OBiTALK Community

General Support => Day-to-Day Use => Topic started by: 4myphones on March 07, 2011, 01:14:35 PM

Title: Using OBi and GV Outside the USA
Post by: 4myphones on March 07, 2011, 01:14:35 PM
i am a long time GV user (from the beginning of Grand Central before the Goggle buyout) Stanaphone and FWD before that

i live overseas and while i can use Google Voice to make calls
i cannot use GV in Gmail it is being blocked based on my IP@ i tried a Proxy and it works fine but i cannot run a Proxy all the time

So my question is will OBi110 replace my PAP2 and work based on my foreign IP@  

BTW all has been good with GV-Gizmo-PAP2 (or any other Voip but Gizmo is great) but now Gizmo is shutting down

is there a list of good Voip alternatives that is also free

thank you  

UPDATE
been away awhile and want to let everyone know that from day one more then 1 year ago my Obi110 worked perfectly i even have my Obi110 working off a 3G router  
i know its not relevant now as Google opened GV and calling in Gmail (i think everywhere)  

Title: Re: Using OBi and GV Outside the USA
Post by: jimates on March 07, 2011, 01:52:08 PM
The use of the Obi will not change the restrictions of the SIP providers (or of Google) that are configured on it. You can place the Obi in the states and then call through it using the Obion app or another Obi.
Title: Re: Using OBi and GV Outside the USA
Post by: 4myphones on March 07, 2011, 02:16:01 PM
thanks you for the reply

i am hoping not to need 2 OBi110 ATA

right now i use my PAP2 and it works fine with GV to Gizmo or any other Voip BUT
the OBi110 lets you bypass the need to use GV to make calls something a PAP2 can't do
my question since OBi110 connects to my Google account will is work overseas

right now my Google Voice account is fully usable overseas and that is how i make all my calls  BUT
i do not have the ability to you use Gmail to make calls that feature is not available to me unless i run a Proxy and when i do i can make calls from Gmail

So can anyone tell me what part of my Google account does the OBi110 connect to my GV  or my Gmail account for me one works and one does not
Title: Re: Using OBi and GV Outside the USA
Post by: QBZappy on March 07, 2011, 02:34:07 PM
4myphones,

Unrelated to your question, but it occurred to me that in your situation you might be better served if you setup the Obi unit in the USA and used the ObiApp to make your calls using the Obi unit as the gateway. This might be a different approach to get what you want. Of course this depends if you have someone in the USA who can maintain the Obi unit and you don't mind making calls from your computer.
Title: Re: Using OBi and GV Outside the USA
Post by: mykmayk on March 07, 2011, 02:52:17 PM
Quote from: 4myphones on March 07, 2011, 01:14:35 PM
is there a list of good Voip alternatives that is also free

before obi110, i used the following sip providers (which i think had better audio than gizmo5):
sipgate
localphone using ipkall
ideasip using ipkall
iptel using ipkall

the last 3 doesn't have DID but i used ipkall to associate an actual US phone number with the SIP address.  all 4 have FREE incoming calls.  outgoing calls are possible for the 1st 3 but are not free.  (the last 3 are practically the same as gizmo5 functionality -- in that they have no actual US phone number associated with them and that they have free incoming calls).  the 1st one is better since there's a US phone number linked with it.
Title: Re: Using OBi and GV Outside the USA
Post by: jimates on March 07, 2011, 03:46:56 PM
Quote from: 4myphones on March 07, 2011, 02:16:01 PM
thanks you for the reply

i am hoping not to need 2 OBi110 ATA

right now i use my PAP2 and it works fine with GV to Gizmo or any other Voip BUT
the OBi110 lets you bypass the need to use GV to make calls something a PAP2 can't do
my question since OBi110 connects to my Google account will is work overseas

right now my Google Voice account is fully usable overseas and that is how i make all my calls  BUT
i do not have the ability to you use Gmail to make calls that feature is not available to me unless i run a Proxy and when i do i can make calls from Gmail

So can anyone tell me what part of my Google account does the OBi110 connect to my GV  or my Gmail account for me one works and one does not
The Obi connects as if you were signing into your gmail account, which you can now do. But it works as if it were the Google Chat feature of gmail to place calls, which you can not use. I guess until someone tries it and gives a guaranteed answer it would be a toss up.
Title: Re: Using OBi and GV Outside the USA
Post by: 4myphones on March 08, 2011, 08:54:00 AM
i want to clear a few things up

1: Google only lets you sign up for GV from within the USA (i needed a friend in the USA or remote desktop type program that was connected to a USA computer) a good proxy would probably work also

2: once i created my GV account i have FULL access to it overseas with no proxy and it works fine and i have Google Chat enabled in GV

3: in Gmail i have the Voice & Video (Chat plugin) installed i even see the camera icon showing me that its installed properly and my Gmail interface language is set to English (US)
i just do not have the option to Call Phones in Gmail

4: if i run a proxy like uSurf or others the Call Phones option appears  and i can make & receive calls in side of Gmail

i hope i do not have a problem with OBi110 (just ordered it yesterday it will take a few weeks for my to get once my Family recieves it(
Title: Re: Using OBi and GV Outside the USA
Post by: ItsAllGood on March 09, 2011, 12:21:30 PM
I did use the OBi110 in Costa Rica in February.  I set it up in the US prior to departure.  We all forwarded our mobile numbers to the Google Voice number when we left the states.  It worked very well.  We made and received close to 200 calls during the week, all without any tolls.

Location: Tamarindo, Costa Rica
Connection type: plugged into a Linksys router that was using cable Internet, 2Mbps/56Kbps
Calls: To and From the United States
Title: Re: Using OBi and GV Outside the USA
Post by: ShermanObi on March 09, 2011, 05:19:43 PM
Going forward, the purpose of this topic is to memorialize success associated with using OBi devices with Google Voice outside the USA.

Where were you?
How were you connected to the Internet?
What kind of calls worked?
What kind of calls did not work?
Any other observations?
Title: Re: Using OBi and GV Outside the USA
Post by: 4myphones on March 10, 2011, 05:02:30 AM
i am based in israel (and i cannot believe israel is blocking anything
israel FWIW invented VOIP and does not block it

So far i have tried my local isp (018) and i have a cellular data modem (Celcom) and that does not work
i eagerly await the arrival of my OBi but it has not even shipped yet

BTW a few months ago i tried Asterisk pbx 1.8 and that DID work (but i sold the old laptop it was running on)
Title: Re: Using OBi and GV Outside the USA
Post by: OBi-Guru on March 10, 2011, 09:10:09 AM
Based on information collected from some friends, GV calls with OBi work from:

Australia, Japan, HK, Indonesia, Panama, Singapore
Title: Re: Using OBi and GV Outside the USA
Post by: 4myphones on March 10, 2011, 09:59:44 AM
Quote from: OBi-Guru on March 10, 2011, 09:10:09 AM
Based on information collected from some friends, GV calls with OBi work from:

Australia, Japan, HK, Indonesia, Panama, Singapore
i hope to add to the list

i am curious if anyone in the above Countries can "Call Phones" inside of Gmail or only through Obi

thanks for continued feedback
Title: Re: Using OBi and GV Outside the USA
Post by: CodaMan on March 11, 2011, 04:55:38 PM
I will be receiving my Obi110 on Monday.  I will also be going on a 6 week business trip to Australia in a few weeks and would like to be able to use my Google Voice number over there.  What is the theory behind making it work from my Australian hotel room?

Can I just get it all working here state side, go to Australia and connect the Obi110 to a router in my hotel room, connect an analog phone to it and it will all work -- and people can call my GV number and the Obi110 will ring the phone?

Is it that easy?  if not, how can I make it work?
Title: Re: Using OBi and GV Outside the USA
Post by: CodaMan on March 17, 2011, 10:45:50 AM
bump ...  ideas anyone?
Title: Re: Using OBi and GV Outside the USA
Post by: QBZappy on March 17, 2011, 10:53:36 AM
CodaMan,

Hi

You might want to ask that question to Thunderbird1. I think he is in Australia. Hope he is reading this. Maybe PM him. I'm not certain if it was confirmed that GV works from that region. Can anyone from down under confirm this.
Title: Re: Using OBi and GV Outside the USA
Post by: jimates on March 17, 2011, 11:00:17 AM
 Because of the limitations of google voice working with ip addresses outside the US we can't say for sure. The best and proven setup is to have 2 units, one in the US and one with you.

You set up your GV number on the US unit and have it forward all calls to the unit overseas. You just answer the phone there for each call coming in on your GV number.

You can also place calls from overseas by calling your Obi in the US and placing outgoing calls over your GV number.

The new Obi110 is much smaller for travel purposes, or you could just use the Obitalk app for PC or the Obion app for smatphone instead of a 2nd unit.

The newest beta firmware includes direct dialing through endpoints. That means you could just pick up the phone on the overseas unit, dial a number, and it is delivered through your google voice number in the US. The new beta firmware just came out so no date for normal release.
Title: Re: Using OBi and GV Outside the USA
Post by: Obitalk on March 17, 2011, 11:53:49 AM
Just wanted to update the list of countries.

GV calls with OBi work from:

Australia, Japan, HK, Indonesia, Panama, Singapore, Sri Lanka
Title: Re: Using OBi and GV Outside the USA
Post by: 4myphones on March 17, 2011, 12:00:20 PM
i will only get mine in about 3 weeks from now
of course i will post here if and when i get it up and running
Title: Re: Using OBi and GV Outside the USA
Post by: CodaMan on March 17, 2011, 12:02:31 PM
Quote from: Obitalk on March 17, 2011, 11:53:49 AM
Just wanted to update the list of countries.

