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Using Google Voice + Gizmo as a Skype alternative Report abuse

Jason W
Level 2
3/19/09
As I am working overseas, Ive been using Skype to call US phones, paying 2 cents/minute for each call. 

Additionally, I have a Skype number where folks in the US can call a local number and get forwarded to my Skype account.  This service costs $60/year.

By using Google Voice and Gizmo in conjunction, I can replicate both of these Skype features for free- here is how:

Download Gizmo here:
http://gizmo5.com/pc/download/

Add your Gizmo SIP number to Google voice:
http://www.google.com/support/voice/bin/answer.py?hl=en&answer=115122

Take calls using Gizmo:
http://www.google.com/support/voice/bin/answer.py?hl=en&answer=115123

Thanks so much Google for creating a great service and saving me money.

Replies: 1 of 131 All replies

tyrannon
Level 1
3/19/09
Wow, this really seems great, gotta check this out thanks! Been using skype a lot myself, and am annoyed by my voice messages going into skype and not into grand central.
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fletch1
Level 1
3/19/09
Another good reason to dump Skype is they got bought out by PayPal and would not let you renew your old plan. They did this to force you into allowing PayPal to automatically transfer money out of your bank account without your consent come renewal time. I told them I did not agree-do NOT autorenew and they did it anyway and did not refund my $$$ when I caught them. They didn't get much but it was the principle of the matter. I hope Google puts them under and they probably will once word of GV gets out.
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phrider
Level 1
3/20/09
A follow-on question:  Is it possible to call into the Google Voice main account from Gizmo without being a subscriber to Gizmo outbound "CallOut" services?
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brontide
Level 2
3/20/09
phrider,

I have tried and failed.  GV does not appear to provide inbound SIP termination that would allow my to call in to my number unfortunately.  You can use the web service, but you can't go 100% VoIP.
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crazydave80
Level 2
3/20/09
No, you can't dial directly through Gizmo (without purchasing CallOut credit) unless GV adds a SIP URI or a toll free number to call. In the meantime gotta use the website or a dialer app.
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BM...
Level 2
3/20/09
It would be nice if Google provided us with a Gizmo number.  They'd know who we were if our Gizmo number were registered as one of our phones.  That's what they are doing with the 406 numbers. 

If we had a Gizmo number to call, we could dial out with option 2.  Google, please consider it.  Thanks
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JasonMeudt
Level 1
3/20/09
There is an even better alternatiove that I have been using for quite awhile now...
 
1. Signup for a Voxalot basic account...
2. Signup for a Gizmo (or IPKall/Freedigits...) account...
3. Setup your GV to forward to a Gizmo (or IPKall/Freedigits...) account as above...
4. Setup your Gizmo (IPKall/Freedigits...) account to forward to Voxalot...
5. If you have an ATA (or Softphone...), set it up to connect to the Voxalot SIP servers...
6. If you want (relatively...) free outbound calls, signup for a Betamax VOIP account and then setup your Voxalot account to use that for outgoing calls...
 
 
Now... you have free incoming and free outgoing (relatively speaking... subject to the VOIP providers FUP...) calls!
 
-Jason
 
 
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Spartyguy
Level 1
3/20/09
Jason

With all of the transferring between services, how is the latency and quality of the calls?
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kingoftowns
Level 2
3/25/09
as long as you are near your pc it is easy to make outbound calls using gizmo, just sign in to your GV account and place a call and have it ring your gizmo number, DONE! completely free outbound calls.
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upgrademealready
Level 1
3/25/09
kingofowns,
I don't get it, i thought GV does outbound calls already, why would i need to go through gizmo to do it?

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JasonMeudt
Level 1
3/25/09
"With all of the transferring between services, how is the latency and quality of the calls?"

Well, if you can get the codec selections taken care of, it's fine. There may be a call of two that you notice 'something' but overall it is good.

The best is when you can use Gizmo, since it truly VOIP (using SIP transfers...), but the transcription to POTS has been fine so far as well...


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kingoftowns
Level 2
3/26/09
Popular answer
upgrademealready:

GV is a number that will forward to other phones, it does not make calls in and of itself. when you initiate a call from the GV website it asks you which phone you would like to place the call from and then calls you on that phone and connects you. it is not a VOIP service by itself so you do need gizmo (or some other service) to actually participate in the call.
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matthewfdavis
Level 1
4/12/09
I personally haven't been able to get Gizmo functioning with Google Voice as described by Jason W at the beginning of this thread.  Their service is intermittent at best and Gizmo will only ring 1 out of 10 calls from Google Voice, so I'm definitely stuck using Skype.  I thought it might have something to do with that particular peering, so I purchased some call-out credit and the result is the same.  Users on the other end can't even hear me talk when it did successfully connect.  I also initiated a call from another SIP provider inbound to my Gizmo account and nada.  I guess my Dad was right - there really is no such thing as a FREE lunch!
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Chris Rogers
Level 1
4/12/09
I've used Gizmo with GrandCentral; I haven't upgraded to Google Voice yet.  It generally works but sometimes I experience some of the same problems as other people in this thread (it doesn't always ring, people can't always hear me on the other end, etc.)

