I can't remember where, but somewhere I read that the best free version was 1.31, and whoever wrote the information said not to use any version higher than 1.37, but I can't remember why.  I am using Windows 7, and using Herman's link posted in December, have downloaded 1.39.  Tomorrow I'll have my internal modem ready, and can begin testing.  Are there any issues with 1.39 that would make 1.31 a better choice, and if a person wanted, could 1.31 be even found? (I didn't find it on any torrent sites).

When I first learned about PhoneTray Free, I did a pretty extensive search, and discovered all of the Free versions had been replaced with links to the Pro version (even though some were still labeled as a version 1.3x).

Herman re-posted a link to version 1.39, and I have been using it since. It has worked quite well for me.

I would be interested in seeing a table of features that compares version 1.39 with the Pro version, if that exists anywhere.

Also, there were some comments I saw in 800Notes about the Pro version sending data back to it's servers, but I did not see any clarification of exactly what was sent, and how that data was used. These would be 'nice to know' facts if features in the Pro version make a compelling argument to consider moving that version (and whether the licensing fee is one-time, or an annual payment).

In the meantime, I have been exploring version 1.39 as it meets most of my needs now.

Are you using 1.39 with Windows 7?  The post which recommended not using a version higher than 1.31 was posted by "valentino_morfeo" on 7 SEP 13, page 1 of 800notes.com/forums:

"I am still using version 1.31 and still is free and working fine. I think that the old versions still work for free.Do not update to 1.37 or 139."

I would be interested if Herman has any comment on this, as he seems to be extremely knowledgeable in regard to PhoneTray

Yes, I am using version 1.39 with Windows 7 Pro -- no issues (not sure what I should be looking for in the way of issues w/ Win 7)

Just a guess, but the warning not to upgrade to 1.37 or 1.39 MIGHT be because PUBLIC links to those versions will result in downloading the PRO version, and fool you into uninstalling the FREE version...

NYC-HDL wrote:Also, there were some comments I saw in 800Notes about the Pro version sending data back to it's servers,

True.
The Pro accesses an online PhoneTray database, to check for pre-reported scam numbers.

In addition to that service, Pro also offers a "dial out" capability.
Cannot see any other significant changes yet (although it was promised that PT Pro would eventually have a recording capability, so calls could be recorded)

Hmmm... the PhoneTray database would have to capture a lot to surpass the number list that is within 800Notes (unless they scrape 800Notes to pre-populate their database, but it appears they didn't).

PT Free allows you to right-click a number in your log, and it accesses PhoneTray.net and WhoCalled.US for log entries on that number. A number I just checked had entries on 800Notes, but none reported by the two sources used by PhoneTray.NET

I did this search on 4 numbers recently zapped by PTF, and only one had previous notes (from WhoCalled.US, none in PhoneTray.NET); all four are in 800Notes, with a good deal of dated comments...

If they collaborated with 800Notes, PhoneTray would be a better product.

Still, since so many spammers are spoofing numbers, some numbers may 'rotate out of use' after a while, so knowing the age of a reported number would be an important consideration.

NYC-HDL wrote:
If they collaborated with 800Notes, PhoneTray would be a better product.

Quite possibly, but 800Notes contains a LOT of posts that are not "reports", but are merely arguments among the shills and other visitors.  That makes the number/count in the left column of 800notes less than truly valuable to determine the activity of a particular telemarketer or scammer.

I believe the PT Pro list is populated by those who use PT Pro.  Don't know if there are any checks on those reports.

In addition to the apparent number spoofing ... another thing to think about ... if the scammers are using throwaway cel phones, what happens to the next cel user who gets that phone number?

Visitors to 800Notes can certainly enter the reported numbers into the PT database, using spreadsheet or CSV software.  Unfortunately, I doubt if the majority of the complainants know how to block calls, let alone use spreadsheet or CSV editors!

Having said that, I use PT Free, and build my own database, with different WAV response files for each type of incoming call.  Still looking for an inexpensive (or free) automatic phone recorder that uses the voice modem, so I might be able to capture any interchanges I might have with the scammers who were not yet blocked.  I might have convinced one or two to get a real job ... or at least question the people who hired them for their current job.

Slim wrote:Having said that, I use PT Free, and build my own database, with different WAV response files for each type of incoming call.  Still looking for an inexpensive (or free) automatic phone recorder that uses the voice modem, so I might be able to capture any interchanges I might have with the scammers who were not yet blocked.  I might have convinced one or two to get a real job ... or at least question the people who hired them for their current job.

I concur with Slim... I use PTF to help me ID which numbers to ZAP... as mitigated by what can be gleaned from 800Notes...