GV calls with OBi work from:

Australia, Japan, HK, Indonesia, Panama, Singapore, Sri Lanka

You say that it works from Australia, my question is how?  What's the configuation?
Title: Re: Using OBi and GV Outside the USA
Post by: CodaMan on March 17, 2011, 12:04:20 PM
Quote from: jimates on March 17, 2011, 11:00:17 AM
... You set up your GV number on the US unit and have it forward all calls to the unit overseas. You just answer the phone there for each call coming in on your GV number...

And how is this done?  How is the state side GV number forwarded to an Obi unit?
Title: Re: Using OBi and GV Outside the USA
Post by: QBZappy on March 17, 2011, 12:55:13 PM
CodaMan,

Configure it in the USA. Confirm that it works the way you want it. Unplug it, and when you get to Australia plug the OBi into a router. I don't know if you are staying in a hotel where they might have a firewall blocking ports on the network. Assuming no other network obstacles are in the way, the OBi should work the same way as you used it in the USA.
Title: Re: Using OBi and GV Outside the USA
Post by: Obitalk on March 18, 2011, 10:51:43 AM
Like QBZappy indicated, the easiest method is to configure it state side and send it overseas.

The second method that worked for me is if you have the GV credentials, you can use the Obi Portal and use the configuration wizard to configure Google Voice on the remote device.

(I used both methods since I had broadvoice primary number configured on SP2 when I sent the device overseaa and I didnt want the device blocked due to multiple registration attempts. Hence I had to reset the device to factory configuration and then setup Google Voice on SP1 and Broadvoice Multipresence on SP2)
Title: Re: Using OBi and GV Outside the USA
Post by: yhfung on March 18, 2011, 09:46:54 PM
GV is installed in OBi110 and used in Hong Kong.

We got the GV crendentials in Hong Kong via VPN and US mobile phones. We installed GV accounts in our OBi110 units. We are able to call each other using GV accounts without any problem encountered.

YH
Title: Re: Using OBi and GV Outside the USA
Post by: QBZappy on March 23, 2011, 11:15:25 PM
There is at least one OBi unit working in Bolivia via the OBitalk service. I will test CID and other features as well.
Title: Re: Using OBi and GV Outside the USA
Post by: occamsrazor on March 23, 2011, 11:55:20 PM
In Egypt, the Obi110 DOES register with GV, says "Connected" on the ObiTalk dashboard, but I get no incoming calls.
When I use Gmail via a web browser, I get no "Call Phones" function in the chat panel.
If I do the same thing using a US IP address via a VPN service, I DO get the "Call Phones" function.
On the same gmail account, if I go back and forth between US IP and Egypt IP, the "Call Phones" function appears and disappears.
My incoming SIP calls work fine, and outgoing GV calls work, but incoming calls don't (Google Voice number ringing Google Chat) which makes me think that Google is doing geolocation blocking... which sucks.
Title: Re: Using OBi and GV Outside the USA
Post by: QBZappy on March 24, 2011, 09:54:14 AM
occamsrazor,

If it was really important to have some type of permanent connection, security, and US or Canadian IP (or any other your local IP), I would consider setting up VPN in a router. I know it might be a bit of a geek project, but it would work. There are some router firmwares with built in VPN and GUI interfaces that allow us to setup this VPN. Installing this 3rd party firmware is no more difficult than backing up and restoring the OBi configuration file.

Choosing the correct router + an easy to install firmware = OBi (SIP) perfect setup solution

For anyone interested I find that Asus routers are nearlly impossible to brick. That is my router of choice. I like using the Tomato firmware on this router. Many flavors of Tomato out there. Versions with OpenVPN is relatively easy to stup. I spent more time setting up the certificates than installing the firmware. For a complete newbie installation avoiding the creation of VPN certificates, I would consider the Tomato firmware "Neorouter" version which creates VLans without the fuss of having to create certificates. I have not tried this version, but the concept behind it seems to simplify things for the uninitiated.

This is my setup:
Asus WL-500gp V2 + Tomato firmware (teddybear USB version) OpenVPN Server
Asus RT N16 + Tomato firmware (teddybear USB version) OpenVPN client

This type of setup solves most VOIP issues and adds security into the mix. This is also not a very expensive solution to implement. You don't need to use the top of the line Asus router. There are Asus models in the $25-50 price range. There are so many other advantages using this approach that are outside the scope of OBi (SIP) discussion.
Title: Re: Using OBi and GV Outside the USA
Post by: occamsrazor on March 24, 2011, 11:14:37 AM
@QBZappy

Funny you should suggest all that... I already use Tomato routers: Cisco E3000, Asus WL-500GPv2, both running Victek's Tomato mod and OpenVPN server. I also have an account with the commercial VPN provider Witopia, which can give me IPs in various countries ncluding USA, though I don't currently use it on the router.

Everything you say makes perfect sense... but for me Google Voice is an "extra", not totally essential. For years I've used a combination of Linksys SPA-3102 connected to www.pbxes.org and then on to various SIP providers. I was also using Google Voice through PBXes via my Gizmo5 account.... but now they've said they're killing Gizmo5 at the start of April so it won't be viable anymore.

I'm sick of geolocation blocking hassles to be honest, and while it would be nice to have some of the features of Google Voice, in the end I'm going back to my trusty Linksys, PBXes, and SIP providers. Maybe I'll give the Obi and GV another go in the future....
Title: Re: Using OBi and GV Outside the USA
Post by: QBZappy on March 31, 2011, 12:23:27 PM
Obitalk,

Hi

I just can't seem to get an acceptable voice quality call with the unit in South America. I believe your unit is in Sri Lanka. Are your calls of a "normal" quality? Anything special you did that might help me? Thanks.
Title: Re: Using OBi and GV Outside the USA
Post by: earthtoobi on March 31, 2011, 01:47:33 PM
Has anyone setup Obi in Dubai/Middle East and confirm that Obi to Obi calls work(it would be nice to know if Gtalk calls work too). i gather that the ISPs Block Voice traffic in Dubai.hence the question.
Title: Re: Using OBi and GV Outside the USA
Post by: wintek on March 31, 2011, 03:03:00 PM
Quote from: CodaMan on March 11, 2011, 04:55:38 PM

Can I just get it all working here state side, go to Australia and connect the Obi110 to a router in my hotel room, connect an analog phone to it and it will all work -- and people can call my GV number and the Obi110 will ring the phone?

Is it that easy?  if not, how can I make it work?

It should be that easy.  However it's hard to say what firewall restrictions will be on the Hotels network.
Title: Re: Using OBi and GV Outside the USA
Post by: MagicVoice on April 04, 2011, 04:32:45 AM
Where were you? Philippines
How were you connected to the Internet?PLDT DSL
What kind of calls worked?Calls to and from US and Canada
What kind of calls did not work?None
Any other observations?The bigger your bandwidth, the better the call quality.  Calls to and from US cellphones work as well.
Title: Re: Using OBi and GV Outside the USA
Post by: elminakid on April 07, 2011, 08:36:53 AM
Are there any UK OBItalks users out there? Please contact me. I want to purchase and set up an OBI device for fam there. Just need some guidance
Title: Re: Using OBi and GV Outside the USA
Post by: Doraemon on April 11, 2011, 07:29:19 AM
I'm using OBi110 in Japan :)

As long as there's energy and internet connection there,I think you can use OBi110 and Obi100 all around the world ;D

No need to worry!
Title: Re: Using OBi and GV Outside the USA
Post by: shap on April 24, 2011, 04:36:40 AM
Where were you? Israel
How were you connected to the Internet? Cable +012 ISP, 5 Mbit
What kind of calls worked? Calls to and from US and Canada
What kind of calls did not work?None
Any other observations?  Calls to and from US cellphones work as well.

Note:Obitalk network is not working when using 014 ISP (Bezeq International). UDP port 10000 to amazon cloud is blocked for some reason.
Title: Re: Using OBi and GV Outside the USA
Post by: yhfung on May 01, 2011, 05:32:18 PM
Where were you? Shenzhen China
How were you connected to the Internet? China Telecom ADSL 4Mbps DL, 512 UL
What kind of calls worked? Calls to and from US and Canada
What kind of calls did not work? None
Any other observations? The voice quality will be degraded very much after 15 minutes due to packets dropped intentionally by China Telecom

YH
Title: Re: Using OBi and GV Outside the USA
Post by: yhfung on May 01, 2011, 05:33:24 PM
Where were you? Hong Kong
How were you connected to the Internet? PCCW 30Mbps DL, 10Mbps UL
What kind of calls worked? Calls to and from US and Canada
What kind of calls did not work? None
Any other observations? None

YH
Title: Re: Using OBi and GV Outside the USA
Post by: Kaizer on May 04, 2011, 11:59:25 PM
Quote from: yhfung on May 01, 2011, 05:32:18 PM
Where were you? Shenzhen China
Any other observations? The voice quality will be degraded very much after 15 minutes due to packets dropped intentionally by China Telecom

YH


i noticed that after getting the obi's to connect. so if you want a long chat, we would need to keep disconnecting and call back immediately?
Title: Re: Using OBi and GV Outside the USA
Post by: yhfung on May 08, 2011, 03:58:54 PM
Yes, you are right. You just hangup the call and reconnect it again. This operation is very annonying.

