Introducing the Beige Box

by The Exterminator and The Terminal Man

INTRODUCTION

Have you ever wanted a lineman's handset? Surely every phreak has at least once considered the phun that he could have with one. After searching unlocked phone company trucks for one for months, we had an idea. We could build one. We did, and named it the "Beige Box," simply because that is the color of ours. In the following file we will give complete instructions for the construction and use of a Beige Box.

CONSTRUCTION

The construction is very simple. First, you must understand the concept of the device. In a modular jack, there are four wires. These are red, green, yellow, and black. For a single line telephone, however, only two matter: the red (ring) and green (tip). The yellow and black are not necessary for this project. A lineman's handset only has two clips on it: the ring and the tip.

You will need a phone (we reccommend a touch-tone) with a modular plug, a modular jack, and two large alligator clips (preferably red and green, respectively). Take the modular jack and look at the bottom of its casing. There should be a grey jack with four wires (red, green, yellow, and black) leading out of it. To the end of the red wire attach a red alligator clip. To the end of the green wire attach a green alligator clip. The yellow and black wires can be removed, although I would only set them aside so that you can use the modular jack in future projects. Now insert your telephone's modular plug into the modular jack. That's it.

This particular model is nice because it can be easily made, is inexpensive, uses common parts that are readily available, is small, is lightweight, and does not require the destruction of a phone.

BEIGE BOX USES

There are many uses for the Beige Box. However, before you can use it, you must know how to attach it to its output device. This device can be any of several Bell switching apparatus that include terminal sets (i.e., remote switching centers, bridging heads, cans, etc.). To open most Bell Telephone switching apparatus, you must have a 7/16 inch hex driver. This piece of equipment can be picked up at your local hardware store. With your 7/16 hex driver, turn the security bolt(s) approximately 1/8 of an inch counter-clockwise and open. If your output device is locked, then you must have some knowledge of destroying and/or picking locks. However, we have never encountered a locked output device. Once you have opened your output device, you should see a mass of wires connected to terminals. On most of your output devices, the terminals should be labeled "T" (Tip -- if not labeled, it is usually on the left) and "R" (Ring -- if not labeled, it is usually on the right). Remember: Ring - red - right. The "Three R's" -- a simple way to remember which is which.

Now you must attach the red alligator clip (ring) to the "R" (ring) terminal. Attach the green alliagtor clip (tip) to the "T" (tip) terminal. NOTE: If instead of a dial tone you hear nothing, re-adjust the alligator clips so that they are not touching each other or other terminals. Also make sure that they are firmly attached. By this time you should hear a dial tone. Dial ANI and find out the number that you are using (you wouldn't want to use your own).

Here are some practical applications:

• Eavesdropping
• Long distance, static-free phone calls to phriends
• Dialing direct to Alliance Conferencing (also static- free)
• Phucking people over
• Bothering the operator at little risk to yourself
• Anything at all that you want, since you are an extension on that line

Eavesdropping

To be most effective, first attach the Beige Box and then your phone. This eliminates static caused by connecting the box, therefore reducing the potential suspicion of your victim. When eavesdropping, it is always best to be neither seen nor heard. If you hear someone dialing out, do not panic; but rather hang up, wait, and pick up the receiver again. The person will either have hung up or tried to complete their call again. If the latter is true, then listen in, and perhaps you will find information worthy of blackmail! If you would like to know who you are listening to, after dialing ANI, pull a CN/A on the number.

Dialing Long Distance

This section is self-explanatory, but don't forget to dial a "1" before the NPA.

Dialing Direct to Alliance Conferencing

Simply dial 0-700-456-1000 and you will get instructions from there. I prefer this method over PBXs, since PBXs often have poor reception and are more difficult to come by.

Phucking People Over

This is a very large topic for discussion. Just by using the other functions described, you can create a large phone bill for the person (they will not have to pay it, but it is a hassle for them). In addition, since you are an extension of the person's line, leave your phone off hook, and they will not be able to make or recieve calls. This can be extremely nasty because no one would suspect the cause of the problem.

Bothering the Operator

This is also self-explanatory and can provide hours of entertainment. Simply ask or say things to her that are offensive and you would not like traced to your line. This also corresponds with the previous described section, Phucking People Over. After all, guess who's line it gets traced to? He he he...

POTENTIAL RISKS OF BEIGE BOXING

Overuse of the Beige Box may cause suspicions within the Gestapo, and result in legal problems. Therefore, I would recommend that you:

• Use more than one output device
• Choose a secluded spot to do your Beige Boxing
• Keep a low profile (i.e., do not post under your real name on a public BBS concerning your accomplishments)
• In order to make sure that the enemy has not been inside your ouput device, I reccomend that you place a piece of transparent tape over the opening of your output device. Therefore, if it is opened in your absence, the tape will be displaced and you will be aware of the fact that someone has been intruding upon your territory.