Sorry I've been away and haven't had a chance to jump on the phonetray wagon. Will be free hopefully this weekend and can start adding the phonetray screenshots.

As I wrote earlier, I was wondering if Herman would have any thoughts on whether there would be any difference in trying to get v1.31, or using the v1.39 that I downloaded using the link he had provided in December?  My modem will be arriving this afternoon, and I'm anxious to get started with PTF.

Indigo Jon wrote:As I wrote earlier, I was wondering if Herman would have any thoughts on whether there would be any difference in trying to get v1.31, or using the v1.39 that I downloaded using the link he had provided in December?  My modem will be arriving this afternoon, and I'm anxious to get started with PTF.

No, definitely stick with v1.39 from my link. 1.31 is just an older version that had a few errors. 1.39 is still the one to use for now.

Thanks, Herman.  1.39 is installed, and waiting for me to install internal modem this afternoon. I appreciate your input!  Thanks...

Herman wrote:Sorry I've been away and haven't had a chance to jump on the phonetray wagon. Will be free hopefully this weekend and can start adding the phonetray screenshots.

We are exeriencing a rare "sleet day" in South Central TX, so I had time to make some screenshots to give Herman a hand.

Here is the setup screen:





Here is one page of the PT listing of all incoming calls.  Note "Zapped" was automagically added when PT ... err ... zapped a call.





And, here is the Privacy Manager page, wherein one can set up the parameters for accepting or rejecting (zapping) a call, after selecting "Add to Privacy Manager" for any incoming call, or when one clicks on the combination lock icon:



(I have a spare, small computer (with little memory)  monitoring the phone line, and that pink color is due to my selecting a very low color quality for it, plus my LAN settings.  Also, I have obfuscated the ID information, to maintain privacy.)

The above are my preferences, but you can change any of them to match your own needs.

Thanks for the screenshots, Slim; I just installed my modem and set up PTF;  the first call I got was announced as some 800 number I didn't recognize, and it was logged as "N/A" with no number.  Probably the answer is obvious, but what is "N/A" ?  I'd like to block calls from numbers I don't recognize...

I called from my cell phone to the phone to which PTF is attached.  I have Caller ID active on my cell phone, and my plan supports Caller ID.
However, the PTF call log shows the call as "N/A".  What am I doing wrong?  Sorry for the "newbie" questions... 

Indigo Jon wrote:it was logged as "N/A" with no number. 

That happens, sometimes.  See image below.




If it seems to happen with ALL incoming numbers, see image below.

Indigo Jon wrote:I called from my cell phone to the phone to which PTF is attached.  I have Caller ID active on my cell phone, and my plan supports Caller ID.

OK, but does the phone to which PTF is attached have Caller ID?
If it does have Caller ID, does it display both the number and the supposed name of the calling party?
(My local phone cooperative wants extra $$ for each of those services)

As an aside, there have been several comments about attached modems.  Hopefully yours is a voice modem, so it can play the WAV files you select to send to the telemarketers.  Apparently some USB modems are "better" than others.

Yet another aside ... once you have PT set up, temporarily enter your cel number to be blocked, along with a selected WAV file. (You can manually enter the phone number, in the page displayed after you click the "combination lock" icon).

 Then, when you call your landline phone from your cel, you should hear the block message on your cel, and something should be displayed on your computer monitor.  In some cases, the block message will be played twice ... no fix for that, that I can find.

Don't forget to "unblock" your cel number after testing is complete.

Thanks, Slim.  The "Fix CID" did the trick, and I called from my cell and PTF showed both my name and cell number.  So that part is great.  But you mentioned something I had not thought of...when I ordered an internal modem a few days ago from Amazon, I didn't realize I should look for a "voice" modem, so now I have just the Trendnet internal modem that was on the PhoneTray website. 

If I want to get a voice modem (and I do), how will I know it will do the job with PTF?

Thanks,

Jon

So the Trendnet TFM-PCIv92A modem that I installed is supposed to have voice capability, but when I start PTF it shows "Voice-No".
What do I need to do to get the voice to function?

Thanks,

Jon

Indigo Jon wrote:So the Trendnet TFM-PCIv92A modem that I installed is supposed to have voice capability, but when I start PTF it shows "Voice-No".

Sorry, I am unfamiliar with that modem.
Suggest you read the documentation, and perhaps see if there is an "AT" command that turns the voice option ON or OFF.

Hmmm.
Before you do that, read this:
http://forums.traysoft.com/viewtopic.php?t=570

Slim wrote:We are exeriencing a rare "sleet day" in South Central TX, so I had time to make some screenshots to give Herman a hand.

Here is the setup screen:
https://servimg.com/view/18725202/2 " alt="" />

The above are my preferences, but you can change any of them to match your own needs.

