Simple Telephone Security Device

Description:

In the market, there are several types of telephone security devices which are generally simple but not cheap. On the other hand most of them do not guarantee protection against unauthorised operation. Generally they provide blinking or beeping type line-top/misuse indications.

This circuit continuously checks the tel. lines and when it detects a misuse, it sounds an alarm. Additionally it transmits a loud disturbing tone through the telephone lines to prevent further misuse. The circuit does not require any external power supply.

When the switch S1 is at the on position, the line voltage at the output of the rectifier diodes  is approximately 48V which is enough to exceed the zener's (D5) break down voltage. So the T2 gets forward biassed.  As a result the base of T1 is grounded and the remaining part of the circuit doesn't get any supply. In this condition, circuit draws so small current that is negligible and does not effect the normal operation of the telephone line.

When handset of any telephone connected to the line  is lifted, the line voltage drops to 10V so T2 is switched off and T1 gets in forward biassed mode. The astable multivibrator circuitry starts oscillating and the speaker starts sounding. The output of the astable multivibrator  is also connected to the base of T1 so a loud sound is heard in the ear piece of the unauthorized telephone instrument.

MPSA42 and MPSA44 high voltage amplifier pin connections are given in the circuit diagram.

Soft-Action Mute Switch

Description:

This simple circuit is a line-level audio signal muting switch based on a soft-action power on/off process. When the S1 switch is closed, R4, C1 and Q4 JFET quietly ground the signal to be muted in between 100 to 200 ms and the RED indicator light goes on. When the S1 is opened the signal is released and the GREEN led goes on.

Potentiometer R2 must be set to the value twice of the transistor's cut-off voltage so the on/off transition times become approximately equal. R2 and D3 discharge C1 swiftly and mute the signal during the power down. In this process, the signal path should remain stable to below 1/3 of the normal supply voltage (In this example below +/-4). Then Q1 - 2N3819  finishes muting.