Topcat's Budget Telephone System- Panasonic KX-TA624 Conquest

[CapLeaker]

Re: Topcat's Budget Telephone System- Panasonic KX-TA624 Conquest

the Nortel stuff I have to play with once in a while is older and bigger. I still do have a Nortel NT5B01 and phones kicking around here. In those there are no coin cell batteries. They have Panasonic 1.5F supercaps in there.
The new Avaya stuff is best programmed via software / laptop and so far haven't had much problems with it, besides programming bugs.
The old Nortel gear mostly breaks because there is something wrong with the power supply. Easy fixes.

[Topcat]

Re: Topcat's Budget Telephone System- Panasonic KX-TA624 Conquest

Just a FWIW, this has been in operation since the creation of the thread.....but I did finally get motivated to clean up the rats nest of wires and tidy everything up.

Shelves.... That TVS-50 voice system is basically a voicemail system....that I never could seem to get programmed right....so I said fruck it, I'll use the one built into the cellular line.

...but atleast the UPS isn't sitting on top of a junk PC case because the wires weren't long enough!



Brains for the cordless extension.



PBX all tidied up.



Even inside this building, that box always has 3 of 4 bars. Never had an issue with it.



I didn't show the before pics....out of embarrassment.... Not so bad now.





It was never all that bad inside the cabinet....it's just packed a little tighter with telephone connections in it now.



...and that's that!

[Topcat]

Re: Topcat's Budget Telephone System- Panasonic KX-TA624 Conquest

Some research revealed that there's a Panasonic cordless phoine compatible with this system...I found a used one for 22 bucks.....Ni Cad battery won't hold a charge....but that's fixable.

[Topcat]

Re: Topcat's Budget Telephone System- Panasonic KX-TA624 Conquest

What a crappy, cold, rainy & drab fall day.....so I wasted it snaking the shittiest cable of all through the wall from my office to the wire closet.....

The crappy part over, and phone working.



Those awesome 3 monitors, just to make someone get all excited....



Wall jack.....install clean or don't install at all.



Now for the workroom. This jack originally was 2x RJ45 connectors with cat5e to each. I 'borrowed' one of the cat5e lines and pulled the RJ45 jack and replaced it with an RJ11 (the wall plate works with either)....and of course pulled the other end in the wiring closet from the LAN switch and patched it into the telco switchboard.



I wired this back in 2010 when I finished out this room. At some point, I may run an additional/dedicated telco wire, but for now this was the easy way. There's already 4 LAN connections in this room, plus the wifi.....one of the LAN drops could be spared.



...and done with this for today!



So far so good!

[Curious.George]

Re: Topcat's Budget Telephone System- Panasonic KX-TA624 Conquest

Yea, as I mentioned earlier in the thread, programming this thing is a bit complicated....and the manual may as well be written in japanese....

The docs I found for my PBX (Meisei MK440CT) were sparse (mainly "feature lists" published by PBX vendors). I ended up disassembling the code in the microprocessor to figure out what the commands were and their formats, etc. WAY too much work!

I think a newer "all digital" PBX might be easier to comprehend as mine had hard-wired signal paths (digitally controlled analog) that imposed constraints on what could and couldn't be done -- so (without schematics), a lot of effort went into understanding why THIS worked but not THAT...

Many alarm systems are equally cryptic. Stupid when you consider how easy it is to add a serial port (or, BT interface!).

The basic stuff wasn't too bad....but setting up ring groups and other more advance settings seems a bit more obscure to find clear directions for.... For example, an incoming call rings every extension....which right now is fine....but down the road, I'd like it to only ring at a couple extensions and the rest remain silent.

I'm developing a "digital attendant" that interacts with callers to determine if I "need" to be contacted. E.g., because the machine can "listen in" on any conversation, it can learn various callers' speech characteristics -- so, can identify them when they call at a future time. Couple this with rules regarding who/what/when I am willing to be "bothered" and I get the advantage of privacy with "ring through" based on genuine "need" (e.g., if my other half phones, I want the phone to ring regardless of time of day or where I might be at the time. OTOH, if a friend/colleague calls at an inopportune time, just "take a message" -- and don't let the phone ring!).

Turning the ringers off isn't an option, since I'd like them to ring for the intercom (communication between my shop & house)....but once I figure it all out, some layman's cribnotes are a definite!

I've taken to doing this for every piece of kit that I have to "set up". As I don't expect to be doing that again any time soon, I'm reasonably sure that I will remember some (many?) details that will eat my lunch at that future date!

(E.g., how to bypass the registration screens on various phones, ebook readers, etc. I've got an iPhone that I'll have to sort that out for, RSN)

[Topcat]

Re: Topcat's Budget Telephone System- Panasonic KX-TA624 Conquest

That's the kind of day I've had... but that's for another thread. Or a PM.

