket and then each handset just has its own charger base. It supports up to 8 VOIP accounts and for each one and the landline you can define which phones ring and whether voicemail is supported. You can define a default route for all calls and can also specify a particular line when making a call or configure a dialing plan in the software.

I have one myself and the call quality is excelent. I use it together with a voip account from voiptalk.org.

[Iaind]

Originally Posted by iPlod

When my DECT phones started losing charge rapidly, I just got a replacement set of rechargeable batteries, popped them in and everything's been as good as new since.

Well, yes, that is an option, but it's not really as much fun though