The HP Q3093-80004 Adapter is a very simple, non-proprietary part. It has no internal resistors, nor does it swap polarity, as some have suggested. The Q3093-80004 is often erroneously referred to as a "Two to four wire phone cord adaptor" (do a Google search on it). It is not a two-to-four adapter, rather a 4-to-2 wire adapter (or in other words, a 2-line to 1-line adapter). It simply strips out the the second line (and third, if present) outside pair(s) on an RJ11 phone wire. This can be easily done yourself with a few common parts. I've seen these adapters selling online for around $15-$25, and have even seen some places priced at $50-$100+ for this adapter.
Here's how to assemble one yourself, for about a buck:
Get 1 RJ11 coupler (~50¢), and one 2-wire (single line) phone cord (~50¢). Plug your multi-line cord into the RJ11 coupler, then your 1-line (2-wire only) cord into the other side. Plug the end of your single-line cord into the device that requires the additional lines stripped out - HP fax machine, or whatever - and you will have stripped out the other line(s). Now you have your very own HP Q3093-80004 Adapter.
Final notes: I don't believe that the Q3093-80004 was created by HP just to sell adapters (as a few individuals have accused). I believe it was an afterthought work-around to poor initial engineering. This could have been easily fixed in the hardware in the first place, to ignore any second (or third) lines on the other pins.
Have a fanTECHtic day!
-J
Any idea where I can find this coupler? I can find an RJ11 that is not an adapter from four wire to two wire. It just goes four wire to four wire.
ReplyDeleteYou are the best! Worked as described!. Of course the RJ11 coupler cost $4.00 at Lowes. LOL! I even think I understand why it works. Good thing that HP provided the 2 wire cord. Slick stuff. Thanks for providing this answer, it saved me money and time.
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