Thanks, Slim. On my installation (Windows 7 Pro), the checkbox to Run PhoneTray as a Service is grayed-out.

Do you know what I can try to enable that option?

What are the benefits (if any) of running PhoneTray as a Service?

Thanks!

NYC-HDL wrote:
What are the benefits (if any) of running PhoneTray as a Service?

Probably not much difference between running as a Service or loading the program on Startup. ... at least, there is little to no difference in speed of response that I can determine.  Hmmm.   On second thought, running as a Service could make the program available to any user (any login) on the computer, while running on Startup (or running by being invoked by a user) will limit the program to use by that user only.

So, if you are the only logon/user of the computer, there is probably no real difference.

Slim wrote: So, if you are the only logon/user of the computer, there is probably no real difference.

I am the only user of this computer, and when I installed, I selected the option to "install for ALL users". (My default for programs I want to run all the time, in case I create new IDs)

Thanks!

Slim wrote:

Indigo Jon wrote:So the Trendnet TFM-PCIv92A modem that I installed is supposed to have voice capability, but when I start PTF it shows "Voice-No".

Sorry, I am unfamiliar with that modem.
Suggest you read the documentation, and perhaps see if there is an "AT" command that turns the voice option ON or OFF.

Hmmm.
Before you do that, read this:
http://forums.traysoft.com/viewtopic.php?t=570

Slim had recommended the thread referenced above, and at the very end of the thread was a post by "Michael" which had information on drivers to use with the various recommended modems:

"PhoneTray Free requires a modem that supports Caller ID. Voice support is needed to play messages to the callers. Please find a list of recommended modems below. These modems have been tested and work well with PhoneTray. Please note that these modems support US/Canadian Caller ID standard but might not work in other countries. If you have a modem that works please feel free to post your recommendations.

Hiro V.92 56K External USB Modem, model# H50113 (Caller ID and Voice) - http://www.hiroinc.com/product_details. ... &item_id=2
$21 at Amazon (click here)

This modem has Agere chipset. Works with Windows XP, Windows Vista and Windows 7 32-bit and 64-bit using our latest drivers:
Windows XP and Windows Vista 32-bit - http://www.traysoft.net/downloads/drive ... em2188.exe
Windows XP 64-bit and Windows Vista 64-bit - http://www.traysoft.net/downloads/drive ... 188x64.exe
Windows 7 32-bit - http://www.traysoft.net/downloads/drive ... em2298.exe
Windows 7 64-bit - http://www.traysoft.net/downloads/drive ... 298x64.exe


Hiro 56K V.92 PCI Modem, model# H50006 (Caller ID and Voice) - http://www.hiroinc.com/product_details. ... &item_id=4
$12 at Amazon (click here)

Trendnet 56K PCI Data/Fax/TAM Modem, model# TFM-PCIV92A (Caller ID and Voice) -
http://www.trendnet.com/products/prodde ... 92A&cat=51
$10 at Amazon (click here)

These modems have Agere SV92PP chipset. For these and other Agere PCI Soft Modems please use our drivers to get voice support:
Windows XP and Windows Vista 32-bit - http://www.traysoft.net/downloads/drive ... em2181.exe
Windows XP 64-bit and Windows Vista 64-bit - http://www.traysoft.net/downloads/drive ... 181x64.exe
Windows 7 32-bit - http://www.traysoft.net/downloads/drive ... em2298.exe
Windows 7 64-bit - http://www.traysoft.net/downloads/drive ... 298x64.exe


Diamond SupraMax PCI LE, model# SM56PCILE-SL (Caller ID and Voice) - http://www.diamondmm.com/SM56PCILE.php
You can buy this modem at OfficeMax and many other stores. Make sure you get the modem with SmartLink chipset (indicated by -SL at the end of the model#). You might need to install the latest SmartLink driver to get voice functions working:
http://www.traysoft.net/downloads/drive ... _20_01.exe

-------------------------------
Submitted by Howard K:

The Sterling V.92 PCI Softmodem is occasionally free after rebate at Staples. The modem works with PhoneTray both for Caller ID and to play messages. But you need to use an updated driver:
http://www.traysoft.net/downloads/drive ... _20_01.exe

Please note that Sterling makes 3 different V.92 PCI modems. Make sure you get model S20D/DF with Smartlink chipset (Part Number “S20-03D” or “S20-03DF” on Box Side Panel).
--------------------------------
Last edited by Michael on Mon Nov 21, 2011 7:43 pm, edited 22 times in total."

So I installed the recommended driver for my Trendnet modem, and the voice function works fine.  Thanks very much to Slim for pointing me to this link...I doubt I would have ever found it myself.

You are welcome!
And, congratulations on reading the info at that link!