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schalliol · Jun 16, 2003, 04:59 PM

I'm not 100% that this should not be in Software, but I think it would need to be a device hardware/software combination:

I want some device that will allow me to talk on the phone, press a software button on my Mac and the unit picks up the line and starts recording the communication, which can be then converted to MP3, if not that format already.

This would be done to ensure that I can track what people say to me on the phone (see my post today for more info on why I think this sort of thing would be useful.

It seems like it would be a pretty easy thing to do if you know how to control modems that are voice capable, tell the software to pick up the line and start recording. At the end you can compress it (or let another application do it). It could allow you to put some comments and the exact date and time of each message for future reporting purposes. Then we could play that back with the mic of the phone to the speaker or if the programmer wants to get creative, they could inject that back into the call.

Does anyone want to build this or know if there's anyway to do such a thing? I think that there are a number of Mac users who would gladly pay to kick "the man's" ass that lies to you. Plus, how cool is it to tell them that you're also recording the call ... for purposes of ensuring that they aren'y lying. If this doesn't exist, I'd pay a nominal fee to help fund some sort of development.

suprz's ghost · Jun 18, 2003, 06:24 AM

well, other than the first thing that comes to mind "ILLEGAL" (unless of course you advise the person on the phone that you are recording their conversation, and they give their permission for you to do so). I would say that is why you cannot find any software to do what you are trying to do.

schalliol · Jun 18, 2003, 10:44 AM

My understanding is that one of the two parties needs to know that the recording is taking place, but if I'm wrong I could still tell people it's being recorded. Radio Shack should sell standard telephone voice recorders that record to tape or ICs. Many of the ones I know have been used in big commercial companies will add a little tone periodocially as well. All of those would be fine and the device is certainly not illegal.

Has anyone looked up the FCC code on this?

TAZ · Jun 18, 2003, 11:10 AM

Its not only FCC code, but state law sometimes. In some states its OK to record if one party knows its happening, others both must know. Some allow third parties to do the recording, others do not. Some allow the recording of LEO and other gov officials, others consider it a felony. Radio Shack sells equipment that does this, some even inline digital. You just have to be VERY carefull and know the laws of your state.

GORDYmac · Jun 18, 2003, 11:14 AM

My workaround is to use my Griffin iMic and a patch cable I created with parts from Radio Shack. I plug the cable into my cordless phone's mic jack & the iMic, and use Griffin's Final Vinyl to record.

Depending on your Mac, your modem may not be voice capable, so this may be the only option.

BTW, it's legal in Georgia.

TAZ · Jun 18, 2003, 11:17 AM

Its not only FCC code, but state law sometimes. In some states its OK to record if one party knows its happening, others both must know. Some allow third parties to do the recording, others do not. Some allow the recording of LEO and other gov officials, others consider it a felony. Radio Shack sells equipment that does this, some even inline digital. You just have to be VERY carefull and know the laws of your state.

schalliol · Jun 18, 2003, 11:34 AM

Taz, those messages seem to be the same, is there something else you're intending to tell us?