Amstrad User Group

Nederlandstalig

IndexPhone IX1000 with IndexLink cable

This device is not really a computer but an example of a 'derivative': a telephone with an index Rolodex feature and the option to communicate with a computer. The model was made as from 1994.

At first sight the IX1000 looks like a conventional telephone, only in a modern housing. The receiver is placed on the left of the device, the keyboard to the right of the middle and a large LCD display on top.

The telephone comes with Dutch menus and two keyboards: a regular numerical panel for dialling plus a few frequently used function keys and a full numerical and alphanumerical keyboard for setting and programming the device. The latter, however, is completely redundant when you have the (optional) IndexLink PC-connection and the DOS software that comes with it.

This kit is displayed to the right of the telephone and comprises a 6-pin serial RS232 cable: 5 wires in use with the PC and 4 at the IX 1000 side. There is a small box in the middle of the cable that contains an integrated circuit (SN75C188N) and a few other ic's and components: see the high resolution photographs below. I would appreciate any information about a do-it-yourself (re-)construction but I am afraid that this is going to be a hard task to do. Although I will keep on searching for a solution, the best tip I can give now is to buy a used IndexPhone with the IndexLink already in the set. Obtaining one separately will typically only be possible when the telephone itself is defect: nobody will be willing to sell the link apart from the device itself...

PCB of the IX 1000 IndexLink cable, front.
PCB of the IX 1000 IndexLink cable, back side.

A DOS program (NL version, 205.035 bytes) that can run under Windows as well is supplied with the IndexLink.

However, one may run into problems when running the software under Windows. Lots of users have 'tweaked' their settings or installed accelerators for the Internet: all these can cause a malfunctioning serial connection from within a DOS box in Windows.

These problems sometimes occur without an apparent reason too, but that happens more often under Windows: nowadays there is hardly a normal user around who knows precisely what is happening in the background.

"Verbinding kan niet worden gemaakt, CMD =RUD" is the usual error message, although the exact message varies with the version and language implemented. The problem can only be fixed in a structural way by searching in the Windows registry which software is using the conflicting COM port. And, in the process, refuses to give a DOS box access to the port under Windows. Or, more rigorous, but very effective: throw Windows from the computer and install (ghost) it again. That also brings speed back to the computer (usually, that is) but another solution is also possible: boot in MS Dos mode and then run the software in true DOS. You can do this either by "Shutting Down and restarting in DOS mode" (not available in XP), or using a DOS floppy disc. The latter is required under Windows XP which no longer supports DOS.

The extra effort is worth your while because operating and programming the various options of the IndexPhone is a lot easier with an IndexLink. The operation is much easier than with the small keyboard and keys of the IndexPhone. Moreover, in case of power failure a PC will not lose the entire database, whereas this can be the case with the IndexPhone (when the Lithium battery is empty as well - and the thing is over a decade old by now). The memory of the IndexPhone is big enough to store 400 cards with a capacity of 8x24 characters, allowing the storage of up to three telephone numbers for each person (see the picture). The database on the PC has no maximum: this is important because one of the features in the software is that of a central operation of a network of IndexPhones. When required different telephone directories can be made and this allows you to synchronise different departments with different telephone directories from a central computer.

But even for the average consumer, even without an IndexLink, there are a few handy features built-in.

To the right side of the telephone is the index knob, the heart of the telephone. By turning on the knob, just like with a Rolodex card index system as used in businesses, you select an address card with telephone numbers.

Pressing the AUTODIAL button will then select and dial the telephone number. You can store up to three numbers with a person or contact. The numbers 1..3, when combined with AUTODIAL, determine which telephone number is actually dialled.

Perhaps in abundance: the number from Amstrad shown in the display has been disconnected a long time ago. Amstrad has retreated from the continent and is now only represented in the United Kingdom, except for a few trading (import/export) companies in Asia.

The telephone has a hands-free facility with a clear speaker and the features usually found on other business telephone as well. The only problem I have is that the calling signal is just a little low: even in the hardest setting the sound is too low...

Having received multiple requests, please find here the Dutch manual of the IX-1000 (PDF, 918kb). The quality of the scanned images is poor, but the original (thin paper) is not great either... I will only scan and publish the manual for the PC-IndexLink when there is sufficient interest. The quality of this manual is a lot better than the user manual of the telephone: at least the back print is not shining through.

Another telephone product, one from the current assortment of Amstrad, the E-M@iler. A combination of a hands-free telephone, answering machine, fax, e-mail and portable organiser/PDA.

An all-in-one device that combines quite a few functions. The machine is not on the market in The Netherlands and there are only English 'providers' available. A provider is required for the necessary Internet access. Using this device in Holland would only be economical when it would be supported by a Dutch provider with local dial-in numbers. Something which is not the case...

That is a bit of a pity because the machine replaces a lot of peripheral or stand alone equipment. No more separate answering machine and the use of a fax modem or fax selector is no longer required. The portable organiser (which can be inserted in a slot of the E-M@iler) is part of the machine itself and no synchronising between two databases is required. We do not, however, have relevant information about linking it to a PC, possible switchboard options (as available with the IndexPhone) or the features of the organiser. As long as the device cannot be used in The Netherlands (at reasonable cost) or is not supported, all this is irrelevant.

We do, however, have some knowledge about the IndexPhone and we do support it, as an exception to the rule (only Amstrad computers). For as far as support is required with a telephone that is this simple to use.

Questions about the IndexPhone via the contact form

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