Delta Computer Services

Comparison of the CS200 and TwinTalk

Both the Lineplex CS200 and BT TwinTalk utilise "Call Sign", BT's distinctive ringing service. But there the similarity ends because the two devices have significant differences which may mean that one is more suited than the other to your particular telephone set up and requirements. This page attempts to compare the devices objectively to assist your decision making.

Ease of set up

CS200	TwinTalk
Very easy. Just plug the equipment together. Instructions are included but hardly needed.	The TwinTalk has a number of programmable features which are set by the particular order in which you move the switch and insert the batteries. It is therefore essential to follow the instructions exactly or the TwinTalk units may not work as you want. Each unit is programmed independently.

Speed of operation

CS200	TwinTalk
Calls on the normal number ring the device on Port 1 immediately. Calls using the Call Sign number are switched to Port 2 during the first ring. A phone on Port 1 may give a brief "chirrup" before a CallSign call is switched to Port 2.	Calls are switched on or around the second ring. You will not hear any ringing from devices connected via TwinTalk units during this recognition phase.

Compatibility

CS200	TwinTalk
Believed to be compatible with all UK telcos' distinctive ringing services.	Claims to be compatible only with BT's Call Sign distinctive ringing service.

Connectivity - single phone socket.

CS200	TwinTalk
A single socket is all the CS200 needs.	If you only have a single phone socket, you will need a socket doubler to connect the two TwinTalk units.

Connectivity - multiple phone sockets.

CS200	TwinTalk
If you have two or more hard-wired phone sockets you will need to put the CS200 as the first device on the BT master socket. Then re-route the wiring to the extensions from Port 1 or Port 2 of the CS200 as required.	If you have two or more hard-wired phone sockets, simply plug a TwinTalk unit into each one, setting it to respond to normal or distinctive ringing as required for that extension.

Power source

CS200	TwinTalk
Mains powered, so you will need a 13A power socket nearby. The cable supplied is approximately 1m long with a plug-top PSU.	Battery powered. 2 x AA cells (supplied) per TwinTalk unit.

Behaviour under power failure

CS200

TwinTalk

In a power cut you can make outbound calls normally from Port 1. Inbound calls all ring Port 1 regardless of which number was dialled. Devices on Port 2 can neither make nor receive calls.

When the batteries go flat, you cannot make outgoing calls via that TwinTalk unit and incoming calls will not ring the phone on that TwinTalk. You should consider the safety implications of this carefully. For example, someone who makes few outgoing calls would not necessarily know they were missing incoming calls. Disconnecting the TwinTalk and connecting the phone direct to the wall socket could be fiddly, especially in an emergency situation.

Caller ID (applies if you subscribe to this service)

CS200	TwinTalk
Calling Line Identity (CLI) data is passed through on Port 1 but not on Port 2. If you need to see the CLI for all calls, then you will need a separate Caller Display unit connected in parallel with the CS200.	CLI data is passed through by the TwinTalk for both normal and CallSign calls. However, not all phones and caller display units seem to respond and display the CLI, so this feature cannot be guaranteed to work for your particular equipment.

Call transfer

CS200	TwinTalk
You cannot transfer calls from a device connected to one port to a device connected to the other port.	A call can be transferred to a phone connected via any other TwinTalk unit. Simply replace the handset on the first phone and pick up the second phone.

Barge-in protection

CS200	TwinTalk
Yes, a call in progress on one port cannot be interrupted by a device connected to the other port.	Yes, TwinTalk's GuardCall system means that a call in progress via one TwinTalk unit cannot be interrupted by a device connected to any other TwinTalk unit.

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