Willliam’s Caller ID Diverter is a type of smart configurable PABX system for a house which has up to four extension phones. The device works like a direct dial system and calls will only ring on the programmed telephone extension. The system met the legal requirements of a telephone communications company.

I was inspired to make this system to prevent my student client from being distracted every time the phone rings while he is studying.  As phone calls are usually for one person there is no need for more than one phone extension to ring.  All extensions ringing simultaneously can lead to more than one person picking the line up or no-one picking it up at all as everyone expects someone else to take the initiative.

The best thing about making my project was getting to learn all the new areas of technology which I needed for my project.  This included learning how to use a touch screen and learning about phone signalling.  The hardest part of my project was decoding the caller ID data coming in through the phone line.  This caused many problems and I spent a lot of the time trying to find a proper working caller ID chip.  The one that finally worked and is in the device is the MC145447chip.

I have been inspired by past students of Mt Roskill Grammar to take-up electronics.  They were former Bright Sparks and Realise the Dream entrants who won major awards.  After looking at their projects and what they had done, I was inspired to follow in their footsteps.  I have also had support from people who have encouraged me to keep going and not give up.