...or email, whichever you prefer...

I was up in the attic and found a spool with probably 200ft of cat5 cable on it...

Do yourself as favor and make a crib-sheet regarding how to program various features. Most of these systems (esp older ones) are incredibly cryptic about what to do and how to do it -- in addition to knowing the proper lingo ("Camp ON", "Call Group Pickup", "Line Queuing", DID, DLA, "Forced Line Disconnect", "Tandem Calling", etc.)

Yea, as I mentioned earlier in the thread, programming this thing is a bit complicated....and the manual may as well be written in japanese.... The basic stuff wasn't too bad....but setting up ring groups and other more advance settings seems a bit more obscure to find clear directions for.... For example, an incoming call rings every extension....which right now is fine....but down the road, I'd like it to only ring at a couple extensions and the rest remain silent. Turning the ringers off isn't an option, since I'd like them to ring for the intercom (communication between my shop & house)....but once I figure it all out, some layman's cribnotes are a definite!

[ratdude747]

Re: Topcat's Budget Telephone System- Panasonic KX-TA624 Conquest

It was one of the first things I tried long before I dug this POTS system out of the attic. After a few calls on it, the quality made me not pursue it any further.

Odd. I never noticed any call quality issues. Maybe I'm lucky for once?

No worries.....we all know your bark is a lot worse than your bite!

That's the kind of day I've had... but that's for another thread. Or a PM.

[Curious.George]

Re: Topcat's Budget Telephone System- Panasonic KX-TA624 Conquest

It was one of the first things I tried long before I dug this POTS system out of the attic.

Do yourself as favor and make a crib-sheet regarding how to program various features. Most of these systems (esp older ones) are incredibly cryptic about what to do and how to do it -- in addition to knowing the proper lingo ("Camp ON", "Call Group Pickup", "Line Queuing", DID, DLA, "Forced Line Disconnect", "Tandem Calling", etc.).

I had a 96-port Meisei system (three large 12x12x18" cabinets) that was a PITA to have to "re-learn" each time I wanted to update the "programming". (This is what motivated me to move to all digital inside the house).

[Topcat]

Re: Topcat's Budget Telephone System- Panasonic KX-TA624 Conquest

To each their own... I didn't know you had prior experience. If it works for you, great.

It was one of the first things I tried long before I dug this POTS system out of the attic. After a few calls on it, the quality made me not pursue it any further.

(Sorry for being an asstard there).

No worries.....we all know your bark is a lot worse than your bite!

[ratdude747]

Re: Topcat's Budget Telephone System- Panasonic KX-TA624 Conquest

Having used magic jack, no I didn't get ripped off. It was complete junk. I'm a firm believer in you get what you pay for....and having used both, I definitely made the right choice. Quality-wise, the two don't even compare, the straight talk box is significantly above magic jack. The reasons are above....try reading them, especially in regards to anything else clogging up internet connections....even if its trivial.

The signal strength with the straight talk box is far better than my cell. I don't even bother taking my cell into the back room, zero signal. The 'box' is in the wiring closet and has a ~50%+ signal (2~3 out of 4 bars), it has 2 nice big antennas on it...and if I needed I can add external antennas mounted outside, but so far I don't think they're needed.

To each their own... I didn't know you had prior experience. If it works for you, great.

(Sorry for being an asstard there).

[Topcat]

Re: Topcat's Budget Telephone System- Panasonic KX-TA624 Conquest

... and he has internet through other means! It's not great (been to his place, can confirm) but it's more than plenty for magic jack to run without hogging the bandwidth.

So, given the available resources, IMHO, he was ripped off. Unless the concern is an internet outage taking out the phone... but I don't consider that to be a spectacular benefit since he has a cell phone and there is acceptable signal on his property (we're on the same network, no issues the last time I visited).

Sure, he's getting what he paid for... but if it's stuff he didn't need and didn't care for, then that's still a ripoff.

Having used magic jack, no I didn't get ripped off. It was complete junk. I'm a firm believer in you get what you pay for....and having used both, I definitely made the right choice. Quality-wise, the two don't even compare, the straight talk box is significantly above magic jack. The reasons are above....try reading them, especially in regards to anything else clogging up internet connections....even if its trivial.

The signal strength with the straight talk box is far better than my cell. I don't even bother taking my cell into the back room, zero signal. The 'box' is in the wiring closet and has a ~50%+ signal (2~3 out of 4 bars), it has 2 nice big antennas on it...and if I needed I can add external antennas mounted outside, but so far I don't think they're needed.

