Unfortunately, the reason this cannot work is as follows: USB devices have microcontrollers inside. On this headset, it could be either in a volume control piece somewhere along the cord, or it may be in the side of the headphone where the cord comes in. The reason computers need to install driver software for USB devices is that they require instruction and protocols to communicate with the microcontroller of the device to use it in a meaningful way. Converting or adapting rj9, rj11, or any such telephone handset cable to USB would end up connecting your phone to the microcontroller of the headphones. Though connected, the phone is not programmed to interface with this foreign microcontroller, and would be of no effect. Truthfully, there is a way to get that specific headset to work with a phone handset rj9/rj11 and that would be to cut the cord on the headset between the microcontroller chip and the headphone itself. As long as it is properly rewired to an rj9 or rj11 cable (whichever one your phone's base uses), it will work, as in this way, the raw analog audio connections coming through that handset cable will be manually driving the hardware of the headphones. Strange/difficult as it may sound, it would work. I would suggest finding a wiring diagram for both pieces of equipment, or at least having a friend with soldering experience to do this rewiring, as this is the only possible way to use that headset with that phone base. Source: working in IT my entire life, working for Micro Center for several years, rewiring and repairing small home electronics as a hobby
Clay Casto - this sounds like a good work around. Thank you for your expertise! I will try to remember to update you if I try or I know someone who does. Thanks again lorrinda s michieka
+Clay Casto I work from home and I use the company Nortel IP phone. Do you think the RJ11 to USB A Female Adapter will work for me? Thanks and have a great day.
Thanks. I needed exactly the same thing. Why do they make "professional call-center headsets" so poorly - at such a cost ($200) - when I can buy a comfortable, high-quality USB headset for $50? Hopefully this will open the world of USB headsets to me on my job.
Hey Pete, I got the adapter that David recommended, but it turns out that RJ11 fits the thingy on the bottom/back/wall phone, not the handset. I am hearing that what I really want is a RJ9 Handset to USB - or something like that... anyway, this wasn't the solution that I hoped for.
The reason it's so hard to find a seemingly simple adapter is that there is no defined wiring for RJ9 handsets/headsets. So it's anybody's guess if an adapter wired in a particular way will work with your headset. Additionally a USB headset might require a 5V feed to work properly, which a handset cannot provide.
somebody smarter than me needs to get to defining then!! ...Apple's Yosemite and iOS8 will know when I started an email on one device and am near the other device to finish it... so it seems that somebody CAN do this. I suppose it is just a matter of demand. :-(
Instead of RJ11 to USB male, this should be RJ9 to USB A female, shouldn't it? Did you find a solution? Have the same headset and no solution so far :-(
I've gotten so much advice about this... some conflicting and all not a solution. I am just using google voice phone with a hard wired connection. That seems to be doing the trick for now. Hey, if you find a solution, and if you remember, please let us know here.
no no no that is a rj11 ( phone end) on the adapter and is too large for the handset, the other end usb female is correct however and fits perfect-we need the male rj9 ( handset to a home phone) to female usb adpater--please help me find one
I did buy it anyway also but am now considering this "Telephone Plug Jack Adapter Handset RJ9 4P4C Male to 2x RJ11 6P4C Splitter FSe"--which i believe the too large end on the usb/rj11 one will fit into and then the new item has the Handset plug called rj9---am ordering soon and can let you know--found it on ebay with free eternal shipping for like $10--
look at ""Telephone Plug Jack Adapter Handset RJ9 4P4C Male to 2x RJ11 6P4C Splitter FSe" and imagine the two parts together with your headset---ummmhmmmm
Interesting video, thanks for posting. As you can see technology has caught up with your request. MDA220.
This is truly EXCITING!! ... Thanks!
See - www.plantronics.com/us/en/product/mda220-usb
Unfortunately, the reason this cannot work is as follows:
USB devices have microcontrollers inside. On this headset, it could be either in a volume control piece somewhere along the cord, or it may be in the side of the headphone where the cord comes in. The reason computers need to install driver software for USB devices is that they require instruction and protocols to communicate with the microcontroller of the device to use it in a meaningful way.
Converting or adapting rj9, rj11, or any such telephone handset cable to USB would end up connecting your phone to the microcontroller of the headphones. Though connected, the phone is not programmed to interface with this foreign microcontroller, and would be of no effect.
