DC answering machine [RE-wrenches]

[R. Sparks Scott]

	Roy;

	I have used an AC powered answering machine for the last ten years,
powering it from a Trace 812. The key to eliminating the phantom load is to
only have the machine connected to the inverter when it is needed to answer
the phone. To this end, I created a 'Homebrew' project that senses incoming
ring voltage, pulls in a rely to connect the answering machine's wall cube
to the inverter, which then wakes up from sleep mode. A timer circuit keeps
the machine alive for 6 minutes (this can be adjusted), then disconnects
the inverter power from the wall cube. The inverter goes back to sleep, the
circuit waits until the phone rings again, and no unnecessary drain on the
batteries. A bypass switch lets the user connect the machine to the
inverter for checking messages.
	The beauty of this circuit is that you can use any answering machine. I
even have my fax hooked up to it. Works like magic! The downside is that
you have to construct it, or have one built if you don't have the skills to
do it yourself, and of course, there's no UL listing on homebrew projects.....
	I'd be glad to share my schematics if you're interested.

	-S

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