þ Original reply from David Drummond of 3:640/305{at}fidonet...
 þ PETER, in a reply to your msg re "who is the USR distribut",
David said...

DD> . . .[chomp]. . .

BG>>> To be slightly more accurate, it's a model which we can 
BG>>> easily obtain, but not legally use.  Big difference.  :)

DD>>>At work we use a little black box to a share phone line 
DD>>>between two fax/modems.  The latest version of this box 
DD>>>supports distinctive ring.

PH>> Whats the name/brand of the "little black box"?

DD> I'll try to remember to look tomorrow :-)

From advertisement on page 220 of August 96 Australian PC World
magazine:

National Communications
Sydney      (02)9905-6670
Melbourne   (03)9887-6200
Adelaide    (08)362-6776
Perth       (09)470-2808
Head Office (07)5596-5128

The advert displays the ten different units.  The ones we use are
in the righthand column, one up from the bottom:

-----[snip]-----
AUTO CONNECT

Auto 2 Way Telephone Switch
Low cost unit provides automatic connection to the telephone line
on dialing.  Other device is then locked out.  Ideal for
connection of modems, Security Systems, EFTPOS, Fax/Modems to a
Fax Line, Commander, PABX or any telephone line.

SHIPPING NOW WITH TELSTRA MULTI NUMBER CAPABILITY. The
Auto-Connect provides complete isolation and Barge-In protection
between all telephones used on your old number and your new
number.
-----[snip]-----

The unit has three RJ-11 connectors marked; Auxilliary Device,
Line and Primary Device.  There is also a power socket for the
supplied plug-pack.

The models we have do NOT have the multi-number capability.

They work by directing incoming calls to the primary device.  If
the primary device hasn't answered with a certain period
(selectable by dip switches) the call is directed to the
auxilliary device.

On dialing out, the first device to pick up the line, locks the
other out.  After hangup the line becomes free for either device
again.  We use this feature to share each phone line between two
fax/modems, one of which is set up to accept incomming calls.



I phoned "the man" to get further particulars of the new model.
It seems that it now comes in two flavours;

Model DRX - decodes incoming distinctive ring - generates ring on
primary or auxilliary socket after first ring. RRP $199

Model MNX - decodes incoming distinctive ring - passes ring on to
primary or auxilliary socket after first ring. RRP $169

All units Austel approved and proudly built in Australia (under
US licence)

Note: I have no connection with this company, other than my employer being
a satified customer of theirs.

David
@EOT:

--- Msgedsq/2 3.10