I'd say it works about 85% of the time.  If you don't have a landline, that's unacceptable in my opinion, but then again, you get what you pay for.  Fortunately I have a ton of minutes on my cell phone so when it doesn't work, it's not a big deal.
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powaking
Level 2
4/16/09
Voipcheap offers outbound free calling but the number that it dials out of is not one you can just save.
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rickky
Level 3
4/16/09
if you forward gizmo, that is an outbound call and you get charged min, is that what you mean?
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matthewfdavis
Level 1
4/16/09
Rickky - You get charged for outbound calls when you originate them from Gizmo, but Google Voice can call Gizmo for free because its a SIP to SIP call and Gizmo apparently has a peering agreement with Google Voice.
 
I just simply was never able to get Google Voice to call or ring Gizmo successfully, though I have made both Skype and RingCentral work just fine for personal and business purposes...
 
This is all fairly new technology with limited adoption so I'm sure its just growing pains that will be eliminated along the way.
 
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rickky
Level 3
4/16/09
i tested the GV forward to gizmo5 forwarded to my ATA a couple of days ago, seemed to work ok. didnt keep the configuration cause i have viatalk voip until July. when i removed autoprovisioning in the ATA configuration, the viatalk service stopped working but the gizmo5 SIP forward from GV was working ok.  so i set auto provisioning back on and vitalk reconfigured the ATA.  so now i am just waiting for GV to open new accounts, i will port my viatalk # to GV, forward to gizmo5, and forward to my ATA inbound configured for gizmo but outbound i am still looking for another proxy for free outbound calls, havnt found any yet, yeah, i could use GV from a website to ring inbound for outbound calling but i have to keep my pc on, dont want to, similar to majic jack, want to stay away from that. i want a free SIP outbound proxy, but havnt found one yet. i tried forwarding my gizmo5 account to my cellphone for a test, but got charged for it. so i wont be doing that anymore.
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stephene
Level 1
4/17/09
Hello everyone,

I've been using Grand Central with Gizmo for almost 2 years now. For those of you who got problem working with GC and Gizmo, my only suggestion is that don't use the latest version of Gizmo instead use version 3.1.x. I am sure every call will ring and your callers will hear you everytime they call you. I've been tested this since the beta of latest Gizmo, that some calls will not ring and the caller can't even hear you and sometimes you can't even hear that someone is on the other line.

If you don't have the Gizmo version 3.1.x, you can email me so that i can give you.