[ratdude747]

Re: Topcat's Budget Telephone System- Panasonic KX-TA624 Conquest

No he didn't. Magic Jack needs internet and his Straight Talk Box doesn't ( Its a cell phone service).

... and he has internet through other means! It's not great (been to his place, can confirm) but it's more than plenty for magic jack to run without hogging the bandwidth.

So, given the available resources, IMHO, he was ripped off. Unless the concern is an internet outage taking out the phone... but I don't consider that to be a spectacular benefit since he has a cell phone and there is acceptable signal on his property (we're on the same network, no issues the last time I visited).

Sure, he's getting what he paid for... but if it's stuff he didn't need and didn't care for, then that's still a ripoff.

[brethin]

Re: Topcat's Budget Telephone System- Panasonic KX-TA624 Conquest

Topcat, you got ripped off.

Magic Jack is by far the cheapest landline service out there. $30 for the VOIP module (Ethernet to phone jack box) which includes 1 year of service, plus ~$30 a year after that (price depends on how long you buy at once). No frills, but unlimited local and long distance (and international rates aren't too terrible IIRC).

What's that... 1/6th of what you're paying for straight talk ($15 a month?)?

I've had mine for 3.5 years, very few issues. All you need is a internet connection (which yours is plenty fast for, trust me) Unlike the original magic jack the USB plug is power only; it isn't dependent on a PC and bullshit software.

No he didn't. Magic Jack needs internet and his Straight Talk Box doesn't ( Its a cell phone service).

[sam_sam_sam]

Re: Topcat's Budget Telephone System- Panasonic KX-TA624 Conquest

Looking good nice job restoring them

[Topcat]

Re: Topcat's Budget Telephone System- Panasonic KX-TA624 Conquest

Today's positive object lesson & waste of time was the very masterful restoration of the master telephone. It was in disgustingly filthy shape, but otherwise in good physical condition & fully functional. It looked like someone spilled their latte down it....the speaker holes on the handset were clogged up with what was probably someone's ear wax.....yea, it was gross.

Anyway....disassembled.



Contact mat cleaned.


Cradle & buttons getting ready for cleaning...





Cleaned!!







Reassembled. At some point, I'll probably replace the 'curly cord'....it cleaned up ok. It's proprietary in a way, as the end that connects to the cradle has a straight section ~5" long where it weaves along the underside of the base.



Making sure I didn't kill it.....its still fully functional.



...and the finishing touch, I made a new extension ID label for it. I swiped the speed dial label from one of the other extension phones...



Now that's more like it!

[ratdude747]

Re: Topcat's Budget Telephone System- Panasonic KX-TA624 Conquest

Topcat, you got ripped off.

Magic Jack is by far the cheapest landline service out there. $30 for the VOIP module (Ethernet to phone jack box) which includes 1 year of service, plus ~$30 a year after that (price depends on how long you buy at once). No frills, but unlimited local and long distance (and international rates aren't too terrible IIRC).

What's that... 1/6th of what you're paying for straight talk ($15 a month?)?

I've had mine for 3.5 years, very few issues. All you need is a internet connection (which yours is plenty fast for, trust me) Unlike the original magic jack the USB plug is power only; it isn't dependent on a PC and bullshit software.

[Curious.George]

Re: Topcat's Budget Telephone System- Panasonic KX-TA624 Conquest

That's another reason I didn't want another cell. This is a fixed-base system and won't travel with me or call forward to my cell....if I'm not there, nobody answers.

I'm home much of the time, as well. But, regardless of whether we're home or not, NOBODY ANSWERS! :> (and the ringer is turned off -- did I mention that I don't like being disturbed "at YOUR convenience"? :> )

My wife does all the online doc stuff too...makes me nervous....but too late now.

When an MD tries to assure you that it's "secure", you gotta wonder. Would he take MY diagnosis of a health condition that HE had? Instead, I just counter with "Wow! Why are these IT guys working for YOU when they could obviously command really great wages from Sony, BofA, Equifax (i.e., the various BIG firms that have been hacked)?"

I'm here 95% of the time and armed. Not too worried about burglars....but I do have a good camera setup, just incase.

The external "annunciators" are actually more intended for requesting assistance ("Help! I've fallen and I can't get up!"). I can phone friends/neighbors if incapacitated but there's no guarantee they will be close by when needed (and, if you have to dial "contact A" before trying "contact B", a lot of time can get piddled away looking for aid. OTOH, several horn-loaded speakers can shout messages loud enough to be hard to ignore! (in case of buglary, they can simply "play" a siren sound)

I have loud sirens IN the house to scare the piss out of intruders. They are deafening -- 120dB. You REALLY want to "get away" from them when they sound!

[Topcat]

Re: Topcat's Budget Telephone System- Panasonic KX-TA624 Conquest

That's why I mentioned the VoIP route.