However, if you want to make/receive all to/from Mainland China, you may consider to use ET263 which is an offical voip call in Mainland China and the voice is excellent.

The official website of ET263 is www.et2008.com.

You may consider to install ET263 in your sp2 and sp1 is gv. If you want to have a long chat, you may consider to initiate your call from the US with ET263 (installed in sp2), it will go to the ET263 server in Beijing and then your call will be directed to other ET263 account on another OBi110 intalled in other city of Mainland China.


YH
Title: Re: Using OBi and GV Outside the USA
Post by: WASEIGE1 on May 10, 2011, 07:00:31 PM
Where were you? South Korea
How were you connected to the Internet? Cable TV Modem
What kind of calls worked? Calls to and from US and Canada
What kind of calls did not work? None
Any other observations? Limited testing so far but all seems well.
Title: Re: Using OBi and GV Outside the USA
Post by: humble on May 18, 2011, 10:17:07 PM
Where were you? India
How were you connected to the Internet? Tomato Router - 2MBPS Speed
What kind of calls worked? Calls to and from US and Canada
What kind of calls did not work? None
Any other observations? None

Awesome and worked out of the box. Thanks.

Auto Provisioning is very useful where you don't rely on portforwarding etc.,

Keep up the good work
Title: Re: Using OBi and GV Outside the USA
Post by: Cruize on May 21, 2011, 02:15:52 AM
Where were you? Denmark
How were you connected to the Internet? 15/15MBit Fiber
What kind of calls worked? Calls to and from US
What kind of calls did not work? None
Any other observations? None

Update

Works:
Australia, China, Denmark, HK, India, Indonesia, Japan, Panama, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Sri Lanka

Doesn't Work:
Egypt
Title: Re: Using OBi and GV Outside the USA
Post by: humble on May 21, 2011, 03:39:25 AM
Quote from: humble on May 18, 2011, 10:17:07 PM
Where were you? India
How were you connected to the Internet? Tomato Router - 2MBPS Speed
What kind of calls worked? Calls to and from US and Canada
What kind of calls did not work? None
Any other observations? None

Awesome and worked out of the box. Thanks.

Auto Provisioning is very useful where you don't rely on portforwarding etc.,

Keep up the good work

One time I had DTMF issue where when I called my home PSTN number from my mobile it didn't accept the OBI attendant keys (1 to go the same number, 2 to call different number etc.,)

One time when I was trying to join a conference, didn't accept the bridge id using keypad.

this is one (DTMF?) issue I faced so far. Other than that it works like charm
Title: Re: Using OBi and GV Outside the USA
Post by: cdcooker on June 27, 2011, 12:17:22 PM
I am reposting my question from another thread.

I bought 2 Obi here in USA.  I have configured both with GV and both work just fine.  I want to use Obi A in USA, and Obi B in HK.  I assume Obi B in HK can call Obi A in USA by using the AA and choose option 2 to dial out other USA numbers.  I want to know how I can call from Obi A USA to Obi B in HK and using AA to dial HK numbers free of charge.  Is it possible?

Thanks
Title: Re: Using OBi and GV Outside the USA
Post by: RonR on June 27, 2011, 01:02:32 PM
Quote from: cdcooker on June 27, 2011, 12:17:22 PM
I want to use Obi A in USA, and Obi B in HK.  I assume Obi B in HK can call Obi A in USA by using the AA and choose option 2 to dial out other USA numbers.  I want to know how I can call from Obi A USA to Obi B in HK and using AA to dial HK numbers free of charge.  Is it possible?

The OBi's can call each other equally well in either direction and both can be configured to have the AA allow outgoing calls on its trunks.  You simply need one or more service providers configured on each OBi (SP1/SP2/PSTN) to use for those outgoing calls.

Better yet, with the proper configuration, each OBi can make local calls as well as calls through the remote OBi, directly (Single-Stage Dialing) without using the AA:

      18005551212  ->  Local PrimaryLine
**1 18005551212  ->  Local SP1 Service
**2 18005551212  ->  Local SP2 Service
**8 18005551212  ->  Local LINE Port
**9 200123456      ->  Local OBiTALK Service

     2*18005551212  ->  Remote PrimaryLine
2 **1 18005551212  ->  Remote SP1 Service
2 **2 18005551212  ->  Remote SP2 Service
2 **8 18005551212  ->  Remote LINE Port
2 **9 200123456      ->  Remote OBiTALK Service
Title: Re: Using OBi and GV Outside the USA
Post by: Dave on June 27, 2011, 01:52:54 PM
Quote from: cdcooker on June 27, 2011, 12:17:22 PM
I am reposting my question from another thread.

I bought 2 Obi here in USA.  I have configured both with GV and both work just fine.  I want to use Obi A in USA, and Obi B in HK.  I assume Obi B in HK can call Obi A in USA by using the AA and choose option 2 to dial out other USA numbers.  I want to know how I can call from Obi A USA to Obi B in HK and using AA to dial HK numbers free of charge.  Is it possible?

Thanks

As I understand from this thread, people in US can call your GV number and your OBI in HK will ring.   From HK use the attached phone to place an outgoing  call through your GV port (probably SP1), and it will make free call to  any US or Canada number.    You will not need to use a US based Obi unit.    Do you have a different understanding?   
Title: Re: Using OBi and GV Outside the USA
Post by: cdcooker on June 27, 2011, 02:12:05 PM
Hi, what I want is to place a call from Obi A in USA to Obi B in HK, and use AA to dial out HK local number to place a call in HK.  In HK, there is no area code, just 8 digits phone number.  I want to know how to make AA recognize I am dialing a HK number.  If there is other easier way to accomplish what I want (place free HK phone call from USA by using Obi), please enlighten me.  Thanks


Quote from: Dave on June 27, 2011, 01:52:54 PM

As I understand from this thread, people in US can call your GV number and your OBI in HK will ring.   From HK use the attached phone to place an outgoing  call through your GV port (probably SP1), and it will make free call to  any US or Canada number.    You will not need to use a US based Obi unit.    Do you have a different understanding?  

Title: Re: Using OBi and GV Outside the USA
Post by: cdcooker on June 27, 2011, 02:22:12 PM
Hi, thank you for your advice.  I need some further explanation from you.  Since I have GV setup on SP1 on both Obi, I need to find a similar service in HK as SP2, right?  I really don't know if there is anything like this in HK.

The Obi that will be used in HK is Obi100, without a PSTN port.  If I can't find similar service like GV in HK, do you think it is better off to buy a Obi110 for HK use, and hook up the regular phone line to the PSTN port?  The house over there has local phone service.

Quote from: RonR on June 27, 2011, 01:02:32 PM

The OBi's can call each other equally well in either direction and both can be configured to have the AA allow outgoing calls on its trunks.  You simply need one or more service providers configured on each OBi (SP1/SP2/PSTN) to use for those outgoing calls.

Title: Re: Using OBi and GV Outside the USA
Post by: RonR on June 27, 2011, 02:55:41 PM
I don't have any knowledge of what service providers are available in HK or what they might cost.
Title: Re: Using OBi and GV Outside the USA
Post by: Dave on June 27, 2011, 03:30:22 PM
Quote from: cdcooker on June 27, 2011, 02:22:12 PM
Hi, thank you for your advice.  I need some further explanation from you.  Since I have GV setup on SP1 on both Obi, I need to find a similar service in HK as SP2, right?  I really don't know if there is anything like this in HK.

The Obi that will be used in HK is Obi100, without a PSTN port.  If I can't find similar service like GV in HK, do you think it is better off to buy a Obi110 for HK use, and hook up the regular phone line to the PSTN port?  The house over there has local phone service.

I'm trying to set-up the same service but in the Philippines.  I'm told not many people have land lines there, so I'm looking for a VOIP service in Phils.   You might look here, http://www.voip-catalog.com/voip_countries_hong-kong_1.html   or if you have a land line, use the 110.     
Title: Re: Using OBi and GV Outside the USA
Post by: cdcooker on June 28, 2011, 01:31:58 PM
Hi, thank you for your help.  I think I will need Obi110 in HK to make use the available PSTN line.

Can you tell me a little more about the gateway stuff here?  I read the Obi admin guide, and I am new to telephony, I don't understand what they are talking about.  Gateway, trunk, all kinds of jargon.  On the expert page of the Obitalk, there is a Gateways and Trunkgrps page.  I assume this is the page to setup the sing-stage dialing.  I don't have call-ID feature for my land line.  How to make it work?  thanks in advance.

Quote from: RonR on June 27, 2011, 01:02:32 PM

Better yet, with the proper configuration, each OBi can make local calls as well as calls through the remote OBi, directly (Single-Stage Dialing) without using the AA:

      18005551212  ->  Local PrimaryLine
**1 18005551212  ->  Local SP1 Service
**2 18005551212  ->  Local SP2 Service
**8 18005551212  ->  Local LINE Port
**9 200123456      ->  Local OBiTALK Service

     2*18005551212  ->  Remote PrimaryLine
2 **1 18005551212  ->  Remote SP1 Service
2 **2 18005551212  ->  Remote SP2 Service
2 **8 18005551212  ->  Remote LINE Port
2 **9 200123456      ->  Remote OBiTALK Service

Title: Re: Using OBi and GV Outside the USA
Post by: RonR on June 28, 2011, 02:22:37 PM
An OBi110 supports four trunks, which are its entry/exit points: SP1, SP2, PSTN, and OBiTALK.

