Morning all. I have a problem with my landline which has me a bit stumped.

I've been getting a lot of noise on my home line (connected to the master socket), and often when trying to phone it you would get a couple of rings then lots of static (and it wouldn't ring the phone).

The other strange thing is that the ADSL connection stopped working on Saturday - the router was connected to an extension socket. However it did work if connected to the master socket.

BT urged us to try the test socket behind the master socket faceplate. I did this and it was fine. So BT said it's something at our end and quoted some extortionate figure to look at it. They did at least agree it was pricey and said we'd be better off replacing the faceplate ourselves.

So after a quick trip to Maplin, I got this as I thought it would give the added bonus of not needing a separate microfilter:
http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?ModuleNo=384038

...however it didn't fix the problem. I even tried disconnecting the ring wire as I'd read that can add interference and isn't needed on modern phones but still no joy.

So at the moment I've just left stuff plugged into the test socket and am pretty stumped!

Have you tried > this?

Often a deposit builds up on the muti way phone line connectors and plugs. Is there a green or slimy appearence to them?

Try plugging modem directly into the master socket with nothing else connected, see what happens.

Thanks for the replies. The thing you've both pointed me towards thinking about it what else is on the extension that the router used to be on. I've been focusing on the Master Socket and little else and I presumed the extension was "down the line" a bit.

@spiney2 - yeah in the master socket the modem is okay, but phone not. No green gunk just a bit dusty.

I'll be nipping home at lunchtime to remove anything else from the extension in case that's causing interference. There's a long cable running from it which Sky is plugged into via a microfilter - so there's a few areas worth checking there I guess. I'll report back this afternoon!

Thanks,
Phil

Because it worked OK in the Test Socket it means that the fault lies with your Internal Wiring or/and something plugged into it. (BT are not responsible for any of that ans so that is why they charge.)

One of the classic causes for what you describe is a Sky Box. They have POTS modems in them and sometimes they appear to put noise on the line. Next you don't need the Sky box plugged in unless you use interactive or have multi-room. So if you have/use neither then just unplug the Sky box and see if the problem goes away.

Here's how to diagnose these types of problems in future. First use the Test Socket as you did. If the problem goes away then it is the fault of your Internal Wiring or/and something plugged into it.

Next try the router in the Master Socket but with NO other devices plugged in. If the problem returns then it is the fault of your Internal Wiring. If the problem does not return it is the fault of something plugged into the Internal Wiring. So plug things in, one at time until the fault returns.

Hi guys, thanks for all the replies. Turned out to be a dodgy microfilter on the extension socket, now it all works fine.

Cheers beerhunter for helping both here and over in avforums!

It's been recommended in the past that you double filter the Sky box to help prevent issues. IE, 2 ADSL filters back to back.