Truthfully, there is a way to get that specific headset to work with a phone handset rj9/rj11 and that would be to cut the cord on the headset between the microcontroller chip and the headphone itself. As long as it is properly rewired to an rj9 or rj11 cable (whichever one your phone's base uses), it will work, as in this way, the raw analog audio connections coming through that handset cable will be manually driving the hardware of the headphones. Strange/difficult as it may sound, it would work.
I would suggest finding a wiring diagram for both pieces of equipment, or at least having a friend with soldering experience to do this rewiring, as this is the only possible way to use that headset with that phone base.
Source: working in IT my entire life, working for Micro Center for several years, rewiring and repairing small home electronics as a hobby
Clay Casto - this sounds like a good work around. Thank you for your expertise! I will try to remember to update you if I try or I know someone who does. Thanks again lorrinda s michieka
+Clay Casto I work from home and I use the company Nortel IP phone. Do you think the RJ11 to USB A Female Adapter will work for me? Thanks and have a great day.
I think you've found a niche market we need you for!
Thanks. I needed exactly the same thing. Why do they make "professional call-center headsets" so poorly - at such a cost ($200) - when I can buy a comfortable, high-quality USB headset for $50? Hopefully this will open the world of USB headsets to me on my job.
Hey Pete, I got the adapter that David recommended, but it turns out that RJ11 fits the thingy on the bottom/back/wall phone, not the handset. I am hearing that what I really want is a RJ9 Handset to USB - or something like that... anyway, this wasn't the solution that I hoped for.
Thanks Tery Bernard ...checking it out now. Looks promising!
The reason it's so hard to find a seemingly simple adapter is that there is no defined wiring for RJ9 handsets/headsets. So it's anybody's guess if an adapter wired in a particular way will work with your headset. Additionally a USB headset might require a 5V feed to work properly, which a handset cannot provide.
somebody smarter than me needs to get to defining then!! ...Apple's Yosemite and iOS8 will know when I started an email on one device and am near the other device to finish it... so it seems that somebody CAN do this. I suppose it is just a matter of demand. :-(
Did you ever find the adapter? Is so, I would like to know where. Thanks
+Pdmiddlebrook - nope never found it. sorry
www.amazon.co.uk/Female-Telephone-Phone-Connector-Adapter/dp/B071DF3BFJ
Might do it for you...must be on USA site
Did you ever find the adapter? I'm looking for the same thing.
nope gave up... and tech changed
Did you ever find the adapter? I'm looking for the same thing. Thanks for the video.
nope gave up... and tech changed
Have you found a solution to this yet as I need the exact same thing? I sure hope so....
no - i think i just moved on
Plantronics MDA200 Audio Switcher
Thank you!
Instead of RJ11 to USB male, this should be RJ9 to USB A female, shouldn't it? Did you find a solution? Have the same headset and no solution so far :-(
I've gotten so much advice about this... some conflicting and all not a solution. I am just using google voice phone with a hard wired connection. That seems to be doing the trick for now. Hey, if you find a solution, and if you remember, please let us know here.
no no no that is a rj11 ( phone end) on the adapter and is too large for the handset, the other end usb female is correct however and fits perfect-we need the male rj9 ( handset to a home phone) to female usb adpater--please help me find one
Amanda, you're right. When I got the RJ11+USB Female in the mail that David recommended, it was too large. I haven't found one yet either.
I did buy it anyway also but am now considering this "Telephone Plug Jack Adapter Handset RJ9 4P4C Male to 2x RJ11 6P4C Splitter FSe"--which i believe the too large end on the usb/rj11 one will fit into and then the new item has the Handset plug called rj9---am ordering soon and can let you know--found it on ebay with free eternal shipping for like $10--
and putting the two pieces together...so dont toss that one yet!! :)
Amanda Jennings ok I'll keep it... the quest continues! :-)
look at ""Telephone Plug Jack Adapter Handset RJ9 4P4C Male to 2x RJ11 6P4C Splitter FSe" and imagine the two parts together with your headset---ummmhmmmm
Ask and you shall receive...
amen!!
Amen!
Its actually female to female rj45 to usb adpter u want
ok - cool - thanks :)
Thanks David Harper! www.cwc-group.com/rjtousbfead.html
Thank you!
Buy a RJ9 Headset :P
cost $19 t0 $40
Save time worth more then $40 lolzz
I looked into it.
Did you ever find the adapter? I'm looking for the same thing.
nope gave up... and tech changed
Did you ever find the adapter? I'm looking for the same thing.
nope gave up... and tech changed