An OBi110 supports two endpoints: the Phone and Auto Attendant.

Most of these trunks and endpoints can be connected or 'bridged' together.

You posted earlier that you wanted to have one OBi in the US and another in HK, and wanted each to be able to initiate calls through the other.  This can be accomplished using a two-stage process by calling the Auto Attendant of one OBi from another OBi or OBiON App and then placing an outgoing call.  It's also possible to initiate a call directly from an OBi or OBiON App through another OBi using a one-stage process by using the dialing syntax you quoted.

I've illustrated the necessary configuration steps for single-stage calling through any number of OBi's here:

http://www.obitalk.com/forum/index.php?topic=1103.0
Title: Re: Using OBi and GV Outside the USA
Post by: brentowen on July 12, 2011, 10:19:39 AM
I set up my OBI in Canada with a Gmail account that was also set up from Canada.  Because I am outside of the US, I can not get a Google voice phone number and I understand the reason why etc.  I am not impressed with the quality of the phone calls that I have made because of clipping of the start of each sentence.  I rarely hear the person I just called say hello for instance and they hang up because they think I am a telemarketer.   My question is this: Do I have to set up my OBI in the US to get better sound quality?  Is the Google chat that I am using in Canada the same system as Google voice in the US?  Are there things that I can do to make my call quality better?  Open ports etc.  Enable QoS?
Title: Re: Using OBi and GV Outside the USA
Post by: QBZappy on July 12, 2011, 10:42:10 AM
brentowen,

Welcome. Have a look at this thread. I explain how to setup a Google Voice number in Canada.

http://www.obitalk.com/forum/index.php?topic=93.0

I have excellent voice quality with my OBi. You can setup everything from Canada. You will need to setup GV with a US IP. Above mentioned thread explains how to do it.

Voice quality issues can sometimes be router related.
Title: Re: Using OBi and GV Outside the USA
Post by: brentowen on July 12, 2011, 10:59:11 AM
Quote from: QBZappy on July 12, 2011, 10:42:10 AM
brentowen,

Welcome. Have a look at this thread. I explain how to setup a Google Voice number in Canada.

http://www.obitalk.com/forum/index.php?topic=93.0

I have excellent voice quality with my OBi. You can setup everything from Canada. You will need to setup GV with a US IP. Above mentioned thread explains how to do it.

Voice quality issues can sometimes be router related.


If I set up a Google Voice number in Canada the way you suggest in your post, will the sound quality be better than what I have set up now?  Will the only advantage be that I will be able to receive calls to the OBI?  I use a land line to receive calls so I don't need a phone number for the Obi.
Title: Re: Using OBi and GV Outside the USA
Post by: QBZappy on July 12, 2011, 12:39:46 PM
brentowen,

Hi,
Sound quality will not improve simply because of getting a GV number. You will have to investigate a little more to figure that out. Try connecting the OBi directly to the DSL modem to see if the quality improves. Give us some details of your router.

One of the benefits of getting GV is that you can make and receive calls on that trunk. I have GV only for making outgoing calls. You don't need to give the GV number out to anyone. If you use Google Talk, I believe you can receive calls on the phone instead of using the computer. Primary benefit is to use it to make long distance calls since GV calls are free in North America (for the time being). Of course you can also make local calls. GV gives us a second trunk at no cost with the above mentioned benefits. The OBi helps us cut out the computer in this mix.
Title: Re: Using OBi and GV Outside the USA
Post by: Flahusky on July 13, 2011, 08:43:40 AM
Where were you? Afghanistan, Kandahar
How were you connected to the Internet? iFONE ISP (sat. link provider)
What kind of calls worked? All
What kind of calls did not work? n/a
Any other observations?
Due to craptastic bandwidth here on post, I'm still searching for a codec setting that will work with the 2kbB/s to 9kB/s speeds we seem to be able to maintain.
Title: Re: Using OBi and GV Outside the USA
Post by: QBZappy on July 13, 2011, 01:09:47 PM
Flahusky,

Hi, This might help.

Following is a list of VoIP codec's along with how much data network bandwidth they consume.

* AMR Codec
* BroadVoice Codec 16Kbps narrowband, and 32Kbps wideband
* GIPS Family – 13.3 Kbps and up
* GSM – 13 Kbps (full rate), 20ms frame size
* iLBC – 15Kbps,20ms frame size: 13.3 Kbps, 30ms frame size
* ITU G.711 – 64 Kbps, sample-based Also known as alaw/ulaw
* ITU G.722 – 48/56/64 Kbps ADPCM 7Khz audio bandwidth
* ITU G.722.1 – 24/32 Kbps 7Khz audio bandwidth (based on Polycom's SIREN codec)
* ITU G.722.1C – 32 Kbps, a Polycom extension, 14Khz audio bandwidth
* ITU G.722.2 – 6.6Kbps to 23.85Kbps. Also known as AMR-WB. CELP 7Khz audio bandwidth
* ITU G.723.1 – 5.3/6.3 Kbps, 30ms frame size
* ITU G.726 – 16/24/32/40 Kbps
* ITU G.728 – 16 Kbps
* ITU G.729 – 8 Kbps, 10ms frame size
* Speex – 2.15 to 44.2 Kbps
* LPC10 – 2.5 Kbps
* DoD CELP – 4.8 Kbps
Title: Re: Using OBi and GV Outside the USA
Post by: nontechnie on August 18, 2011, 05:45:39 PM
I am extremely non technical and I've just bought an Obi to use to make calls to my relatives in Canada. I live in the US and please tell me how I can call them (on their mobiles) from my mobile ( I have no other phones now) Can I configure their cell phones so they can call my cell free? Their cell phones are registered in Canada while I have one from US. I am not interested in providing them with free calls, but I just want them to be able to call me either from their cell phones or land line.
Right now I have an ATT cell plan to call Canada and it is getting very expensive.

Please don't use terms such as DID, VPN etc as I looked them up and can't understand them at all. I need some step by step help.

Thank you.
Title: Re: Using OBi and GV Outside the USA
Post by: RonR on August 18, 2011, 06:19:07 PM
With your OBi configured with a Google Voice account, you will be able to make calls to US and Canada numbers free of charge (at least throught the end of the year) from a telephone connected to the OBi.  You will also be able to call your OBi using your Google Voice number and have the OBi's Auto Attendant answer.  Using the Auto Attendant, you can make free outgoing calls as if you were using the OBi's telephone.

Since your Google Voice number will be a US number, relatives in Canada will have to pay applicable rates to call you.

If one of your relatives in Canada also had an OBi, they could call your OBi telehone and mobile phone free of charge.  If their OBi was connected to the local telephone service, calls into that OBi could be forwarded to your OBi telephone and mobile phone free of charge.  In addition, they could actually make free calls to any US or Canada number free of charge using your Google Voice account.
Title: Re: Using OBi and GV Outside the USA
Post by: nontechnie on August 18, 2011, 10:21:55 PM
Thank you. I've read pages and pages of things Obi could do. But how? I need step by step instructions.
I will receive my obi in a couple of days, and I think I know how to connect it since I've had an Ooma before. But do I have to connect a Real phone to the Obi? Can I not tell my Obi to forward all calls to my cell phone?
I've read also of people configuring their family's cell phones so they can take their phones overseas and yet to able to call to the US free. How do I configure my relatives' cell phones (they are Canadian cell phones though) so they can  call my Obi and then have my Obi forward all calls to my cell?
If these scenarios described above could be done, please tell me the steps I need to do to accomplish this.
Title: Re: Using OBi and GV Outside the USA
Post by: RonR on August 18, 2011, 11:59:25 PM
Quote from: nontechnie on August 18, 2011, 10:21:55 PM
But do I have to connect a Real phone to the Obi? Can I not tell my Obi to forward all calls to my cell phone?

I can't imagine why you wouldn't want to connect a telephone to the OBi in addition to using the OBi with your cell phone.  It would allow you to make and receive calls when you're at home without using your cell phone.  It would also make configuration, testing, and debugging infinitely easier.

Quote from: nontechnie on August 18, 2011, 10:21:55 PM
I've read also of people configuring their family's cell phones so they can take their phones overseas and yet to able to call to the US free. How do I configure my relatives' cell phones (they are Canadian cell phones though) so they can  call my Obi and then have my Obi forward all calls to my cell?

There are OBiON Apps that can be run on Smart Phones which, with data capability on the Smart Phone service, will allow calls between Smart Phones and to/from OBi's from anywhere without using carrier voice minutes.  Non-Smart Phone mobile phones can only access the OBi by calling into a trunk on the OBi (Google Voice, VoIP, or a POTS line) at normal calling rates.

Quote from: nontechnie on August 18, 2011, 10:21:55 PM
If these scenarios described above could be done, please tell me the steps I need to do to accomplish this.

After configuring Google Voice on SP1 of your OBi, the following change will allow you to call your Google Voice number from your cell phone and reach the Auto Attendant where you can place an outgoing Google Voice call.  All other incoming calls to your Google Voice number will ring your cell phone and any telephone connected to the OBi's PHONE Port.  The first one to answer gets the call.

Voice Services -> SP1 Service -> X_InboundCallRoute : {(1?7145550001):aa},{ph,sp1(17145550001)}

where 7145550001 is your cell phone number.

When you call your Google Voice number from your cell phone, the OBi's Auto Attendant will answer and present you with 3 options:  Press 1 to continue this call; Press 2 to make a new call; Press 3 to enter a callback number.

