[OT] Seeking headset to plug into phone base unit (via 4P4C)

[John]

I want to use a regular headset (earphones & mic) with my landline
phone. The headset would plug into the socket on the phone instead
of the curly lead.

I'm in the UK and the cost of ready-made telephone headsets are
about Ł30 or Ł40 which is a bit steep for me.

So I guess it should be possible to modify an ordinary headset to
terminate with a 4P4C plug which would then go into the curly lead
socket on the phone. I'm hoping it's almost as simple as:

(a) replace the mic in the original handpiece by the mic in the new
headset

(b) replace the earphone in the original handpiece by the earphone
in the new headset.

What special considerations are there about headphone/mic impedance
or about any additional components which may be needed?

Is there any constructor info or a simple circuit diagram for this?

 

[Owain]

John wrote:

I want to use a regular headset (earphones & mic) with my landline
phone. The headset would plug into the socket on the phone instead
of the curly lead.
I'm in the UK and the cost of ready-made telephone headsets are
about Ł30 or Ł40 which is a bit steep for me.
So I guess it should be possible to modify an ordinary headset to
terminate with a 4P4C plug which would then go into the curly lead
socket on the phone. I'm hoping it's almost as simple as:
(a) replace the mic in the original handpiece by the mic in the new
headset

unfortunately there is no standard for telephone microphones and the mic
could be dynamic, electret, or even carbon (or electret pretending to be
carbon)

(b) replace the earphone in the original handpiece by the earphone
in the new headset.

likewise, but you also have the consideration of accoustic shock from
clicks and tones from the telephone system.

What special considerations are there about headphone/mic impedance
or about any additional components which may be needed?
Is there any constructor info or a simple circuit diagram for this?

You can get adapters and headsets quite cheaply on ebay or even a
complete telephone base unit and headset eg item no 150340312038 (no
connection with the seller)

Owain

 

[Stephen Howard]

On Wed, 22 Apr 2009 15:26:38 +0100, John <noone@nowhere.com> wrote:

I want to use a regular headset (earphones & mic) with my landline
phone. The headset would plug into the socket on the phone instead
of the curly lead.

I'm in the UK and the cost of ready-made telephone headsets are
about Ł30 or Ł40 which is a bit steep for me.

So I guess it should be possible to modify an ordinary headset to
terminate with a 4P4C plug which would then go into the curly lead
socket on the phone. I'm hoping it's almost as simple as:

(a) replace the mic in the original handpiece by the mic in the new
headset

(b) replace the earphone in the original handpiece by the earphone
in the new headset.

What special considerations are there about headphone/mic impedance
or about any additional components which may be needed?

Is there any constructor info or a simple circuit diagram for this?

There was a similar thread on UK DIY about this a short while back -
but to precis my earlier comments you'd be better off with a
Bluetooth-enabled landline phone and a matching headset.
I've got a BT Glide and a Sony Akono headset. The phone's a bit cheap
and plasticky ( Siemens do a nicer one ) but the setup works a treat -
and the range is impressive.
It's been weeks since I picked up the old handset.

Regards,


--
Steve ( out in the sticks )
Email: Take time to reply: timefrom_usenet{at}gmx.net

 

[jkn]

I've never tried it (though I keep meaning to...) but the wikipedia
entry for '4p4c'

<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/4P4C>

has a diagram which shows the 'usual' connections.

As Owain says, there is no guarantee about this. I have a Retell
Recorders box for recording via the headset lead; it has a six-way
switch to allow you to select the right wiring combination! From
talking to Retell some years ago I learned than 95% of telephones
correspond to their 'setting 1' or 'setting 2'. I haven't got my notes
on this to hand but suspect the wikipedia diagram is 'setting 1' and
might be worth a try.

HTH
J^n

 

[Matt H R]

On 22 Apr 18:29, Stephen Howard wrote:

On Wed, 22 Apr 2009 15:26:38 +0100, John <noone@nowhere.com
wrote:

I want to use a regular headset (earphones & mic) with my
landline phone. The headset would plug into the socket on the
phone instead of the curly lead.

I'm in the UK and the cost of ready-made telephone headsets
are about Ł30 or Ł40 which is a bit steep for me.

So I guess it should be possible to modify an ordinary headset
to terminate with a 4P4C plug which would then go into the
curly lead socket on the phone. I'm hoping it's almost as
simple as:

(a) replace the mic in the original handpiece by the mic in
the new headset

(b) replace the earphone in the original handpiece by the
earphone in the new headset.

