Speaking Clock Computer

[tri_94]

Hi there, i've been asked by a friend to come up with a solution as a replacement for calling 123 the talking clock. as they have an elderly gran, who dials it every half hour or so.

So i was wondering if anyone has any ideas? im sure i can find an old base unit that i could run on windows 98 and sure i've seen programs for the talking clock, but with an old modem is there anyway i could use it to intercept the phone dialing 123 and get the computer to speak the time, as if if was the talking clock?

any ideas would be greatly appreciated
nick

[Sirbendy]

Why does she call it? Does she not have a clock, or does she have eyesight issues?

What you could do is get one of the (not expensive) talking clocks that announces every hour or so the time, and will do do at the push of a button...

It'd be a more elegant solution...

RNIB Online Shop - Radio controlled talking clock

RNIB Online Shop - Talking calendar alarm clock

RNIB Online Shop - Browse Talking clocks

Actually...hmm..my nan was looking for a calendar clock..one of these might not be bad..she's got to the stage where she's losing track of time..

[localzuk]

Asterisk has a built in speaking clock service. If you want to set that up, an extension and get the right FXO/FXS cards for it.

[tri_94]

Asterisk has a built in speaking clock service. If you want to set that up, an extension and get the right FXO/FXS cards for it.

Sorry can you give me a bit more info please

[localzuk]

Sorry can you give me a bit more info please

Asterisk is a VOIP phone PBX. You install it on a machine, and connect it to the phone line using an interface card or gateway of some form. You then either use a converter and connect a normal phone to it, or use a VOIP phone with it. It has a massive featureset. The best option is to take a look at trixbox CE, an Asterisk-based PBX Phone System (formerly Asterisk@Home) | trixbox or Asterisk at Home or Asterisk at Work in 30 MINUTES :: AsteriskNOW | which are easy to use versions of it.

You would need something like Digium TDM11B - 1 FXO 1 FXS to connect one line to the outside world, and connect a normal phone to it.

Then, you can set up 123 to dial the internal line and everything else to be directed outside if you wish.

[Edu-IT]

What if there is a power failure, would the person know how to boot the computer back up again and get the clock working or would your friend need to visit them to do it? Obviously this isn't going to be happening every five minutes. I would think a talking clock would be far easier to implement and maintain.

[localzuk]

What if there is a power failure, would the person know how to boot the computer back up again and get the clock working or would your friend need to visit them to do it? Obviously this isn't going to be happening every five minutes. I would think a talking clock would be far easier to implement and maintain.

The thing is, if an old person is dialing the speaking clock all the time, it is likely a habit that will not stop because of a seperate clock. It is likely more of an old age thing.

If an ATX machine was used, the power supply should be configurable to recover after power failures.

[superfletch]

Steal her phone!!



Sorry...

I'm ashamed now!