Pressing 1 will ring any telephone connected to the OBi's PHONE Port.

Pressing 2 will allow you to enter a phone number to call (be forwarded to).

Pressing 3 will allow you to enter a phone number to have the Auto Attendant call back to.
Title: Re: Using OBi and GV Outside the USA
Post by: nontechnie on August 19, 2011, 10:02:43 AM
Thank you very much Ron. When the Obi comes, I will try to play with it and if I have more questions, I'll post here.
Title: Re: Using OBi and GV Outside the USA
Post by: QBZappy on August 19, 2011, 11:58:18 AM
nontechnie,

Quote from: nontechnie on August 18, 2011, 10:21:55 PM
But do I have to connect a Real phone to the Obi? Can I not tell my Obi to forward all calls to my cell phone?

Not required if you don't need it. Sounds like you have unlimited incoming airtime. All calls can indeed be forwarded to your cell phone.

Quote from: nontechnie on August 18, 2011, 10:21:55 PM
I've read also of people configuring their family's cell phones so they can take their phones overseas and yet to able to call to the US free. How do I configure my relatives' cell phones (they are Canadian cell phones though) so they can  call my Obi and then have my Obi forward all calls to my cell?

Calling from a cell phone->your OBi (long distance call), implies that the call between the cell phone and your OBi is free. It is unlikely that your relatives have free international calls on their cell phones otherwise they could be calling you directly.

They will need an OBi in their telephone area code plus either an unlimited incoming or outgoing minutes for the call to be free. If their cell plan is unlimited outgoing they can simply call the OBi and dial any number over a previously setup GV acct using the Auto Attendant of the OBi. If they have unlimited incoming air time they can use the Callback feature of the OBi. Call the OBi, hang up before the call is answered, the OBi will call them back offering the Auto Attendant features. They would need to set up the unit with the correct dial plan for this to work.

Although it can be done, getting a GV acct setup outside the USA is not easy. It is best to ask someone the the USA to setup an acct, because of a couple of hurdles GV sets up in the way (local Phone activation+US ip).

By now basic configuration such as you ask has been documented many times. Have a look around. If you still have problems feel free to ask.
Title: Re: Using OBi and GV Outside the USA
Post by: Jiver on September 04, 2011, 04:25:52 PM
could anyone clarify how i could do the following?
i got a headache making searches (not very familiar with VoIP advanced settings)

i have a obi110 in the US and another one in Canada (as soon as I bring it with me)
since it appears goog's blocking IP addresses outside US, I want to have it call through my obi in the US
ive already set up so that incoming calls can be received in Canada (through Sipgate forwarding)
now all i need is to setup outgoing
i have both devices under the same account (so I assume there is no need for that circle of trust thing)
im under the assumption that this dialing out would have to be done through the automated attendant?

so if i make the following one of my speeddial number: **9B2**2
where B is the Obi 9 digit number in the US
i assume at this point the automated attendant responds?
(do i need to additional setup? cant get AA to answer from my cellphone thats added to trusted callers)
pressing 2 would then allow dialing out?
**2 would pick the second GV line thats not being used as primary in the US obi110
afterwards would I be able to dial my desired number?
or would I need to play around with the InboundCallRoute settings (the ones that look like jibberish)...?
Title: Re: Using OBi and GV Outside the USA
Post by: RonR on September 04, 2011, 04:41:04 PM
Jiver,

Why not simply configure both OBi's so that calls be made though either OBi without the use of the Auto Attendant (it's called single-stage dialing)?  It's a whole easier to set up than you might think at first glance.  Take a look at this thread:

http://www.obitalk.com/forum/index.php?topic=1103.0

Incoming calls on either or both OBi's can even be configured to ring both OBi's, if desired (no Sipgate or Google Voice forwarding required).
Title: Re: Using OBi and GV Outside the USA
Post by: Jiver on September 04, 2011, 05:31:24 PM
Woah...talk about gibberish
so doing all that, I would be able to dial straight, to a local number in Canada using GV through my Obi in the US?
or i still have to put something in speed dial, but have no delay in dialing thereafter?

Is there any way I could convince to write the exact syntax I need for the inbound call route (and the rest perhaps unless I just need to put my Obi#)?
to dial from Obi-US (SP2 i guess, being the 2nd GV line) using Obi-CAN
and I guess Obi-CAN receiving calls from Obi-US (SP2), where SP2 does not ring at Obi-US (only in CAN), if you say its possible without Sipgate forwarding

I assume no configuration is needed for Obi-US, right?
Title: Re: Using OBi and GV Outside the USA
Post by: RonR on September 04, 2011, 05:52:33 PM
You simply configure both OBi's with:


Voice Services -> OBiTALK Service -> InboundCallRoute:

{(Mcot)>(Mpli):pli},{(Mcot)>(<*1:>(Msp1)):sp1},{(Mcot)>(<*2:>(Msp2)):sp2},{(Mcot)>(<*8:>(Mli)):li},
{(Mcot)>(<*9:>(Mpp)):pp},{(Mcot)>(<**1:>(Msp1)):sp1},{(Mcot)>(<**2:>(Msp2)):sp2},
{(Mcot)>(<**8:>(Mli)):li},{(Mcot)>(<**9:>(Mpp)):pp},{(Mcot):aa},{ph}

Note: Replace pli above (2 places) with the OBi's PHONE Port -> PrimaryLine trunk name (sp1,sp2,li,pp,tg1) as the OBi won't do it for you.


User Settings -> User Defined Digit Maps -> User Defined Digit MapX:

Label : cot
DigitMap : (200123456|200123457)

where 200123456 is the OBiTALK number for OBi #2 and 200123457 is the OBiTALK number for OBi #3.

Note: These are trusted caller OBiTALK numbers.  This DigitMap should also contain the OBiTALK numbers of any OBiON Apps that are used.


In the PHONE Port and Auto Attendant DigitMap's, change [1-9]x?*(Mpli) to [1-9]x?*@@.

In the PHONE Port and Auto Attendant OutboundCallRoute's, change {([1-9]x?*(Mpli)):pp} to {([1-9]x?*@@.):pp}


Speed Dial #2 : PP(ob200123456)
Speed Dial #3 : PP(ob200123457)

where 200123456 is the OBiTALK number for OBi #2 and 200123457 is the OBiTALK number for OBi #3.


From either OBi, you make calls though the local OBi dialing normally:

     18005551212  ->  Local PrimaryLine
**1 18005551212  ->  Local SP1 Service
**2 18005551212  ->  Local SP2 Service
**8 18005551212  ->  Local LINE Port
**9 200123456      ->  Local OBiTALK Service

From OBi #3, you make calls through OBi #2 by dialing:

    2*18005551212  ->  OBi #2 PrimaryLine
2 **1 18005551212  ->  OBi #2 SP1 Service
2 **2 18005551212  ->  OBi #2 SP2 Service
2 **8 18005551212  ->  OBi #2 LINE Port
2 **9 200123456      ->  OBi #2 OBiTALK Service

From OBi #2, you make calls through OBi #3 by dialing:

    3*18005551212  ->  OBi #3 PrimaryLine
3 **1 18005551212  ->  OBi #3 SP1 Service
3 **2 18005551212  ->  OBi #3 SP2 Service
3 **8 18005551212  ->  OBi #3 LINE Port
3 **9 200123456      ->  OBi #3 OBiTALK Service


If you'd like the other OBi's phone to ring on incoming calls (no Sipgate or Google Voice forwarding required):

For the trunk(s) you wish to ring the other OBi:

Voice Services -> SP1 Service -> InboundCallRoute
Voice Services -> SP2 Service -> InboundCallRoute
Voice Services -> OBiTALK Service -> InboundCallRoute
Physical Interfaces -> LINE Port -> InboundCallRoute

change ph or {ph} to {ph,PP(ob290123456)}

where 290123456 is the OBiTALK number of the other OBi.
Title: Re: Using OBi and GV Outside the USA
Post by: Jiver on September 04, 2011, 08:29:33 PM
Wow, thank you very much. ;)
Just one last question, when you say change pli in 2 places...
do you mean like where it says "{(Mcot)>(Mpli):pli}...."
i should put in "{(Mcot)>(Msp1):sp1}...." right?

sp1 being my primary line on Obi-US
while Obi-CAN is dialing/receiving calls from Obi-US's sp2...

as far as dialing from Obi-CAN through Obi-US...do i need to have 1+areacode+number?
or can i just dial 2*5551234 if i already set up that sp2's default area code?
or even better...
any way of dialing without the speed dial? making it the primary outbound code for Obi-CAN?

Title: Re: Using OBi and GV Outside the USA
Post by: RonR on September 04, 2011, 08:36:59 PM
Quote from: Jiver on September 04, 2011, 08:29:33 PM
Just one last question, when you say change pli in 2 places...
do you mean like where it says "{(Mcot)>(Mpli):pli}...."
i should put in "{(Mcot)>(Msp1):sp1}...." right?

That's correct.

Quote from: Jiver on September 04, 2011, 08:29:33 PM
sp1 being my primary line on Obi-US
while Obi-CAN is dialing/receiving calls from Obi-US's sp2...