What special considerations are there about headphone/mic
impedance or about any additional components which may be
needed?

Is there any constructor info or a simple circuit diagram for
this?

There was a similar thread on UK DIY about this a short while
back - but to precis my earlier comments you'd be better off
with a Bluetooth-enabled landline phone and a matching
headset. I've got a BT Glide and a Sony Akono headset. The
phone's a bit cheap and plasticky ( Siemens do a nicer one )
but the setup works a treat - and the range is impressive.
It's been weeks since I picked up the old handset.

The bluetooth solution sounds great but it would blow my budget
to pieces.

I wanted to save on the Ł30 or Ł40 for a plug-in headset but the
BT Glide is over Ł150 and you would still need to get a
bluetooth headset ontop of that!

 

[geoff]

In message <apkuu41i96vqgjpujkdpcmic9pn5nb1d2f@4ax.com>, Stephen Howard
<seesigfor@email.uk> writes

On Wed, 22 Apr 2009 15:26:38 +0100, John <noone@nowhere.com> wrote:

I want to use a regular headset (earphones & mic) with my landline
phone. The headset would plug into the socket on the phone instead
of the curly lead.

I'm in the UK and the cost of ready-made telephone headsets are
about Ł30 or Ł40 which is a bit steep for me.

So I guess it should be possible to modify an ordinary headset to
terminate with a 4P4C plug which would then go into the curly lead
socket on the phone. I'm hoping it's almost as simple as:

(a) replace the mic in the original handpiece by the mic in the new
headset

(b) replace the earphone in the original handpiece by the earphone
in the new headset.

What special considerations are there about headphone/mic impedance
or about any additional components which may be needed?

Is there any constructor info or a simple circuit diagram for this?

There was a similar thread on UK DIY about this a short while back -
but to precis my earlier comments you'd be better off with a
Bluetooth-enabled landline phone and a matching headset.
I've got a BT Glide and a Sony Akono headset. The phone's a bit cheap
and plasticky ( Siemens do a nicer one ) but the setup works a treat -
and the range is impressive.
It's been weeks since I picked up the old handset.


I think that was me - the requirement was for wireless - and needs a

DECT phone

When the OP thinks Ł30-40 is a bit steep, I don't think its a solution



--
geoff

 

[Stephen Howard]

On Wed, 22 Apr 2009 23:32:51 +0100, Matt H R <matthr@robinson.fr>
wrote:

On 22 Apr 18:29, Stephen Howard wrote:

snip

There was a similar thread on UK DIY about this a short while
back - but to precis my earlier comments you'd be better off
with a Bluetooth-enabled landline phone and a matching
headset. I've got a BT Glide and a Sony Akono headset. The
phone's a bit cheap and plasticky ( Siemens do a nicer one )
but the setup works a treat - and the range is impressive.
It's been weeks since I picked up the old handset.


The bluetooth solution sounds great but it would blow my budget
to pieces.

I wanted to save on the Ł30 or Ł40 for a plug-in headset but the
BT Glide is over Ł150 and you would still need to get a
bluetooth headset ontop of that!

I got my Glide for Ł1.50 on ebay!
OK, so it was listed as knackered ( no earpiece sound ) - but I
figured it probably still worked via a headset, which it did.
I took it apart and stuffed in the earpiece speaker out of an old
Ericsson...works fine now.
No way I'd pay Ł150 for the Glide.

If you can find a shabby one cheap and just use it as a 'headset
engine' you might come in on budget.
I don't know why the landline Bluetooth phones are so expensive - you
can get a Bluetooth enabled mobile for a very great deal less.

Regards,



--
Stephen Howard
Woodwind repairs & period restorations
http://www.shwoodwind.co.uk

 

[Nelson]

On Wed, 22 Apr 2009 10:26:38 -0400, John wrote
(in article <Xns9BF59D1A81F20628D1@unknown.hwng.net&gt:

I want to use a regular headset (earphones & mic) with my landline
phone. The headset would plug into the socket on the phone instead
of the curly lead.

I'm in the UK and the cost of ready-made telephone headsets are
about Ł30 or Ł40 which is a bit steep for me.