I hope this will help you save money. I give you my word, this works perfect. God Bless! =)
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crazyk4952
Level 1
6/28/09
I have been using Google Voice with Gizmo as my primary phone service for about 1 month now. It seems to work well with few issues. My major complaint is that my callers hear an echo when I am just using my computer's speakers and microphone. If I use headphones with the built-in mic, then the echo goes away. For about $55 I can get a VOIP adapter that will allow me to plug in a real phone to it and use it just like a landline. I plan on trying this in the next few months.
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LHM
Level 3
6/28/09
GV + Gizmo + PAP2 NA = $400.00 Savings per year on landline costs. I has for me the last 2 years. YMMV
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NetApex
Level 1
6/28/09
How about this one.  Oddly enough since Google Voice doesn't support direct to Google Talk access I had to use a work around.  That is where Gizmo comes in.  Setup Google Voice to go to your Gizmo account and log into Gizmo and have it forward calls to your Google Talk account.    http://digg.com/d1v3gQ  <---- For a quick walk through.
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Global2
Level 3
6/28/09
Gizmo, like Skype, does not provide e911 service. That's the system whereby your adress is transmitted to the emergency center. This is a sensitive point for me, since I once was almost killed by carbon monoxide from a leaky chimney, but managed to stagger to the phone in time. So I use the combination GV + IPKALL +Callcentric. The number from IPKAll is free. Callcentric charges just $1.50 a month for e911 service. Otherwise it is no more expensive than GV + Gizmo.
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LHM
Level 3
6/28/09
CallerID from GV is it passed to IPKall> Callcentric? My last experience was that it will not.
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Global2
Level 3
6/28/09
Yes.
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LHM
Level 3
6/28/09
I just tested GV> IPKall> ATA and get a 253 area code (Wash State) as the caller. It has been that way for me and others for the past 3 weeks or so. The assumption is that GV is not passing CID to IPKall as a deterent from GV having to pay for IPKall to terminate the call when they can pass the call to Gizmo at no charge.. Maybe your not affected because of location.
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Global2
Level 3
6/28/09
I just checked myself after reading your message. You are right. I saw a 206 number. Sorry for the incorrect answer. This is new; it had been working. Thanks for pointing it out. What I will now do is go the next step and pay Callcentric $2.95 for a "dirtcheap DID." This will leave me with a phone bill of about $4.50 a month. I can live with that.
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LHM
Level 3
6/28/09
If you are using an ATA find out the # of emergency dispatch center where the 911 calls are received and add this to your dial plan <911:xxxxxxxxxxxS0> (xxxxxxxxxxx is the telephone # of dispatch center). You will need to verbalize your address to them as it is not E911. Maybe that works for you as a 911 setup.
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Global2
Level 3
6/28/09
As you surmise, that won't do it for me. When the carbon monoxide hit I couldn't tell anyone where I was. 
I just signed up for that dirt cheap $2.95 Callcentric number, tested it and found that it is passing CID from GV on nicely.
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LHM
Level 3
6/28/09
Good deal.
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BAReese
Level 1
7/22/09
I found some instructions for a free SIP calling setup using 2 Gizmo accounts, 1 GV account, and 1 Astrisk PBX. If you don't have an extra computer sitting around, you can setup a virtual Linux system to run your Astrisk system. Granted, this walkthrough is definitely for the geek at heart, but the end result should be pretty cool. I'm definitely gonna give it a shot when I have time! If you're not a geek yourself then you surely have a geek friend that can help you out. Here's that site: geeklad.com/make-free-phone-calls-anywhere-in-the-usa-with-google-voice-gizmo-and-asterisk
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LTN
Level 4
7/26/09
It doesn't seem to function yet but the option is there.
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LTN
Level 4
7/26/09
I wonder if this will now allow us to pretty much get an ATA and use Gizmo and GV like a VoIP phone--both incoming and outgoing?
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aleitry
Level 2
7/26/09
yep, the gvoice configuration fields are built into the settings page.

outbound gvoice without callout credits would be awesome.

for those of us with iphone sip dialers like fring or nimbuzz - it would mean no longer having to use mini safari or a separate gv dialer app.


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hitekalex
Level 1
7/26/09
"I wonder if this will now allow us to pretty much get an ATA and use Gizmo and GV like a VoIP phone--both incoming and outgoing?"

Bingo!  I got an PAP2-NA this weekend, works like a charm for incoming calls with GV.  Once Gizmo integrates GV, I will get free outbound calling from my home phone.  Bye bye AT&T!  
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LTN
Level 4
7/26/09
hitekalex...specifically, what brand and model of ATA did you get? I was thinking of the Linksys but they have various models--i.e., 2100, 3000, etc. I'm trying to determine what the best model would be. Don't want to get one and in 6 months say that I should have spent another $10 for the higher model, etc. Any suggestions?
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rickky
Level 3
7/26/09
Gizmo5 is useless, very unreliable service for the past 4 weeks, down about half day most days, the service just sucks, try SIPGATE.COM
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LHM
Level 3
7/26/09
PAP2 Na has been discontinued for about 2 years. It is still a considered by many (Including myself) as a rock solid ATA. (still used by Vonage)  SPA 3102 is the latest and greatest from Linksys/Cisco. Linksys/Cisco ATA's are the only way to go. IMHO
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LTN
Level 4
7/26/09
LHM...I noticed that the Linksys 2100 has two telephone jacks while the 3100/3102 has only one jack for the telephone. What if I want to use one plug for telephone and the other for a fax line, how will the 3102 be configured for that with only one telephone jack?
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startgame412
Level 1
7/26/09
I was sucesfully able to set up fowarding of calls from my google voice # to my gizmo5 number. This works great for me and allows me to make and recieve calls on my computer which I was hoping ws possible when I fist heard about google voice and which was the reason I singed up for google vice. This is awesome.
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startgame412
Level 1
7/26/09
What is the limit with using gizmo5 to directly call US numbers.  What will happen afte this limited time ofer is up? Will we have to pay to make calls within the us using gizmo5 directly? What about using the google web site to ring our gizmo5 number will this still be free after the limited time offer? Thanks.
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Global2
Level 3
7/26/09
Outbound from Gizmo5 using GV credentials at no cost is now functional. It just worked for me.
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DaveSin
Level 2
7/26/09
Yes.  You can now dial out for FREE via Gizmo5 and Google Voice!!!!  I now have both free incoming and outgoing via gizmo5 via my google Voice number and the use of my ATA (D-Link VTA-VR).
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aleitry
Level 2
7/26/09
great news.

for those on osx 10.5.7, the stand alone g5 app works for outbound gvoice as well.  i tested it a few minutes ago.

for those on iphones with sip dialer apps, neither fring nor siphon work yet.  dialing out produces the automated 'you need to purchase credits' message.