Each OBi needs to get the same changes described in this thread.  Each OBi needs to have pli replaced with its respective PrimaryLine.
Title: Re: Using OBi and GV Outside the USA
Post by: Jiver on September 04, 2011, 08:40:50 PM
(if you missed before my edit)

as far as dialing from Obi-CAN through Obi-US...do i need to have 1+areacode+number?
or can i just dial 2*5551234 if i already set up sp2's default area code?
or even better...
any way of dialing without the speed dial? making it the primaryline for Obi-CAN?
Title: Re: Using OBi and GV Outside the USA
Post by: RonR on September 04, 2011, 08:48:11 PM
Quote from: Jiver on September 04, 2011, 08:40:50 PM
as far as dialing from Obi-CAN through Obi-US...do i need to have 1+areacode+number?
or can i just dial 2*5551234 if i already set up that sp2's default area code?

The SP1/SP2/LINE Port DigitMaps haven't been changed, so you dial the same way as before.

Quote from: Jiver on September 04, 2011, 08:40:50 PM
or even better...
any way of dialing without the speed dial? making it the primaryline for Obi-CAN?

You don't need to use any Speed Dials if you don't want to.  The Speed Dial 2 and 3 have to be there for the all this to work, but you can forget about these two.  You can set up Speed Dials of your own (starting with 4) or not, that's your choice.
Title: Re: Using OBi and GV Outside the USA
Post by: Jiver on September 04, 2011, 08:58:23 PM
well if I dial without speeddial,
how would Obi-CAN know to send my outgoing calls through Obi-US?

From OBi-CAN, you make calls through OBi-US by dialing:
2 **2 18005551212  ->  OBi-US SP2 Service


isnt that how I would go about calling normally?
since there wouldn't be a functional primaryline for Obi-CAN
(with google blocking canadian ip's from using gmail calling, the reason behind all this headache)
Title: Re: Using OBi and GV Outside the USA
Post by: RonR on September 04, 2011, 09:16:57 PM
Sorry, I misunderstood what you were asking.

If this is too much of a headache, checking the Default boxes will restore your original settings.
Title: Re: Using OBi and GV Outside the USA
Post by: Jiver on September 04, 2011, 09:21:10 PM
lol, thanks for all the help, didnt mean to sound ungrateful
i guess ill just deal with the 2**2 for now, much better than a monthly bill
Title: Re: Using OBi and GV Outside the USA
Post by: mnjeepmale on October 19, 2011, 05:46:36 PM
I don't show that anyone has used the OBi in Malaysia. I will be traveling there in a few weeks and staying for several months.

Now I am not technical when it comes to voip. I have hooked up a OBi 110 with GV at my family house so they could cancel their landline. It was a simple process.

I want to have voip while in Malaysia so I can call back to the US for free and also have a US number with the OBi so friends/family can call me and not have to pay for an international call.

I used Magicjack before when I was in Malaysia but I really would like to use the OBi instead if it works.

Suggestions?
Title: Re: Using OBi and GV Outside the USA
Post by: Stewart on October 21, 2011, 06:36:03 PM
Quote from: mnjeepmale on October 19, 2011, 05:46:36 PM
I don't show that anyone has used the OBi in Malaysia. I will be traveling there in a few weeks and staying for several months.
Sorry, I don't know whether Google Voice may be blocked from Malaysia.  But even if that's the case, you could still call to/from your family home for free on OBiTALK, as well as make calls thru their OBi.  If desired, you could also get an inexpensive SIP account.  For this purpose, you don't need 911, so e.g. Localphone ($0.99/mo. for unmetered incoming; $0.005/min. to most US destinations) may be suitable.  If you want the best quality, take a look at Anveo or Callcentric.

Assuming that you will have a cell phone with a local SIM, all of the above providers can forward to MY mobile for very reasonable rates.  For inexpensive outbound calling from your mobile, set up the OBi to call you back, or (if you have a smartphone) use the Web call offered by the provider.
Title: Re: Using OBi and GV Outside the USA
Post by: mnjeepmale on October 26, 2011, 02:06:58 PM
I am going to try Google Voice from Malaysia. I doubt it is blocked there. I just bought another OBi 110 today for my trip.
That is where I get confused. What are the steps to connect to the OBiTALK in the US to make calls? How do I make that work? If they(family) were on the phone using the line(GV through OBi), would I need to wait until the line is free?

Can I make a OBi to OBi call? What are the steps?
Title: Re: Using OBi and GV Outside the USA
Post by: cybuerke on November 15, 2011, 03:30:52 AM

Just to resurrect the "This Location Works" database:

Where were you?  UK
How were you connected to the Internet? ADSL
What kind of calls worked?  GV to  US 800 nos. (eg TellMe),  Canadian Landline
What kind of calls did not work?  None
Any other observations?  Excellent sound quality, even during ~20 minute call.
Title: Re: Using OBi and GV Outside the USA
Post by: baky on December 03, 2011, 07:52:30 AM
I am traveling to VN and wondering; Has anyone try OBI with Google Voice in Vietnam yet?  Any response greatly appreciated.
Title: i am new to obi and need some help about Circle of Trust
Post by: ebbyt00@yahoo.com on December 03, 2011, 09:26:47 AM
i have 2 questions first how to use Circle of Trust if someone adds me to his Circle of Trust and what is the way to use his obi device ,all i have is softphone and how am i suppose use his device to call someone and what is the advantage of that ,could anyone help me .
Title: Re: Using OBi and GV Outside the USA
Post by: larrybob on December 06, 2011, 12:32:25 AM
Works perfectly using Google Voice from Brazil!

I sent an OBI 110 to Rio, after signing up with google voice and testing it in California.
When it arrived, all that was needed was to connect it up, and calls could be made to and form the U.S. The call quality was fantastic!!
(I have not used the line port yet, as i am working on the configurations needed for this. Follow my other posts to see my progress with this.)
Larry
Title: Re: Using OBi and GV Outside the USA
Post by: GeeDub on January 03, 2012, 05:49:20 AM
Works well in the Dominican Republic.
FYI: Call phones in Gmail is available in Dominican without connecting through VPN or proxy server
Title: Re: Using OBi and GV Outside the USA
Post by: skpv on January 07, 2012, 01:22:23 PM

Quote from: humble on May 18, 2011, 10:17:07 PM
Where were you? India
How were you connected to the Internet? Tomato Router - 2MBPS Speed
What kind of calls worked? Calls to and from US and Canada
What kind of calls did not work? None
Any other observations? None

Awesome and worked out of the box. Thanks.

Auto Provisioning is very useful where you don't rely on portforwarding etc.,

Keep up the good work

Hi there, would you please shed some light on your experience with India internet. I just send a device to New Delhi. they have MTNL broadband service. Obi seems not to be connected with the internet. I changed the port forwarding to Computer firewall.

        TCP Ports: 6800, 5222, 5223
        UDP Ports: 5060, 5061
        UDP Port: 10000

Have no idea how should i fix it in the router, if this is the issue. I assume the MTNL modem is the router itself as it has ethernet ports at the back of it.

Any comment/ experiences would be helpful

Thanks
Title: Re: Using OBi and GV Outside the USA
Post by: Stewart on January 07, 2012, 06:53:13 PM
Quote from: skpv on January 07, 2012, 01:22:23 PMI just send a device to New Delhi. they have MTNL broadband service. Obi seems not to be connected with the internet. I changed the port forwarding to Computer firewall.
Make and model of modem/router?  Do you have remote access to it?

From the phone connected to the OBi, if you dial ***1, do you hear an IP address?  Can you access that from a PC on the LAN and see the OBi Web pages?  If so, on the System Status page, is the System Time correct?  What shows for SP1, SP2 and OBiTALK Service Status?

If you dial **9 222 222 222, what do you hear?
Title: Re: Using OBi and GV Outside the USA
Post by: skpv on January 08, 2012, 09:08:17 AM
Thanks for response. The modem is : sterlite sam300ax
Obihai tell the IP address after ***1 however, it is the same IP that shown in the computer internet connection. I could not access the modem and the obi page as well.
I opened the obitalk page and tried to add the obi, it simply didn't go through. When I dial the **5XXXX number it says to hang up after sending information to the server however on obitalk it shows no change. When dial **( 222 222 2222 it says that it was rejected by the service provider. Please guide me what I can do.
Thaks again
Title: Re: Using OBi and GV Outside the USA
Post by: Stewart on January 08, 2012, 09:41:53 AM
Quote from: skpv on January 08, 2012, 09:08:17 AMObihai tell the IP address after ***1 however, it is the same IP that shown in the computer internet connection.
Something is very wrong; probably some incompatibility between OBi and modem.

Try this: power off OBi, modem and PC.  Power up modem and wait for it to come ready.  Then, power up OBi, wait one minute, then dial ***1 and confirm that it received an IP address.  I believe that with default settings in the modem, it should be 192.168.1.2 .  Then, boot up the PC (which I assume is set for automatic addressing) and see what IP address is shown for the Ethernet interface when you type
ipconfig
at a command prompt.  With luck, it will be different, e.g. 192.168.1.3 .  Then, you should be able to access the OBi web pages at 192.168.1.2 .

If you still get the same address for both PC and OBi, report the detail; I suspect that your modem is somehow misconfigured.
Title: Re: Using OBi and GV Outside the USA
Post by: Stewart on January 08, 2012, 09:49:13 AM
I found this link http://mtnldelhi.in/services/con_s.doc which implies that the LAN ports are not all the same.  What devices do you have on each of the ports?  What address does the OBi get?  The PC?
Title: Re: Using OBi and GV Outside the USA
Post by: skpv on January 08, 2012, 12:25:12 PM
Stewart, I will try these first thing in their morning and will report you back here. thanks for your help, am hopeful now.
Title: Re: Using OBi and GV Outside the USA
Post by: skpv on January 10, 2012, 01:37:02 AM
Quote from: Stewart on January 08, 2012, 09:49:13 AM
I found this link http://mtnldelhi.in/services/con_s.doc which implies that the LAN ports are not all the same.  What devices do you have on each of the ports?  What address does the OBi get?  The PC?