So I guess it should be possible to modify an ordinary headset to
terminate with a 4P4C plug which would then go into the curly lead
socket on the phone. I'm hoping it's almost as simple as:

(a) replace the mic in the original handpiece by the mic in the new
headset

(b) replace the earphone in the original handpiece by the earphone
in the new headset.

What special considerations are there about headphone/mic impedance
or about any additional components which may be needed?

Is there any constructor info or a simple circuit diagram for this?

I'm not in the UK so I don't know what the curly lead socket is but one
of the considerations of simply replacing the handset with a headset is
on-hook/off-hook signaling. This is usually accomplished by lifting
the handset and can be tricky depending on the design of the base of
the telephone.

--
Nelson

 

[Neil]

On Wed, 22 Apr 2009 15:26:38 +0100, John <noone@nowhere.com> wrote:

I want to use a regular headset (earphones & mic) with my landline
phone. The headset would plug into the socket on the phone instead
of the curly lead.

I'm in the UK and the cost of ready-made telephone headsets are
about Ł30 or Ł40 which is a bit steep for me.

So I guess it should be possible to modify an ordinary headset to
terminate with a 4P4C plug which would then go into the curly lead
socket on the phone. I'm hoping it's almost as simple as:

(a) replace the mic in the original handpiece by the mic in the new
headset

(b) replace the earphone in the original handpiece by the earphone
in the new headset.

What special considerations are there about headphone/mic impedance
or about any additional components which may be needed?

Is there any constructor info or a simple circuit diagram for this?

Did you find a solution to your request?

Take a look at
www.jabra.com/sites/jabra/uk-uk/headsets/pages/jabragn9120.aspx

Yes it's expensive! But I've got one here unused - the box is a bit
tatty but all the bits and manuals are present. You can have it for
Ł45 including carriage.

Neil

Reply here in first instance.

(Reply via group please)

 

[J G Miller]

On Wed, 20 May 2009 00:26:38 +0100, Neil wrote:

On Wed, 22 Apr 2009 15:26:38 +0100, John <noone@nowhere.com> wrote:
I'm in the UK and the cost of ready-made telephone headsets are about
ÂŁ30 or ÂŁ40 which is a bit steep for me.

You can have it for ÂŁ45 including carriage.

Generosity abounds on UseNet News, eh?

 

[geoff]

In message <6qf6155nf3hevhpuj5jppbof7ca7gksbp4@4ax.com>, Neil
<donotuse@thisaddy.com> writes

On Wed, 22 Apr 2009 15:26:38 +0100, John <noone@nowhere.com> wrote:

I want to use a regular headset (earphones & mic) with my landline
phone. The headset would plug into the socket on the phone instead
of the curly lead.

I'm in the UK and the cost of ready-made telephone headsets are
about Ł30 or Ł40 which is a bit steep for me.

So I guess it should be possible to modify an ordinary headset to
terminate with a 4P4C plug which would then go into the curly lead
socket on the phone. I'm hoping it's almost as simple as:

(a) replace the mic in the original handpiece by the mic in the new
headset

(b) replace the earphone in the original handpiece by the earphone
in the new headset.

What special considerations are there about headphone/mic impedance
or about any additional components which may be needed?

Is there any constructor info or a simple circuit diagram for this?

Did you find a solution to your request?

Take a look at
www.jabra.com/sites/jabra/uk-uk/headsets/pages/jabragn9120.aspx

Yes it's expensive! But I've got one here unused - the box is a bit
tatty but all the bits and manuals are present. You can have it for
Ł45 including carriage.

I bought a Photonics one new for Ł65 a couple of months ago

--
geoff

 

[Allodoxaphobia]

On Wed, 20 May 2009 20:28:56 +0100, geoff wrote:

Neil <donotuse@thisaddy.com> writes
On Wed, 22 Apr 2009 15:26:38 +0100, John <noone@nowhere.com> wrote:

I want to use a regular headset (earphones & mic) with my landline
phone. The headset would plug into the socket on the phone instead
of the curly lead.

I'm in the UK and the cost of ready-made telephone headsets are
about ?30 or ?40 which is a bit steep for me.

So I guess it should be possible to modify an ordinary headset to
terminate with a 4P4C plug which would then go into the curly lead
socket on the phone. I'm hoping it's almost as simple as:

(a) replace the mic in the original handpiece by the mic in the new
headset

(b) replace the earphone in the original handpiece by the earphone
in the new headset.

What special considerations are there about headphone/mic impedance
or about any additional components which may be needed?

