2 phone lines to one phone with a toggle switch

[IRShifty]

I have 2 separate phone lines in my room and i would like to make a box that has each phone line plug into it, and then my phone plug into it, and a toggle switch on it that i can use to switch which phone line my phone is on. Im not real sure how to do this and cant find a lot of information. So i came to the best, any help is appreciated.

[timmeh87]

Cant you get phones with that button already built in?

[IRShifty]

Maybe, but i don't have it and I'd rather build it if i can =P

[samjc3]

well, assuming its regular old rj11, or rj12, you should just be able to add a 4 pole double throw switch. although, you might be able to get away with a double pole double throw switch, if rj11/12 (thats normal phone wire) has a line for voltage and ground, which it probably does. then, you could just bypass the switch with those lines, and only switch the two data lines.

[IRShifty]

Im pretty sure its either rj11 or rj12 because its just standard stuff, i have a double pole double throw switch but im not sure how to wire it up, the phone cord is made up of 4 wires, red, black, yellow, and green, i assume yellow and green are data.

[samjc3]

that would be my guess as well. so, with a dpst switch, you would wire the two data lines coming from your handset/phone thingy, to A and B on the switch, then the incoming data lines respectively on A1 and BI, and the other set on A2, and B2. corresponding by color, obviously. then, you would just wire ground and power around the switch. lemme shoop something to better show what i mean.

[bicostp]

If you have regular analog phones, there are no "data" cables. Each phone line should only use one pair of wires, which connect to the phone tap then go right to the local phone exchange. One 4 wire RJ11 cable can support two phone lines. (Usually the middle two wires are the ones used for the main line on that cable.)

You could use a toggle switch, but the problem with that is if you get a call on the line you're not switched to, the phone won't ring. To do this properly you need a multiline phone. (To do it the hacker/redneck way, you need a standalone ringer on each line.)

[IRShifty]

Well its not an issue having the phone not ring for the line that's not on, in fact that's what i want. so you say use the middle 2 wires?

Edit: just did a quick test, the middle wires are the only ones that need to be connected for a dial tone, aka red and green wires.

Edit: i tried this going through my DPDT switch and didn't get a dial tone, am i hooking it up to the switch wrong?

[tom61]

Edit: i tried this going through my DPDT switch and didn't get a dial tone, am i hooking it up to the switch wrong?

The two lines going to the phone use the middle contacts, and each line to the outer contacts.

[IRShifty]

Edit: i tried this going through my DPDT switch and didn't get a dial tone, am i hooking it up to the switch wrong?

The two lines going to the phone use the middle contacts, and each line to the outer contacts.

Well that would seem correct but when i test it, I'm not receiving a dial tone, let me make a picture of what i am doing as of now with no success.

Edit: attached picture.

Edit: I'm thinking it may be because without being soldered to the switch there int enough current traveling through to complete to connection and recieve dial tone. Being as this is a relatively cheap project, I am going to solder it all together and hope for the best.

[IRShifty]

I had success after soldering it all up and flipping the switch the opposite way i thought i needed too. Who would have known. Anyhow here is a picture...