Hello Stewart,

Just letting you know that the document was of great help. They really have dedicated port for VOIP. with your guidance, finally I could get the separate ips for pc and the obi however, it is yet to see if the obi web page can be accessed. **9 222 222 222 testing failed with no service, couldn't connect with my obi in Canada. But it is too early to say anything, I need one more try before I can give you full report. Hopefully, in next 24 hours I will be able to say for sure as I couldn't connect with my family in India.

Thanks
Title: Re: Using OBi and GV Outside the USA
Post by: skpv on January 10, 2012, 11:04:02 PM
Hi there, Could try one more time. The IP address for the obihai and the PC are different, but can't access the webpage for both modem/ router and the obihai as well. Can't add device on obitalk either. Any suggestion?
Title: Re: Using OBi and GV Outside the USA
Post by: Stewart on January 11, 2012, 06:24:34 AM
Quote from: skpv on January 10, 2012, 11:04:02 PM
Hi there, Could try one more time. The IP address for the obihai and the PC are different, but can't access the webpage for both modem/ router and the obihai as well. Can't add device on obitalk either. Any suggestion?
This sounds bizarre -- can you confirm that the PC was able to access the modem/router web pages (and the Internet), but when you plugged in the OBi, the PC is no longer able to access the modem/router at 192.168.1.1, even though it can still access the Internet?

I don't trust the "specialized" nature of the LAN ports on that device.  Try the following: power off modem, PC and OBi.  Connect the OBi to the LAN port where the PC was previously connected, i.e. the port that we know has proper access to the Internet.  Leave the PC disconnected for now.  Power up modem, wait for it to come ready, then power up the OBi.  Wait one minute, then try **9 222 222 222 .  If that works, we know that the OBi is accessing the Internet ok.  Next, power up the PC and connect it to the other "broadband" port.  Report whether it can access the Internet, the modem web page and the OBi web page.

If the above can't be made to work, one choice is to use a single port on the modem, with an external router.  Another option that may work is setting a static IP address in the OBi or the PC, but if the person there messes up, one may lose control of the device.
Title: Re: Using OBi and GV Outside the USA
Post by: skpv on January 19, 2012, 03:28:24 PM
Hi Stewart,
It turn out that the modem cum router was dysfunctional. Currently it is working with GV and freephoneline crystal clear. Will try to do some call forwardings based on my need and suggested on this site and hopefully it will be all well.
Thanks a lot for your support.
Title: Re: Using OBi and GV Outside the USA
Post by: skpv on January 28, 2012, 11:40:41 AM
Problem is that Obi in India show sleep status and can receive calls from other obi numbers. However, properly connected with working internet connection and power. The calls from on PTSN successfully forwarded using SP1 (Canada) and SP2 (GV) numbers. And no issue with call receiving through SP1 and SP2.
Please help!
Title: Re: Using OBi and GV Outside the USA
Post by: paulpresident on March 02, 2012, 01:33:42 PM
Quote from: MagicVoice on April 04, 2011, 04:32:45 AM
Where were you? Philippines
How were you connected to the Internet?PLDT DSL
What kind of calls worked?Calls to and from US and Canada
What kind of calls did not work?None
Any other observations?The bigger your bandwidth, the better the call quality.  Calls to and from US cellphones work as well.

Hi, did you have to use a cloaked /masked IP to get a Google Voice number or did Google not block you and got a number right away? Thanks very much and best of health to you
Title: Re: Using OBi and GV Outside the USA
Post by: mykmayk on March 12, 2012, 10:59:36 AM
Where were you? Philippines
How were you connected to the Internet? Bayantel DSL
What kind of calls worked? Calls to and from the US
What kind of calls did not work? Some US Verizon landline phones can't seem to call the GV number.  GV via OBi from the Phils. can call those same US Verizon phones just fine.
Any other observations? No proxies required.  Calls to/from GV via OBi located in the Phils. are freeeeeeeeeee.
Title: Re: Using OBi and GV Outside the USA
Post by: JeanObiUser on April 19, 2012, 10:08:20 PM
I have a question I am hoping someone can help me with. I'll be overseas in a few weeks. I'll be taking my Obi which is configured to use Google Voice to make calls. I plan to connect both the ethernet and local phone port line to the Obi. Since the local phone port is connected, when I call a local phone number (local to that country) on the phone will is make the call using the local phone port line and not the ethernet connection? And when I make a call to the usa will the Obi know to make the call using the ethernet collection and not the local phone port line?

I want to know how the Obi will know or differentiate between the two types of calls. How will it know when to use the internet cat5 cable to make the call and when to use the phone port? I guess this question is also applicable in the usa when I have both the ethernet connected and the phone port line connected as well.

How can you specific which method to use to make the out going call? Thanks in advance.

Jean
Title: Re: Using OBi and GV Outside the USA
Post by: jimates on April 22, 2012, 12:56:13 AM
If this is a temporary change, you can press **8 before dialing the local number. This will send the call on the land line. Since the Obi is already set up to use google voice as default that will not change, you can dial as you normally have.

Also, pressing # on the phone will connect you directly to the land line's dial tone and you can dial local.
Title: Re: Using OBi and GV Outside the USA
Post by: JeanObiUser on April 23, 2012, 03:47:25 PM
Thanks Jimates for the reply. That was very helpful. Is there a way to make it the opposite. Letting the land line port be the default line dialed through (without needing to dial "**8" or "#" first) and the google voice ethernet line needing # to activate its dial tone? I hope that was clear.

Also how do I become a Obi beta user like yourself ? Sounds intriguing. thanks in advance.

Jean
Title: Re: Using OBi and GV Outside the USA
Post by: jimates on April 23, 2012, 06:25:08 PM
Physical Interfaces -> Phone -> PHONE  Port -> Primary Line = PSTN (un-check the Obitalk Settings box & check the default box)

This will send all direct dialed calls out the line.
To use the SP services, pre-pend **1 for SP1 or **2 SP2 service.

If you want an automatic setup where the proper service is used based on the digits you dial, without pre-pending anything, you can change the phone port outbound call route. With the correct call route you would just change the default outgoing line when moving from the US, and visa versa when coming back.

RonR speaks both digitmap and callroute. I haven't taken the initiative to really learn it because he does such a great job with it.

(I have so much knowledge now that I am not using, why learn something else I won't use.)
Title: Re: Using OBi and GV Outside the USA
Post by: Tropitaste on May 26, 2012, 09:00:25 AM
//

I have been using Google Voice and OBI in Suriname for over a year successfully.
Title: Re: Using OBi and GV Outside the USA
Post by: James on July 11, 2012, 07:17:23 AM
Noob here.

Sending a new OBi100 to family in DUBAI (UAE). All we need is to call each other using our OBi numbers (OBi to OBi call). What steps do I need to take here in the States before I send the device to Dubai? Thanks for your help.
Title: Re: Using OBi and GV Outside the USA
Post by: QBZappy on July 11, 2012, 07:47:49 AM
James,


Quote from: James on July 11, 2012, 07:17:23 AM
Noob here.

Sending a new OBi100 to family in DUBAI (UAE). All we need is to call each other using our OBi numbers (OBi to OBi call). What steps do I need to take here in the States before I send the device to Dubai? Thanks for your help.

I would not send an OBi overseas without setting it up with a second (backup) voip service. Consider setting up a free sip2sip acct as well. https://mdns.sipthor.net/register_sip_account.phtml

Before sending it you should test it at a friend's house to simulate calling over the internet. By the way, are there any internet restrictions in DUBAI (UAE) which might impede a voip call?
Title: Re: Using OBi and GV Outside the USA
Post by: James on July 11, 2012, 12:30:08 PM
Quote from: QBZappy on July 11, 2012, 07:47:49 AM
James,

I would not send an OBi overseas without setting it up with a second (backup) voip service. Consider setting up a free sip2sip acct as well. https://mdns.sipthor.net/register_sip_account.phtml

Before sending it you should test it at a friend's house to simulate calling over the internet. By the way, are there any internet restrictions in DUBAI (UAE) which might impede a voip call?

I may not be able to explain this properly, but services like Skype are blocked in UAE from what I understand. I currently use Localphone to call and it eats up my money real fast.

As I explained, I am super Noob when it comes to VoIP - but since I have a OBi100 (connected to Google Voice) my thought I could send a OBi100 to my family in UAE and just use their OBi to OBi free call feature. Will this work?

I am sorry I know you are trying to help, but I have no clue about the a "second (backup) voip service" and a "sip2sip acct" - why do I need these?

Thanks again.
Title: Re: Using OBi and GV Outside the USA
Post by: QBZappy on July 11, 2012, 01:05:33 PM
James,

Quote from: James on July 11, 2012, 12:30:08 PM
but services like Skype are blocked in UAE from what I understand.

but since I have a OBi100 (connected to Google Voice) my thought I could send a OBi100 to my family in UAE and just use their OBi to OBi free call feature. Will this work?

but I have no clue about the a "second (backup) voip service" and a "sip2sip acct" - why do I need these?