 
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LHM
Level 3
7/26/09
GV outbound from Gizmo5 for free seems to be working great. Now you can dump that landline. SIP in to GV is here.
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LHM
Level 3
7/26/09
My outbound calls from Gizmo thru GV are not being recorded in GV logs. Does anyone else see theirs recorded? 
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MrHelios
Level 2
7/26/09
I got SIP WIFI phone. It's Accton VM1188T same as SMC's model, very stable for Gizmo. Here is the site www.nycit.net, only $59
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LTN
Level 4
7/26/09
MrHelios...could you go to this thread...appreciate putting down your experience and answering some of my questions on your Accton:

http://www.google.com/support/forum/p/voice/thread?tid=4cbefd282a05a7a3&hl=en
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rickky
Level 3
7/27/09
was the free google outbound using the GV  SIP:  6305551234@216.239.37.11:5061
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Global2
Level 3
7/27/09
@rickky
No, it is much better than using that old method. All you have to do is log onto your Gizmo5 account on the web site and enter your GV credentials. Thereafter you can dial out directly --dialing only the number you are calling-- from the Gizmo client on a computer,  a softphone, a SIP WIfi phone or a phone on an ATA. There is no charge.

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MrHelios
Level 2
7/27/09
tinamdonaldson
"Gizmo will be launching a free US limited calling."
 
Limited? How many minutes?
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giazola
Level 1
7/27/09
what do i put in the Google Voice username* box? the user name only or full email address for google voice? I tried both but neither can allow me to make outbound calls and asks for credit to make call.
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LHM
Level 3
7/27/09
User name (NO @gmail.com) and password worked for me and does not use any of my callout credits from G5. Works like a charm from my PAP2.
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giazola
Level 1
7/27/09
@LHM, I have the same setting but my calls can't go through. Do you have G5 credit balance on your account? I think probably I need to put some money even though I don't have to use it.
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LHM
Level 3
7/27/09
@giazola Yes about $0.85. Balance needed? I don't know for sure but I doubt it.
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Andre2
Level 3
7/27/09
It's not necessary to have G5 credit.  However, it IS necessary when registering with the G5 server to use your 11-digit G5 SIP number, NOT your G5 username.  After making this change, it works for me.
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giazola
Level 1
7/27/09
@Andre2: this is helpful. I can hear it is ringing in the phone I called from now after changing the settings. But the phone I called to doen't ring. Any other setting is necessary?
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LH2126
Level 1
7/27/09
Can one access Google Voice's voice mail, etc. from a LinkSys PAP-2T adapter connected phone?  Dialing my Google Voice number results in some rings and then silence.

Also, signing up to route outgoing calls through Google Voice through Gizmo seems to allow me to tell Gizmo to send all outgoing calls through Google Voice, but, after I choose that option, Gizmo indicates only US calls (do calls to Hawaii and Alaska go through Google Voice, or will they still be handled by Gizmo?)  This seems to suggest one still must go to the Google Voice web page to originate international calls through Google Voice and have Google Voice call one's Gizmo connected phone.

Any insights as to these matters would be appreciated.
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Andre2
Level 3
7/27/09
I've only tried it with 2 phone numbers so far, one being the echo test number (909-390-0003) which echoes your audio with a short delay.  Try that.  Prior to this new service, I had everything configured and working properly with G5 and GV, and only had to switch from the G5 username to the G5 SIP number to make it work with direct G5 dialing.  I also noticed that when using an ATA, there is an especially long pause after entering the number before I hear it ringing, but am not sure yet if that's a dial plan issue.  I'm using the factory default dialplan for the PAP2T (previously, with incoming only, the dialplan didn't matter).
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LHM
Level 3
7/27/09
It appears that it works for lower 48 only. All others callouts via GV web site only.
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kizernal
Level 1
7/27/09
If someone figures out the best Dial Plan for GV and G5 please post here.
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Andre2
Level 3
7/27/09
@LHM:  It's likely that G5 isn't able yet to transfer the necessary billing information for international calls to GV yet, so it only allows free calls, and they'll enable the "All calls" option for GV in the G5 account settings when that happens.
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rickky
Level 3
7/27/09
@DaveSin, "Yes.  You can now dial out for FREE via Gizmo5 and Google Voice!!!!  I now have both free incoming and outgoing via gizmo5 via my google Voice number and the use of my ATA (D-Link VTA-VR)."
 
so, if i have GV set up through G5 already through my ATA, all i have to do is change the userid in my ata to my GV credentials, username and password, leave the proxy set to G5, proxy01.sipphone.com? then i can dial out through G5 free?
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rickky
Level 3
7/27/09
@Andre2,  "Prior to this new service, I had everything configured and working properly with G5 and GV, and only had to switch from the G5 username to the G5 SIP number to make it work with direct G5 dialing."
 
