[f1000]

I've recently learned that one can use a PowerBook's internal modem, Ambrosia's WireTap, and Jon's Phone Tool to record telephone conversations onto a hard drive in AIFF (or compressed) format.

1. Install WireTap and Jon's Phone Tool.
2. Use a line splitter to split a line from your telephone jack to your PowerBook's modem.
3. Run the appropriate AppleScript.

The AppleScripts Jon's Phone Tool includes are somewhat buggy, so I've written my own AppleScript as follows:

[f1000]

(* Record *)

tell application "Jon's Phone Tool" to initialize modem using "AT&F%E0&K0L3M2S7=255S10=255"

tell application "WireTap" to start recording

tell application "Jon's Phone Tool" to take modem off hook

activate
display dialog "Recording in progress..." buttons {"Stop"} default button 1 with icon 1

tell application "WireTap"
stop recording
try
quit
end try
end tell

tell application "Jon's Phone Tool"
put modem on hook
try
quit
end try
end tell

[f1000]

I'm looking for a way to avoid using Jon's Phone Tool completely. It would be fantastic if one could send AT commands directly to the internal modem using, say, Terminal.

Commands can be sent to the Terminal by using the following AppleScript instruction:

do script: Run a UNIX shell script or command
do script plain text -- data to be passed to the Terminal application as the command line
[with command plain text] -- data to be passed to the Terminal application as the command line, deprecated, use direct parameter
[in reference] -- the window in which to execute the command

[f1000]

One other thing,

Could someone provide me with complete technical information on the USB modem driver? I'd like to try turning the PowerBook into a digital answering machine. Thanks!

[Angus_D]

You could try using /dev/cu.modem, no?

Also, the modem driver is open-souce (AppleSCCSerial) if you want "technical details" on it

[f1000]

Originally posted by Angus_D:
You could try using /dev/cu.modem, no?

Also, the modem driver is open-souce (AppleSCCSerial) if you want "technical details" on it

Thanks for the info. I'll see what I can do with it.

If anyone tries out my script, I'd appreciate if they'd post what machines it runs on.

[budster101]

You do realize it is illegal to record conversations on the telephone or otherwise without notifying the person being recorded. (In some states)...

[f1000]

^ Don't derail my technical thread.

[galarneau]

Originally Posted by budster101

You do realize it is illegal to record conversations on the telephone or otherwise without notifying the person being recorded. (In some states)...

I thought that it was legal as long as:

1) One party knows the call is being recorded

2) You own the phone line


This would be a cool application to have. My old Performa 6320 had this functionality and I used to use it as my answering machine. I think it used some 3rd party software though, and I don't remember what is was called.

[budster101]

It depends on the state laws.

In Illinois you have to notify the person being recorded that you are doing so, hence the phone message on most customer service centers.. "This call may be recorded for quality assurance"...

My guess is, if you hear that message ever in your state, then it's illegal to do so without notification.

What do you mean by "One party knows the call is being recorded" Yourself?

Who owns the phone line? You are only leasing the line from the phone company.

[f1000]

Not everyone who records a telephone conversation is engaging in wiretapping, just like not everyone who uses an iPod is engaging in copyright violations.

Federal and State wiretapping guidelines are available on the net. If someone has legal questions regarding wiretapping, they should post them in the Lounge. Thanks.