By Derek Tombrello

This circuit is extremely simple, therefore there is less chance of any problems. It can be placed anywhere on the phone line and it will record any conversation on any phone on that line.

 

Please note: I have received several emails saying that this circuit will not work and that it may hold your line off hook and to me it looks like it will (it would put quite a load on teh phone line). Build at your own risk.

Schematic

Parts

Part	Total Qty.	Description	Substitutions
R1	1	470 Ohm 1/4 Watt Resistor
R2	1	1K 1/4 Watt Resistor
R3	1	100K 1/4 Watt Resistor
R4	1	6K 1/4 Watt Resistor
C1, C2	2	0.01 uF 100V Ceramic Capacitor
K1	1	24VDC Reed Relay
MISC	1	Wire, Headphone Plugs, Phone Plug Or Alligator Clips

Notes

1. Email Derek Tombrello with comments, questions, etc.

2. To use the circuit, simply connect it in series to the phone. Then plug in the recorder. It will start recording when the phone is picked up.

3. The values of R1 and R2 may have to be adjusted, depending on the characteristics of the phone line it is connected to (they vary). If the R1+R2 combination is increased sufficiently (try 2.47K) then the circuit can be connected in parallel with the line, thus covering all attached devices. (Thanks to Mark Wright for the suggestion).