QUESTION?: I have GV forwarding to G5 to my ATA, with my G5 11 digit SIP in the username and password slot in my ATA, are you saying that i should be able to call out now through G5 for free since i am forwarding from GV?
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msbmike
Level 1
7/27/09
I've successfully setup Gizmo + Google Voice + PAP2. The only problem I have remaining is that when I receive an incoming call, it passes through my ATA and to my "landline" just fine, but there is no Caller ID info. Any ideas? Thanks.
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hitekalex
Level 1
7/27/09
@rickky - yes
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LTN
Level 4
7/27/09
riccky...you should just try calling out on your ATA using Gizmo. Let us know.
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Andre2
Level 3
7/27/09
@rickky: It should work.  I already had the 11-digit G5 SIP number in the ATA, and it was already working properly for incoming calls before this new service was available.  I didn't have to do anything other than add my GV creds at the G5 website.  My softphone was using the G5 username, so I had to change that to the 11-digit SIP number before that would work.  Now, I can direct-dial US numbers, using either 10- or 11-digit dialing, from either the softphone or the ATA.  But as mentioned before, there is a delay of several seconds on the softphone before hearing the ringing, and a longer delay on the ATA.
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sauceyone
Level 1
7/27/09
hey guys so here's my setup:

iPhone 3G using Siphon App (proxy01.sipphone.com - server / stun01.sipphone.com - stun / with username-pass [not sip#] / nat enabled)

Gizmo5 account - has my GV username/pass and US Calls Only button saved / no forwarding setup

GVOICE - setup a new # / named Gizmo5 / entered sip # no +1 just XXX-XXX-XXXX (no dashes)


Now when i place a call through GV web interface and have it ring on iphone+siphon works just fine and no call credit deducted.

But the issues is when i dial directly through my iPhone+Siphon... out of the 2 test calls i've been deducted call credit (tried with +1 & w/o +1 on sip # in the GV settings and still deducted)

Is there anything i have to do in the Siphon App?

I'm just trying to get outgoing to work using gizmo5 sip thru GV calling plan (i guess?)... receiving hasnt been an issue since i took a 20min call that came straight to the iphone+siphon and also placed a 15min call using GV web interface... now just to get the outgoing working on the iphone+siphon straight outgoing through GV (not through use of webui).

Well thanks for the any input and suggestions (especially if i am doing something way wrong on my end) ... either way GV is very very cool tool.
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Andre2
Level 3
7/27/09
In your SIP softphone, you need to be registering with the Gizmo5 server using your G5 11-digit SIP number, NOT the G5 password.  Prior to this new service, it didn't matter which you used.  If you're still using the G5 username, it can't use GV, so it'll deduct from your G5 credit, if it can (and if you don't have G5 credit, like me, it'll just tell you it can't place the call).
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Andre2
Level 3
7/27/09
Sorry, I meant to say "NOT the G5 username", not "NOT the G5 password".
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orionstrain
Level 1
7/27/09
Has anyone able to use this setup for international call?

In my.Gizmo5 website, I try to save "Use for all calls" under GoogleVoice, but it always revert to "Use for USA calls only".
If I try the GV website, it says: Google will call your phone and connect you for free (in the US).
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rickky
Level 3
7/27/09
how do all landline companies and voip vendors deal with GV+G5 free phone set up now? how does any other business compete with free? isnt this new development going to put  all landline co's, (all BELL services and voips vendors) outta business or at least seriously negatively impact their business models and revenue?
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Andre2
Level 3
7/27/09
@orionstrain: I'm guessing that Gizmo5 isn't set up yet to pass the necessary information to GV to bill for the non-free calls, and that they'll enable the option when that happens.
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soccerBen
Level 1
7/28/09
rickky-- yes. That's the point. Free market competition is best for the consumer. If google can advertise to us while phone is ringing and give us the calls for free, why should we have to pay $40/month for a land line + long distance?
Think of all the extra money people will be able to spend on new stuff (like the things they heard about from the adverts on the phone through google voice).
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bubbajoe
Level 3
7/28/09
WOW!! Google voice just slaughtered every land line and voip vendor in existence. what is GV, the walmart of telecom?  i just alerted viatalk.com that i cancelled their voip service cause i get the same service for free from GV, they're extremely disgruntled about GV's free voip service.
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hotsa.potsa
Level 2
7/28/09
ok, so the new free voip is limited and not for business use, great for the consumer though and 20 min is plenty of time to talk, IF you need to talk more, get a room.  J/K LOL
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sauceyone
Level 1
7/28/09
@Andre2 ... thanks very much works perfectly now... when i was using regular username kept hitting the G5 backend and as soon as i used the sip# instead of the username, was able to dial straight through.
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lghitis
Level 2
7/28/09
Everything is so complicated . G5, GV,  I have all that setup and it does not work 100%.. 

