wxDialer
A phone dialer written in wxPython
Frequently asked questions
Q: What is wxDialer?
A: wxDialer is a program that lets you make phone calls from your standard
modem. It has a quick-dial capability that can store up to 7 of your most
common phone numbers.
Q: How does it work?
A: wxDialer works by sending standard 'Hayes compatible' commands directly to
the modem, also know as the 'AT command set' - very similar to the way a dialup
modem connects to the internet, but a little less complicated. You can find
more information about the AT command set by going to
http://www.modem.com/general/extendat.html
Q: Do I need an internet connection to make phone calls
using my modem?
A: No. The modem can make a phone call exactly the same way you normal phone
can, its just controlled by your computer instead of a built-in keypad.
Q: Can I use this program to make phone calls over the
internet (VoIP) to anywhere in the world?
A: No. That is a completly different method using TCP/IP - and is totally
beyond the scope of this program. You make phone calls like you normally would.
You can call anywhere around the world if you want, but standard phone
charges apply
Q: So, what do I need to use this program?
A: First you need a modem. Any modem will do, it can be an old 14.4k modem if
you want, speed doesnt matter when it comes to transmitting voice. You need a
computer with an available serial port (one that works and is enabled in the
BIOS). Parallel port modems *might* work but is as yet untested. You also
need to have Python and
wxPython installed. After that, you
just need someone to call.
Q: I have an internal modem, and the device isnt located in
the settings tab, what do I do?
A: You can make a symlink called '/dev/modem' that points to your device, and
edit your settings to point to '/dev/modem' - to do this, you need to be
logged in as root, and type 'ln -s /dev/[device] /dev/modem' where [device] is
the port the modem is connected to (ie: ttyS5). If '/dev/modem' already exists
you will need to remove it first by typing 'unlink /dev/modem' as root.
Q: When I go to dial a number, the modem lights flicker for
a bit, but then nothing happens. What gives?
A: It could be several things. The serial port may be misconfigured (see
'man setserial' for more information) or faulty, the modem could be faulty,
I'm a bad programmer, or your modem uses a non-standard command set. If your
modem uses a non-standard command set, refer to your modem's manual for the
correct command set and fill in the boxes in 'Modem settings' - if that fails,
or it your modem uses the standard commands, then please
email me with your computer/modem
details... I'll look into it.
Q: [Insert name here] doesnt work or I dont like how [Insert
name here] looks/works...
A: Feel free to email me with
any bugs/comments you may have.
Q: This program doesnt quite suit my needs, can I modify it
to better suit me?
Q: Sure. Go ahead. Although it would be nice if you could keep my name in there
somewhere as the original author. Better yet, how about you
email me about it and I can
include it in the next release so everybody can enjoy your idea.
Q: I've been looking for a program like this forever, and I
want to show my appreciation. Can I make a donation?
A: Although I wrote this program and distributed it under the GPL, I wont
knock back any donations you may have. I dont have anything setup right now
for you to do so, but you can
email me and we can arrange something.
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