Emerson Switchboard Deluxe

Our Review


After wrestling with the durable plastic packaging it took only minutes to connect the simple unit.

The Emerson Switchboard can be powered in two ways. The first is by using the provided power supply, plugged into a standard receptacle. Or, the Switchboard can be powered only by a 9 volt battery if a receptacle is not convenient. No battery is required if the power supply is used. There is a power switch on the side of the Switchboard and a green LED indicates that the unit is on.

After connecting the Switchboard to the computer, telephone and fax, we made sure that our computer was set to enable call waiting. We followed the step-by-step instructions provided with the Switchboard for configuring our MicroSoft Windows PC, and it worked perfectly. Detailed instructions are also included for those who subscribe to America Online (AOL) and MAC users.

After connecting to the internet, we were ready to receive incoming calls. When online, the Switchboard's "Modem" light is illuminated, confirming your connection.

We checked the speed of our internet connection with and without the Switchboard connected and found the performance to be identical.

When an incoming call or fax came in, the Switchboard flashed a "Call" led and the Switchboard rings, not the phone or fax.

We found that we were only able to stay on the phone for less that 30 seconds to keep our internet connection alive, but it was very easy to use the "Reload" button on our browser to continue if we did get disconnected by the Internet Service Provider.

A fax was broadcast to us and the Emerson Switchboard performed equally as well, but we had to either pick up the handset on the fax machine or hit the "Manual" receive button on our fax to activate it. This procedure was clearly outlined in the instruction manual.

When the computer was not online, the telephone and fax machine performed normally while connected to the Switchboard. Made in China, the Emerson Switchboard is lighter and more fragile than similar units that we have tested, and we were somewhat disappointed by the brief 90 day warranty period, while most others have 1 or 2 year warranties. Users have reported a high incidence of failure.

Technical support is provided via a toll-free number.

Warranty - 90 days
Technical support - 877 227 5832

Customer Testimonials

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I talk on the telephone while online?

Just to acknowledge the call. Most internet connections will terminate in less than a minute, but you can reconnect easily after you hang up by clicking on the "Reload" or "Refresh" button on your browser.


Do I need Call Waiting?

Yes. Call Waiting service is provided by your local telephone company and must be available before the Emerson Switchboard can be used.


Will my answering machine pick up the call if I am online?

No. To do this you would need to subscribe to your local phone company "Voicemail" services.


Can I answer any phone, or just one connected to the Switchboard?

Only the phone connected to the Switchboard can be answered.


If I don't answer the call while online, will my connection be put on hold?

No. You can continue to surf without interruption.


Will my connection speed be reduced by the Emerson Switchboard?

No. Tests indicate no reduction in performance when the Emerson Switchboard is engaged.


What if I am downloading a file? Will the file be lost?

If you answer the phone, the transfer will terminate and you will have to begin again, or don't answer the call and the transfer will continue.


Can I use my Caller ID box with Emerson Switchboard?

Yes. Connect the Caller ID ahead of the Emerson Switchboard as directed by the included diagram. However, the Caller ID function on Caller ID equipped phones connected to the Emerson Switchboard will not work properly.


Must I have Caller ID for the Switchboard to work?

No, but Caller ID can be used in conjunction with the Switchboard.