I decided to get Magicjack, $20 for the box and $2.5 per month.($30 for a year).  I plug it in my computer, activated my number immediately, connected it to my Phone base at home and all the phone extensions work all over my house. My old number of 30 years which I needed to keep, I ported it to "parkmyphone" and for $10 a month extra they forward my calls from my old number  to my MagicJack number. Much simpler and easier to setup. All domestic calls are free, even when I am abroad, which I am often, I take my Magicbox with my laptop with me and all calls are free domestic calls.
If I could port my number to GoogleVoice and then forward it to my MagicJack, I would save the $10 a month.


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lghitis
Level 2
7/28/09
If Google could develop something like MagicJack, and integrate all their services with Google voice they would control the communication system in the world.
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rickky
Level 3
7/28/09
OK, thats why GV wont put landlines and voip vendors outta business, people just want to plug and play, not configure, test and improve..........  is GV just for techhhies and geeks, i think i asked that question before...............
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Global2
Level 3
7/28/09
Using the Gizmo client on a PC just I made a call with my GV credentials lasting 42 minutes. No charge. That's way beyond the putative limit.
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bubbajoe
Level 3
7/28/09
42 minutes.........!!!!!!!!!!!yeeeeehaw, you busted through the limits of G5, ATTA BOY.......... no barriers, no limits.
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LTN
Level 4
7/28/09
Assuming Gizmovoice were to actually limit the call to 20 minutes--which is silly--if you're expecting to talk longer, you can always initiate the call from the web to your Gizmo number and to your calling party.
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Global2
Level 3
7/28/09
Don't forget the 44 cents I saved! That's the heart of the matter!
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bubbajoe
Level 3
7/28/09
yes, make 200 calls/month and it does become a matter.
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brausso
Level 1
7/28/09
I just downloaded G5 and it doesn't appear to be free to me. Am I missing something? I must be configuring it wrong because it says I need to add credits
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Andre2
Level 3
7/28/09
To use it with GV, you don't need credits.  I don't have any and it works both incoming and outgoing.
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LTN
Level 4
7/28/09
Have anyone tried to see if you can use the Gizmo5 web interface to make calls? I tried it but it deducted my credit twice. The Gizmo5 web interface appears to be like a softphone, so I'm not quite sure why they are charging for outbound calls when they don't charge when you use their downloadable application or your own softphone.
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bubbajoe
Level 3
7/28/09
this thread is WAAYYYY of track of original question, but it's been very informative
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Andre2
Level 3
7/28/09
@brausso and @LTN: Your softphone or ATA needs to register with G5 using the 11-digit G5 SIP number, not the G5 username.  Otherwise the GV integration doesn't work, and if you have G5 credit, it deducts it.  If you don't, it tells you that it can't place the call.
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Andre2
Level 3
7/28/09
@LTN: Never mind.
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AcctonUser
Level 1
8/11/09
I'm using credits to call out........how can I stop this from happening???
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LTN
Level 4
8/11/09
As long as you have credits, Gizmo will deduct it. If you have no credits left, your outbound will be free up to 3 minutes and then it cuts off.
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AcctonUser
Level 1
8/11/09
I see.  how can I lift the 3 minute limit?
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LHM
Level 3
8/11/09
@AcctonUser "I see.  how can I lift the 3 minute limit?"

You cannot lift it. Think of free 3 minute calls as a free trial of Gizmo services. When you buy callout credits the free trial is over.
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Lucas Sterzinger
Level 1
8/12/09
But are incoming calls free on gizmo?
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LHM
Level 3
8/12/09
'But are incoming calls free on gizmo?'

YES.
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Lucas Sterzinger
Level 1
8/12/09
Isn't there a 3-minute limit to incoming calls?
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LHM
Level 3
8/12/09
"Isn't there a 3-minute limit to incoming calls?"

No.
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Jonavin
Level 2
8/13/09
Gizmo incoming messes up the Caller ID though; or rather, it's inconsistent. Sometimes it's the caller, other times it's some random gateway number.

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TimOlsen
Level 1
8/14/09
Does this work in China? i.e. does Gizmo work in China?
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lghitis
Level 2
8/18/09
The setup of Google voice with Gizmo sounds still very complicated and limiting.

I believe that services like  Magicjack are easier and cheaper. You get your calls forwarded to Magicjack so your incoming calls ring at home in your landline (magicjack), and to dial out you call from Magicjack directly or to show your caller id as google voice, you dial your GV #, your pin and option 2, and then the number you want to dial.(in my case, I configured it altogether in my phone so I just dial auto5, and then the number I want to reach). Magic jack is only $ 2.5 a month.

