RS> There is a pretty simple mod you can do which goes between the phone
RS> and the phone line which prevents the phone picking the line up.
RS> There is a commercial Austel approved one too, outrageously priced
RS> for what it is tho, $40 from memory.

BL> Thanks for telling me that, Rod, but you forgot to tell me what the
BL> mod is.  This information is as useful as a spare rat in a rat plague.

BG> It's called a Mode 3 Adaptor,

Nope, a Mode 3 Adapter is something completely different. And wont work
in Bobs case at all where he and his mum are on separate extensions.

What you need is a device which monitors the voltage on the phone line
and only allows the phone thats connect to it to connect to the line if
the line voltage is high enough to indicate that no other phone has
looped the line. Its completely different to a Mode 3 Adapter.

BG> and should still be available from your local TBO for around $20
BG> (unless they've doubled in price over the last 12 months).

And even Dick Smith type operations and Woolys at times. Not that it
will help Bob.

BG> The other alternative is to feed the incoming line directly into your
BG> modem, which will give it priority over the rest of the phones in the
BG> house.

Thats got some problems with geriatric relos. Mainly what happens if the
modem connection isnt as its supposed to be for whatever reason and they
cant get a dialtone when they pick up the phone when they should be able
to.

And Bob is such a wimp that he isnt game to tempt the spiders anyway |-)

--- PQWK202