I've moved almost all "communications" over to email as it better suits MY schedule (caller wants to call at HIS convenience which is rarely when it is convenient for me to ACCEPT a call!). The last few holdouts are folks like doctor/dentist (who, curiously, want ME to "go digital" and use their web "portals" -- which I am 100% convinced are ripe for hacking! :< )

That's another reason I didn't want another cell. This is a fixed-base system and won't travel with me or call forward to my cell....if I'm not there, nobody answers.

My wife does all the online doc stuff too...makes me nervous....but too late now.

I'm always leary of burying comms cable -- lightning induced surges, etc.. I keep a pair of Gbe fibre adapters just in case I opt to put a shed out back (video-over-ethernet, etc.). But, I don't have a long enough span of fibre to actually make it happen (OTOH, I have tools to terminate bulk fibre so would just need to buy the actual "glass")

That's why I buried 3 (one could work if it had to), and they're several feet apart in the trench that's ~ 4ft down. The buildings are ~300ft apart....I didn't want overhead, nor do I want wireless (part of this is a security system, wireless can be jammed, intercepted, etc). The cables were underground to the old house....10 years later, never had a problem...and they were buried with a water line. The cable I used is a direct bury with a very thick sheath, and fully shielded. I didn't use cheap cable.

We're "in town" so its relatively easy to "overhear" what's going on around you (this morning I heard someone playing the piano).

OTOH, this can be an asset -- the sirens that I've hidden will likely be hard for neighbors to ignore if we're ever burgled!

I'm here 95% of the time and armed. Not too worried about burglars....but I do have a good camera setup, just incase.

[Curious.George]

Re: Topcat's Budget Telephone System- Panasonic KX-TA624 Conquest

I'm always leary of burying comms cable -- lightning induced surges, etc.. I keep a pair of Gbe fibre adapters just in case I opt to put a shed out back (video-over-ethernet, etc.). But, I don't have a long enough span of fibre to actually make it happen (OTOH, I have tools to terminate bulk fibre so would just need to buy the actual "glass")

Actually, I take that back -- I found a spool with ~200 ft of fibre hiding in the garage. So, I just have to decide that I have a genuine NEED to install the cable...

[Too much cruft hiding in too many places, here! Hard to keep track of exactly WHAT I've got... <frown> ]

[Curious.George]

Re: Topcat's Budget Telephone System- Panasonic KX-TA624 Conquest

This one actually sounds very good. Not great, but very good. It actually sounds a bit better than my cell phone (samsung note 3). For its purpose, its fine. It won't be heavily used.....I just needed anohter contact number besides my cell.

That's why I mentioned the VoIP route.

I've moved almost all "communications" over to email as it better suits MY schedule (caller wants to call at HIS convenience which is rarely when it is convenient for me to ACCEPT a call!). The last few holdouts are folks like doctor/dentist (who, curiously, want ME to "go digital" and use their web "portals" -- which I am 100% convinced are ripe for hacking! :< )

What makes this a little more unique are the internal functions of the system. I dropped 3 cat5e cables in the ground connecting the shop to the house. I'm only using 2....so I can have up to 4 extensions from this system at the house as well.

I'm always leary of burying comms cable -- lightning induced surges, etc.. I keep a pair of Gbe fibre adapters just in case I opt to put a shed out back (video-over-ethernet, etc.). But, I don't have a long enough span of fibre to actually make it happen (OTOH, I have tools to terminate bulk fibre so would just need to buy the actual "glass")

I've used vonage and magic jack in the past (the only consumer VOIP options I was aware of; I'm not even sure if they're still around)....they were miserable for quality.

https://www.wirefly.com/residential-voip-providers
https://www.whichvoip.com/residential.htm

I'm not recommending any of them -- just a quick web search...

Last time I went looking, there were quite a few "hiding" out there. I spent some time querying business associates who'd gone digital to ascertain their experiences with each provider -- then decided it was easier to just stick with the land line and an FXO gateway to "go digital" INSIDE the house...

The way I ran the CAT3 to the 66-blocks allows me to add 4 ATAs in the equipment closet (elsewhere) and wire them to individual CAT3 drops via the 66-blocks. The 4 FXSs gives me support for:

• two "land lines" (which may be served via PSTN or VoIP)
• a connection to the (old) cordless phone
• a connection to an "extended range" (half mile) cordless phone

I'll put the big bells out in the garage.... My nearest neighbor is quite a ways away....I doubt they'd hear it.

We're "in town" so its relatively easy to "overhear" what's going on around you (this morning I heard someone playing the piano).

OTOH, this can be an asset -- the sirens that I've hidden will likely be hard for neighbors to ignore if we're ever burgled!