I would like to hear better options than that.
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LTN
Level 4
8/18/09
ohlord...why do you have to have Sipsorcery? Why couldn't it be just GV+ Gizmo5+ PAP2 NA?
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Box7184
Top Contributor
8/18/09
The setup with Gizmo was relatively easy.  By initiating the call from your GV page, you can use your computer headset to talk (free incoming call to your Gizmo account when it comes from you GV number).

This page will walk you through the steps.
http://www.gizmovoice.com/

You do not need to purchase any credits at all.  You can talk as long as you want if you start the call from your GV page. 

What I haven't solved is the problem of getting the Gizmo screen to show the name of the caller. All it shows is the 10 digit phone number.

Adding the person as a Gizmo contact did not solve the problem. 
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stephene
Level 1
8/20/09
Guys, you can try gizmo on the web too. Here it is https://www.gizmocall.com/
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vstg005
Level 1
8/21/09
Finally! I linked my google voice account to my Gizmo5 SIP number by enabling Google Voice Calling on https://my.gizmo5.com/gizmo5/app?class=MySip;proc=start , and was able to connect calls from the google voice website. Have to use the Gizmo5 client for calls >3mins though ( forwarding to skype cuts off after 3mins)
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mindtab
Level 1
8/30/09
Maybe I'm not understanding something, but I use GV regularly from the webpage to call from California to back East. I don't go through Gizmo or anything else. I login to Google Voice, I click on call, enter the number, my phone rings, and when I answer, the phone back east rings there and I talk as long as I want. Except, I don't talk too long since I don't want to abuse a free system.
I can even place calls in other cities around California, which would be considered long distance. I don't have long distance on my home phone, and long distance calls are actually blocked through my phone provider.
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John of Lower Merion
Level 4
8/31/09
@mindtab
 
Some people don't have a landline, and don't want to use cell minutes, so they download Gizmo5 (or similar, such as Sipgate) to their computers, allowing them to take their calls on a software phone on their computer desktop, bypassing traditional landlines and cell phones completely.
 
You are correct, if you have a landline, just use it to receive your long distance calls using GV and don't bother to use a softphone at all.
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ultimogeek
Level 1
9/16/09
Let me tell you something. I just did this and it FUCKING WORKS!!!

Just call someone from your google.com/voice interface and it'll connect you like an inbound call.
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ohlord
Level 2
9/16/09
@“ultimogeek” 

Thanks for sharing. Why don't you copy your post to your mother just to make her proud of you.
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ultimogeek
Level 1
9/17/09
"ohlord" Just as there is no "lord" there is no demand for a self-righteous prick.
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Luis00
Level 1
9/25/09
I have had better success with forwarding GV to Sipgate One, than with Gizmo5.  Sipgate is highly configurable (softphone, voip phones, ATA) and provides you with a US number.  You can pay a monthly fee to get e911 services as well.

I have had trouble with call quality, but I think its on my end...softphone, bad microphone, speaker setup.  I will be using a headset soon and hope to upgrade to a voip phone or ATA in the not to distant future.
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oz-linx
Level 1
9/30/09
so in reading all that's written above....there is NO sensible solution or alternative to using Skype which has the complete package all in one application, "UNFORTUNATELY", and generally is extremely reliable and not really that expensive by comparison.
seems to be some clever people on here, so guy's what are you waiting for???
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Don P
Level 1
10/26/09
re: gizmo and E911, they have a product "residential service" at $5.95/month that bundles  E911, inbound phone calls, 5 hours of outbound calls, unlimited calls to skype.
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roxio24
Level 1
11/8/09
As a general rule of the thumb,when a simple call involves two different programs,it is at risk of bring cut off frequently.If it were to GV itself,that was okay but with Gizmo involved,it could be unreliable for frequent usage.
 
Already there are complaints Gizmo has been cutting off calls after 3 min.It is not common but it does happen sometimes.
I'd still prefer Skype or even magic jack.The thing is,being 'free' is not an issue here.The issue is call quality and reliability.
I'd happily pay a few more bucks to get something I can rely on.
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Snowhall
Level 1
11/10/09
How did you signup to Google Voice from outside of US?
I can't signup - Google says they don't support Voice outside of US
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Box7184
Top Contributor
11/10/09
@Snowhall

