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[NYOD]

I need to switch my land line phone off, then on again at specific times.  I have looked at the x10 Universal Module (UM506), but I cannot tell from the picture what kinds of connections it takes, OR if this is even the right tool/module to meet my need.  I'll be grateful for your good input.

[dave w]

I need to switch my land line phone off, then on again at specific times.  I have looked at the x10 Universal Module (UM506), but I cannot tell from the picture what kinds of connections it takes, OR if this is even the right tool/module to meet my need.  I'll be grateful for your good input.

It's pretty simple. It is a simple SPST relay connecting the two screw terminals. When sent an "ON" command the relay closes and remains closed until an "OFF" command is sent.
It can also do a "momentary" closure action, from an "ON" command. A slide switch on the module selects the action.

[Dan Lawrence]

Remember, land line phones only need tip and ring to work, (the two sides of the talking path)  ground and power are not needed. If a UM506 has at last 4 contacts it will work. 

[NYOD]

Dave & Dan . . . thank you both.  I'll order it and figure it out.  From your descriptions, it ought to be straightforward.   

[Knightrider]

I actually do this here.  You only need to break one wire, so only 2 contacts are necessary.

That being said, I have 2 phones in the house THAT ARE NOT SWITCHED.  Would you really want to trust X10 to a control primary communication system in the event of an emergency?   

I have a peeve with calls after 2100 hours, so most of the phones get switched off, but you never know when it's an emergency.  Most people know not to call late in the evening.

[NYOD]

KnightRider,  Thanks . . . some phone lines are dedicated to certain uses on particular days of the week during business hours.  This is one.  Calls outside those hours aren't to be answered.  People "in the know" will call the mobile phones.   

[Dan Lawrence]

You can attach a timer to a UM506, it's listed in AHP and have it turn off and turn on at specified times.

[Noam]

Remember, land line phones only need tip and ring to work, (the two sides of the talking path)  ground and power are not needed. If a UM506 has at last 4 contacts it will work. 

The UM506 only has one pair of contacts, and I'm not sure why you said he needs 4. you only need to break one of the two wires to break the line, so the UM506 should work just fine.

[Brian H]

Breaking both the tip and ring connection is best. One would probably be sufficient.

[Dan Lawrence]

Breaking one (I suggest tip) should work fine.

[luke03]

UM506 has momentary on feature.  In this particular use, he actually wants momentary off feature.

[Brian H]

It also has a continuous On and Off. To turn the phone line Off just send it an X10 Off.
No momentary involved at all.

[Noam]

UM506 has momentary on feature.  In this particular use, he actually wants momentary off feature.

From my reading, it seems like he is looking for the ability to switch the lines on and off at various times, not a momentary off.
Either one can be done with the Universal Module and a relay.