Is there any constructor info or a simple circuit diagram for this?

Did you find a solution to your request?

Take a look at
www.jabra.com/sites/jabra/uk-uk/headsets/pages/jabragn9120.aspx

Yes it's expensive! But I've got one here unused - the box is a bit
tatty but all the bits and manuals are present. You can have it for
?45 including carriage.

I bought a Photonics one new for ?65 a couple of months ago

And, I've purchased good-as-new AT&T units (and others) at 2nd-hand
stores from 4 to 9 USD.

They are a godsend for the times you have to deal with any government
agency, insurance company, bank or credit card company, some reservation
processes, and when you need to work a problem with most any pin-head
bureaucracy.

Jonesy
--
Marvin L Jones | jonz | W3DHJ | linux
38.24N 104.55W | @ config.com | Jonesy | OS/2
* Killfiling google & XXXXbanter.com: jonz.net/ng.htm

 

[Frank Erskine]

On Wed, 20 May 2009 20:28:56 +0100, geoff <raden@kateda.org> had this
to say:

In message <6qf6155nf3hevhpuj5jppbof7ca7gksbp4@4ax.com>, Neil
donotuse@thisaddy.com> writes
On Wed, 22 Apr 2009 15:26:38 +0100, John <noone@nowhere.com> wrote:

I want to use a regular headset (earphones & mic) with my landline
phone. The headset would plug into the socket on the phone instead
of the curly lead.

I'm in the UK and the cost of ready-made telephone headsets are
about Ł30 or Ł40 which is a bit steep for me.

So I guess it should be possible to modify an ordinary headset to
terminate with a 4P4C plug which would then go into the curly lead
socket on the phone. I'm hoping it's almost as simple as:

(a) replace the mic in the original handpiece by the mic in the new
headset

(b) replace the earphone in the original handpiece by the earphone
in the new headset.

What special considerations are there about headphone/mic impedance
or about any additional components which may be needed?

Is there any constructor info or a simple circuit diagram for this?

Did you find a solution to your request?

Take a look at
www.jabra.com/sites/jabra/uk-uk/headsets/pages/jabragn9120.aspx

Yes it's expensive! But I've got one here unused - the box is a bit
tatty but all the bits and manuals are present. You can have it for
Ł45 including carriage.

I bought a Photonics one new for Ł65 a couple of months ago

But I thought the OP found Ł30 a bit steep...

Traditional headsets/handsets were fairly conventional in the days of
rocking armature receivers and carbon transmitters (and even the early
electret transmitters), and one could swap readily from handset to
headset.
Modern 'technology' seems to outlaw all this and demands that you buy
a 'high-tech' substitute...

--
Frank Erskine

 

[geoff]

In message <7v091595onm0guu3jnjq0mq12iceu2rpij@4ax.com>, Frank Erskine
<frank.erskine@btinternet.com> writes

On Wed, 20 May 2009 20:28:56 +0100, geoff <raden@kateda.org> had this
to say:

In message <6qf6155nf3hevhpuj5jppbof7ca7gksbp4@4ax.com>, Neil
donotuse@thisaddy.com> writes
On Wed, 22 Apr 2009 15:26:38 +0100, John <noone@nowhere.com> wrote:

I want to use a regular headset (earphones & mic) with my landline
phone. The headset would plug into the socket on the phone instead
of the curly lead.

I'm in the UK and the cost of ready-made telephone headsets are
about Ł30 or Ł40 which is a bit steep for me.

So I guess it should be possible to modify an ordinary headset to
terminate with a 4P4C plug which would then go into the curly lead
socket on the phone. I'm hoping it's almost as simple as:

(a) replace the mic in the original handpiece by the mic in the new
headset

(b) replace the earphone in the original handpiece by the earphone
in the new headset.

What special considerations are there about headphone/mic impedance
or about any additional components which may be needed?

Is there any constructor info or a simple circuit diagram for this?

Did you find a solution to your request?

Take a look at
www.jabra.com/sites/jabra/uk-uk/headsets/pages/jabragn9120.aspx

Yes it's expensive! But I've got one here unused - the box is a bit
tatty but all the bits and manuals are present. You can have it for
Ł45 including carriage.

I bought a Photonics one new for Ł65 a couple of months ago

But I thought the OP found Ł30 a bit steep...

My point being that Ł45 is a bit steep for 2nd hand goods

--
geoff