You cannot sign up from any ISP outside the US.  Nor can you use a proxy.  In addition, you must activate a phone with a US area code in order to use the service.
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Papa Bear
Level 4
11/13/09
Gizmo5 Has Been Acquired by Google  http://googlevoiceblog.blogspot.com/2009/11/google-welcomes-gizmo5.html
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Papa Bear
Level 4
11/13/09
To receive information about the Gizmo5 re-launch, enter your email address at http://www.google.com/gizmo5/
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bgalloway
Level 1
12/2/09
won't install on windows 7...blarg.
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samjones
Level 1
12/4/09
I have about 50-60% of my incoming google voice calls not ring Gimzo5 randomly  (just my cell phone)  .   Anyone else experiencing this?
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nyphonejacks
Level 1
12/5/09
here is a simple solution for free outbound calls with Gizmo5 and GV - not sure if anyone has posted it yet...

gizmo5 gives free calls to toll free numbers.... SO... register your number on google maps (as a business number) so that it will be listed with 1-800-GOOG-411 - it will take a day or 2 for you to be able to search for your GV number with goog-411.. once you are able to search for your number with goog-411...

use gizmo5 to call (for free) 1-800-GOOG-411 -> search for your (business) listed GV number with the voice prompts -> access your GV account by pressing * and your password if needed.... press 2 to make your free calls outbound...

it takes a little longer to complete the call... but you could set up a speed dial on your phone, or a dialing plan on your ATA device to accomplish this easier...
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cgruber
Level 1
12/8/09
Hmm.  It still tried to charge me for calls to Canada, even though GV has free calls to Canada.  Calls to US numbers worked wonderfully though.
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norske
Level 2
12/8/09
I suggest you check out the following thread - allowing you to make the free calls, including to Canada, using either gizmo or sipgate - but also incorporating sipsorcery dialplans. 

http://www.google.com/support/forum/p/voice/thread?tid=3cbc497c54dd6b1d&hl=en

While it may seem complicated at first - it's really not much more than cut and paste - and a couple of simple (but absolutely necessary) personalizations to the dialplans. There's one for using gizmo as your SIP provider, and another for using sipgate as your SIP Provider. 
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nick.reich
Level 1
12/9/09
I've been fielding GV calls on my landline, but have wanted to have the capacity to do it from my laptop too.  Here is what I did.  It appears to work (so far) and I haven't had to pay anything to Gizmo or GV. 

1.  Registered for an account on Gizmo5.  (I did this a while ago, though, and this is "temporarily suspended" right now since Google acquired them. -- see notes above on 11/12.)
2.  Downloaded the Gizmo5 client for my mac, opened it and signed in.
3.  Checked the "Forwarding" section on the gizmo5 website and made sure the "no forwarding" was selected.
4.  Added my SIP number from the Gizmo5 account to my GV account by following these instructions:
http://www.google.com/support/voice/bin/answer.py?hl=en&answer=115122
5.  At the end of this process, when GV needs to "verify" your phone, Gizmo5 rang and I used the dialpad to enter the code.  (I had to try to call this phone a few times -- I think the first time the call didn't go through or the settings hadn't been saved or something.)

Now, incoming calls to my GV number ring Gizmo5 when it is running on my laptop.
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Michaelc101
Level 1
12/10/09
Hey, I need to have a survey on GoogleVoice filled out for my marketing class.

Anyonw think they can help?

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/WHP3CNB

Thanks!!
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stealdude123
Level 1
12/11/09
If you integrate the google voice and gizmo5 on the linksys PAP2T adapter, it becomes an excellent landline alternative. Ive been using this for quite a while. Learned how to do this from www.exoticpages.info. I setup my speed dial feature also. My only question is about 911 calls. if i dial 911, then what will the google network do?
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norske
Level 2
12/11/09
stealdude123 - From what little I've ready, Gizmo5 doesn't support 911. The article behind the link below says "

"Warning: Test calls to the emergency services hinder the ability of the emergency services to answer genuine 911 calls. Please do not make a 911 test call, 911 calls ARE supported by sipgate. Any costs incurred by sipgate due to 911 test calls will be passed on to the customer. Please also note that making a 911 test call can be considered by the emergency services as a hoax call for which you can be prosecuted.
sipgate (another SIP Provider) does allow 911 for a $1.90/month charge... "

http://www.sipgate.com/faq/article/569/Setting_up_your_emergency_contact_information


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stealdude123
Level 1
12/12/09
In this case, I will configure my dial plan to call my local police station when dialled 911. the tutorial to do this is available on
 
http://www.exoticpages.info/google_voice_dial_plan_implementation_tutorial.html
 
 
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norske
Level 2
12/12/09
All- there's also a useful HOWTO document that a few of us have been collaborating on... found here:

http://docs.google.com/Doc?docid=0Ae8glDUXDsh9ZGR2eG43cjRfMzNkOTM4ZjNjeA&hl=en

This GV Help Forum thread has more gory details:

http://www.google.com/support/forum/p/voice/thread?tid=3cbc497c54dd6b1d&hl=en

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