ObiTalk with Cisco IP Phone
Logan:
Hey guys, I'm new to the forum, but not new to ObiTalk. I've been using ObiTalk with GV at my house successfully for over 2 years now without any issues and absolutely love it.
I'm posting today because I'd like to switch my work phone over to the ObiTalk + GV system. I currently have a Cisco IP Phone 7960 with a Jabra Headset and a Jabra Headset lifter. While I am very attached to the phone, I'm willing to part ways with it if I can convert to the ObiTalk + GV setup. That being said, I'd rather bring the Cisco IP Phone 7960 with me, but I realize this may not be an option. If it is an option, is there anywhere I can find instructions because it's my understanding that the ObiTalk products only work with analog phones?
If bringing the Cisco IP Phone 7960 over isn't an option, is there an option that allows me to bring my Jabra Headset and Headset lifter over to the Obi1062 IP Phone or any other phone? I'm really attached to my Jabra headset and lifter and wouldn't make the switch if there wasn't a configuration that allowed me to bring that over with me when I make the switch.
Any and all help on this subject is much appreciated. Thank you for taking your time to help.
SteveInWA:
Hi Logan, and welcome to the forum!
Just a correction on terminology: Obihai is the company name, "OBi ___" are the product names, and "OBiTALK" is used in three places: a)the name of their online device configuration portal, b) the name of this forum, and c) the communications protocol that can be used to make free phone calls between OBi devices.
You have at least two options.
You can keep the old Cisco IP phone, assuming it currently has SIP firmware, and not SCCP (Cisco CallManager) firmware. If it's a SCCP phone, you'd need to go through some non-trivial steps to convert it, given that it's a discontinued/end-of-life product with no support. If it's a SIP phone, then it can't connect directly to Google Voice/Chat, but you could connect it to a Google Voice account via Bill Simon's "Simonics GVGW" gateway.
If your workplace is using SIP and/or you have no need to use Cisco CallManager, then you could buy a Obihai OBi 1032 or 1062 IP phone. Both phones have native support for Google Voice/Chat and SIP. Both phones have a RJ-9 headset jack and Electronic Switch Hook (EHS) via (rather expensive) dongle cables, or you can continue to use your electro-mechanical handset lifter. To be clear, the OBi 10x2 products are IP phones, which connect to either Ethernet or WiFi. They don't need an Analog Telephone Adapter (e.g. OBi 200/202).
azrobert:
You can register an SIP device to an OBi2xx. The link below is an example for a softphone, but it should work the same for your CISCO phone. If your phone can call without registration, it will also work on an OBi1xx. An OBi1xx doesn't have the X_Proxy parm and you can't route inbound calls to "local_client". You need to route inbound calls to the IP address and port number of your phone.
http://www.obitalk.com/forum/index.php?topic=11592.msg76226#msg76226
Logan:
Definitely appreciate the responses. Thank you both for the information.
It all seems so simple, but once I started diving into the most basic thing, like trying to determine what type of firmware my phone has, a simple task becomes difficult to perform. I don't know any tech guys that I could hire to do this for me, but I'd be happy to pay somebody to assist me with this process over the phone. Do either of you offer those services? I'd be happy to pay you through Paypal.
SteveInWA:
I don't see any advantage to registering the Cisco phone to a OBi ATA, that would offset the added complexity to set it up.
From what you already posted, it sounds like all you need is a IP desk phone that can connect to Google Voice, right? That can be accomplished easily, with the appropriate credit card ::)
If you're uncomfortable with the tech, then the easiest and most straightforward solution would be to buy an OBi IP phone. I can help you get it working with your headset. I've got a 1032 with a Jabra headset working fine.
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