I was pretty certain that UAE was blocking communication via the internet in some fashion.

I believe I remember someone else asking questions on how to setup an OBi in the UAE. You may have to search the forum here and/or ask the question over at another popular international (mostly N. America) voip forum. I know there are OBi users who might be able to confirm if people have set it up in that region.
http://www.dslreports.com/forum/voip

You may also ask the OBi support people directly by sending them an email. They know where every OBi is physically located on the planet.

As for "second (backup) voip service", you have now mentioned that you have setup Google Voice. That already is a backup voip channel just in case the OBiTALK service is down or blocked. Since the OBi has 2 Service Provider accts you should set them up and use them while the unit is in your hands. Once it is away it may be more difficult to trouble shoot. Although there are ways to configure the OBi remotely.

Just a side note. You may want to setup the units to use the G729 Codec in advance. It is the most efficient voice codec in terms of bandwidth that the OBi supports. I have sent one OBi overseas myself. This setting fixed my voice quality problem.
Title: Re: Using OBi and GV Outside the USA
Post by: Stewart on July 11, 2012, 03:26:22 PM
Quote from: James on July 11, 2012, 07:17:23 AMWhat steps do I need to take here in the States before I send the device to Dubai?
Before sending any hardware, confirm that the desired protocol(s) will work there, by testing with a softphone (or a smartphone app connected to their LAN by Wi-Fi).

For OBiTalk, they can use OBiAPP + X-Lite on a PC, or OBiON for iPhone or Android.

For Google Voice, they can use Gmail.

For a SIP provider, I recommend Callcentric; try the softphone they supply.

I suggest you setting up the accounts they will be using and testing the softphone or smartphone app at a US friend's, to confirm that the setup is correct.  Of course, those apps should be shut down at your friend's before trying to run them in UAE.

If, after getting all of the above working in US, none of them work in UAE, you might try a VPN connection, either one that you set up or one offered by a provider, e.g. CallWithUs or PBXes.

Please note that the above advice is purely from the technical standpoint of establishing communication.  Some or all of it may be illegal in UAE, so check before possibly getting someone in trouble.

If all else fails, you could likely save ~15% over Localphone, by using Voxbeam, LP's wholesale brand.  Rates to UAE are about 7% lower, and their 1-second billing should save you another 5 to 10%.  You get $1 credit at signup, so you can test without making a payment.
http://www.voxbeam.com/rates/asia/united_arab_emirates

Even less expensive, though IMO lower quality and more hassle, is Betamax, with rates as low as 0.096/0.11 (landline/mobile). http://backsla.sh/betamax .
Title: Re: Using OBi and GV Outside the USA
Post by: James on July 11, 2012, 04:09:55 PM
Quote from: Stewart on July 11, 2012, 03:26:22 PM

Before sending any hardware, confirm that the desired protocol(s) will work there, by testing with a softphone (or a smartphone app connected to their LAN by Wi-Fi).

For OBiTalk, they can use OBiAPP + X-Lite on a PC, or OBiON for iPhone or Android.

For Google Voice, they can use Gmail.

For a SIP provider, I recommend Callcentric; try the softphone they supply.

I suggest you setting up the accounts they will be using and testing the softphone or smartphone app at a US friend's, to confirm that the setup is correct.  Of course, those apps should be shut down at your friend's before trying to run them in UAE.

If, after getting all of the above working in US, none of them work in UAE, you might try a VPN connection, either one that you set up or one offered by a provider, e.g. CallWithUs or PBXes.

@ Stewart - Thanks. Wow! And here I was thinking just sending the box over there - all they would have to do is to plug a CAT5 cable and a Telephone and the OBi100 would take care of the rest... Again, pardon me for my thickheadedness - but if ALL i need is OBi100 to OBi100 call using the 9 digit OBi number, do I have to go through all this? Wouldn't the call be treated as regular internet traffic? I do not want to use a "Telephone" number (either landline or mobile), just the OBi number and the OBi100s at either ends to call each other - is that possible without all this hassle with Sipphone/VPN etc. <sheepish_confession>I'm afraid its a bit too technical for me.</sheepish_confession>
Title: Re: Using OBi and GV Outside the USA
Post by: QBZappy on July 11, 2012, 04:30:47 PM
James,

Out of the box it should do what you mentioned. Just a little matter of registering both OBis on the OBiTALK portal. Simplest thing would be to register using one account. All the internal configs will be automagically handled by the OBiTALK portal. Test before sending overseas. At this point it is still not clear if the OBi to OBi calls are not blocked in the UAE.
Title: Re: Using OBi and GV Outside the USA
Post by: Stewart on July 11, 2012, 04:34:41 PM
According to this thread http://www.obitalk.com/forum/index.php?topic=1494.0 , OBiTalk protocol was working in UAE.  However, that may have changed or will change, and there may also be differences from one ISP to another, so it seems worth an hour or two of you and your contact's time to confirm that it's ok, before taking the effort and expense of shipping the device.  Also, the test has some practical value -- they can use the softphone to call you, until they receive and install the OBi.

If the OBiTalk test fails, you can try the next approach, etc.

If for legal reasons you want to avoid using a phone number, that's possible with all three methods.  For OBiTalk, there is a nine-digit number as you have already noted.  For GV, you can send a call to e.g. JamesDoe@gmail.com, instead of a phone number.  And for Callcentric, on the free plan, you get a 1777xxxxxxx number which looks like a phone number, but really isn't (it can't be called from a landline or mobile).
Title: Re: Using OBi and GV Outside the USA
Post by: QBZappy on July 11, 2012, 04:57:30 PM
You can simulate an OBi call by having your friend install the Obion APP+Xlite. You can bind the OBion APP to whatever Obi you want on the OBiTALK portal.

You can also PM some of the members in above mentioned thread. A PM should reach them by email if they don't follow the forum on a regular basis.
Title: Using OBi110 and GV Outside the USA in Bangladesh
Post by: mofiz on October 25, 2012, 07:38:08 PM
Today I was able to use my OBI110 in Dhaka Bangladesh with Google Voice,crystal clear sound,very excited,I set  up the 110 in USA  before I send it to Bangladesh,I did not get IP address first couple of times(power light blinking),then all of a sudden it started working.
Title: Re: Using OBi and GV Outside the USA
Post by: AndreaRowland on February 14, 2013, 05:03:07 AM
So what are the alternatives for it?
Title: Re: Using OBi and GV Outside the USA
Post by: Teds on February 22, 2013, 10:14:30 PM
I have an OBI located overseas after setting it up with GV here. Calls to US works fine. But whenever I try to call GV, it goes into voicemail instead of ringing the OBI phone. Could it be the ports are blocked by the router over there?

I did not have to forward ports when I set it up.  Any ideas?
Title: Re: Using OBi and GV Outside the USA
Post by: QBZappy on March 02, 2013, 04:10:16 PM
Teds,

Chances are that you are using the phone you used to authenticate with GV. You will need to go to the GV acct and change the following:

Edit->Show advanced settings->
Voicemail Access: Direct access to voicemail when calling your Google number from this phone? = SELECT 'NO'
Title: Re: Using OBi and GV Outside the USA
Post by: Teds on March 21, 2013, 09:47:41 PM
Now calls from outside of US using the OBI are being disconnected after a few seconds later. Looks like Google is disconnecting the calls.
Title: Re: Using OBi and GV Outside the USA
Post by: degeldeg on April 09, 2013, 08:13:45 AM
GV calls work fine from here in Israel. So, you are probably not facing a general Google problem.
Title: Re: Using OBi and GV Outside the USA
Post by: team on July 01, 2013, 11:15:40 PM
At the obihai web the said at "How to Get the OBi Outside of the USA" to buy it from amazon.co.uk
( http://obihai.com/how-to-get.php )

What is the difference between the obi110 sold at amazon.com and at amazon.co.uk ?

Which one is better to be used is Israel ?

Thanks
Title: Re: Using OBi and GV Outside the USA
Post by: ianobi on July 02, 2013, 05:49:27 AM
team,

Just a slightly different power supply. It's the same power supply unit wherever you buy it, except the prongs for the mains supply socket vary dependant on country:


Quote
Power Supply Type Universal Switching with Fixed US, EU, UK or AU Style Plug Prongs (Model Dependent)
Input Power
AC Input: 100 to 240 Volts 0.3A 50-60Hz (26-34 VA) Output Power DC: +12V 1.0 Amp Max

Wherever you buy an OBi, the digit maps etc will be set for North American number formats. To speed up dialling and to set up the correct emergency numbers etc, you will need to do some configuring for Israel number formats. There's some examples on this forum and plenty of help here if you need it.

OBi110 seems to be on sale in UK just now for £33.99.
Title: Re: Using OBi and GV Outside the USA
Post by: TCW25 on October 08, 2013, 01:19:55 PM
Quote from: ShermanObi on March 09, 2011, 05:19:43 PM
Going forward, the purpose of this topic is to memorialize success associated with using OBi devices with Google Voice outside the USA.

Where were you?
How were you connected to the Internet?
What kind of calls worked?
What kind of calls did not work?
Any other observations?


In Israel, connected to a 40Mbps/3Mbps VDSL connection (using 018 as the service provider) calls and faxes worked perfectly via my Obi202.  I'm using Google Voice as a backup service, and two voip.ms lines for phone/fax. 

Only issue is that every now and then the box shows it's not registered with voip.ms and requires a reboot.  Then it works for a while longer.